 May 2004
Future State
The State Department Googles, too -- State's youth-oriented Web site.
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
http://www.future.state.gov/
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CONTENT:
"Future State" is the U.S. State Department's Web site for youth that offers them the opportunity to "explore American diplomacy and get a taste for what it takes to serve on the front lines of freedom." Included are lesson plans, informational articles, games, and links to current events, geography, and the environment. |
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AESTHETICS:
The site is well designed, colorful and user friendly. Real Player is needed for viewing the videos and listening to the audio clips. Video clips are presented in a format that will accommodate for high speed and dialup connections. |
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ORGANIZATION:
Content is organized by topic and listed on the main page of the site. The internal pages have a right side navigation menu for moving within that topic and additional links for moving between topics. Additionally there is a top navigation bar with the five major topics of the site and an onsite search tool. |
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REVIEW:
Future State is a rich resource for history or social studies teachers to supplement the curriculum. The main five sections of the site -- Who, What, When, Where and Why -- give students a wealth of information about the U.S. Department of State, including the people involved, career-related opportunities, cultural exchange activities, foreign relations issues, map and country information, the history of the department, the importance of diplomacy, and much more. The section for teachers and parents offers lesson plans for grades 6-12 including slide shows on terrorism, Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crises that can easily be included in existing curricula as well as parent resources and social studies materials that will help students to understand U.S. diplomacy. Included among the features are "Meet the Secretary of State," "Careers Representing America," and "Fun Activities" for the K-6 student. Links are provided to additional information about current events, geography, and the environment.
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