Edventures Online offers hundreds of hands-on courses with easy to use interfaces presenting complicated ideas in a simple-to-use, project-based approach!
Edventures Online currently offers hands-on projects in the following 8 subject areas. Organized through the exclusive PCS Merit System, these subject areas were specifically selected on the basis of developing problem solving and critical thinking skills across a broad spectrum of disciplines. In addition, these subjects weave in a variety of relevant topics and skills critical to the development of technology literate students. History, language arts, communications technology, and topics in applied math and science are all blended together in an interdisciplinary student experience. After reviewing the subject areas described below, browse our online Term Glossary to gain a better understanding for the concepts and topics addressed in these areas.
Art - Creative Constructions
Students learn the basics in design techniques, color, and sculpture using common household materials. [More]
Physics - Mechanics
This tabletop science series addresses the forces of the physical world that surround us. Topics include pendulums, simple machines, rotational inertia, conservation of momentum, force, gravity, and more. [More]
Chess
Students begin with basic projects introducing how the pieces move. As they develop their skills, they learn notation, advanced strategies, and can find partners to play online. [More]
Internet
This series introduces students to the basics of webpage design starting from creating basic text pages to working up to interactive web layout and design. [More]
LOGO Programming
This series provides an excellent introduction to programming concepts. Developed through research at MIT, LOGO was specifically designed for children. In addition to learning the basics of programming concepts, students develop an appreciation for how large and complex systems can be developed one unit at a time. LOGO programming is also an excellent tool for introducing and lending relevance to geometry and math concepts. [More]
Mechanical Engineering with LEGO®**
LEGO® materials are outstanding constructs for learning. This curriculum series introduces students to the basics of Mechanical Engineering through designing and building projects which range from belt drive buggies to winches. Significant gains in general technology literacy are accomplished through this series due to its emphasis on applied math and science, systems design, analysis, and troubleshooting. [More]
Architecture with LEGO®**
Few subject areas lend themselves to interdisciplinary studies better than Architecture. Blending history, aesthetics, structural engineering, and functionality is an engaging and exciting way to learn. [More]
Electricity
The Edventures! electricity series introduces students to the basics of electricity using common household materials such as aluminum foil, flashlight batteries, and lemons. Students exploring this strand will find themselves learning about electrons, circuits, batteries, conductors, resistors and much more. [More]
Click here to learn about the kinds of materials students need for these projects -- you probably already have most of them around your house!
TRUE STORY!
David Chase, our web-services manager for Edventures Online, recently set up an email address for his young son so he could receive his own mail from Grandma and other family members. Within three days, this new account (using a major online service provider) was receiving unsolicited mail -- and some of it was pornographic!!
How does a family balance the need for safety with the very real need to prepare children for the future?
Email has become a necessity for everyone, and if your students don't know how to use it, they are not technically prepared for school and work! That's why Edventures Online offers safe, filtered email as part of its service! Edventures mail gives you:
The ability to preview and approve all messages and addresses going to your students.
The ability to permanently block or approve specific addresses.
The ability to block attachments if you wish.
Keep your students safe, but give them the tools they need to succeed in the 21st Century!!
The real strength of Edventures Online is our exclusive and unique Merit System. But what is the Merit System?
It's an easy-to-understand, easy-to-use framework for students, parents, and teachers.
It's a guide that takes students through a variety of steps, from acquiring basic skills and knowledge in an area through increasingly complex tasks.
It encourages creativity, communication, and collaboration with other students.
It enables students to demonstrate advanced, independent critical thinking and develop enhanced problem solving skills.
When students climb the Merit System pyramid by building their own customized portfolio, they've Mastered the Merit System...and have built a solid foundation for their future!
Mastering the Merit System = Mastering your own future!
With the Merit System, students:
Create their own digital portfolio! Students can build and track their accomplishments online, any time.
Choose their own projects! The Merit System allows students to select the projects that interest them, and can choose from a variety of subject areas from Art to Mechanical Engineering (using LEGO® materials) to Electricity and more!
Develop solid, real-world skills! Learn how to research, collaborate, communicate, define, and resolve problems!
Progress at their speed! Thanks to the Merit System, students advance their way and at their speed!
It's educational, it's easy, it's exciting!
Edventures Online offers courses in Mechanical Engineering and Architecture using LEGO® manipulatives!
In the Mechanical Engineering using LEGO® course, students will start by learning about belt drive systems including building a conveyor belt, a belt-drive buggy, and much more! Students continue on to learn Mechanical Engineering concepts such as torque, power, and work! Your students will learn about gears, gear ratios, and hundreds of other Mechanical Engineering topics!
In the Architecture using LEGO® course, students will learn about Form, Function, Design, and Structure! Students learn how to build blueprints and then watch those blueprints come to life as the buildings in their heads rise from the LEGO® baseplates! From the Eiffel Tower in Paris, to the ancient Pagodas of China, students will study buildings old and new to help them with their own creations!
PCS has been in the business of hands-on education for over a decade now. The genesis of our educational programs was in the operation of after-school learning programs in which students actively pursued hands-on projects in the arts and sciences. One of the reasons that our programs were so successful over the years was due to our emphasis on Project Based Learning (PBL). Project based learning, when applied appropriately, can provide incredibly effective results for students, regardless of their particular learning style.
Project based learning:
Provides a meaningful, relevant, learning experience for students by tying theory to concrete reality.
Generates excitement for education through engaging and challenging activities.
Promotes critical thinking and creative problem solving. This is especially true when activities are designed to become increasingly open ended and challenge based as in PCS Edventures!
Develops solid skills for the real world through learning how to research, communicate and collaborate, and define and solve problems.
It is important to recognize that there are differences between simply doing hands-on activities and actually implementing a comprehensive project based learning approach. The difference is most easily identified in the depth and integration of the learning experience.
In order to facilitate a true PBL philosophy, PCS developed the PCS Merit System, which acts as a guide and framework for students, parents, and educators. This framework takes students through a variety of steps which begin with the students first acquiring basic skills and knowledge in an area. As they progress through the system they are required to master increasingly complex tasks, integrate interdisciplinary subject areas, communicate and collaborate with other students, and demonstrate advanced, independent critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Please take a moment and go through the Merit System tour we created to explain the program to children. This will give you a good idea of how the program is organized.
Along with your account, you will have access to the Edventures Online Support Team. This team consists of curriculum developers, online support technicians, and one of the greatest LEGO® builders on the face of the planet, Weird Richard, himself!
Call us toll free (1-800-429-3110, M-F, 8-5, MST) to receive help regarding any aspect of Edventures Online.
From the "Message of the Day" and daily jokes, to Weekly Puzzles, to Monthly Contests, Edventures Online engages and motivates students to log on, work on their courses and have fun at the same time!
Keep your students safe, but give them the tools they need to succeed in the 21st Century!!
Edventures Online offers courses in Mechanical Engineering and Architecture using LEGO® manipulatives!
