"Must Haves" for a Successful Implementation of CASES

Confused about all the components in the CASES program? What technology to purchase? What materials make or break a lesson? Use this list below to help you when placing your order with IAT. The list is the minimum of what you need to be successful with this program and assumes that schools contain general science supplies and up to date technology.

I. Books:
Depending on the reading, math, and science background of students, you may be able to complete either two or three units in a one-year course. Academically prepared upper-level students may be able to complete units 1 and 2 in a half-year course. You or your school district may choose to purchase only two of the three units. If that is the case then, you will need the student and teachers guide for the units your school/school district has selected.

• Unit 1 Teacher Edition
• Unit 1 Student Editions
• Unit 2 Teacher Edition
• Unit 2 Student Editions
• Unit 3 Teacher Edition
• Unit 3 Student Editions

II. Ancillary Materials:

• Black Line Masters and Overheads CD

The Black Line Masters and Overheads CD contains black line masters for student handouts and images to printed as transparencies for use on an overhead projector or to be projected directly from a computer during classroom activities.

III. Software:
In this program, technology is an integral part of the program. Choosing to not purchase the technology components will result in not being able to implement 20% of the lessons in the curriculum.

Note: Student computers do not require a connection to the Internet.

You will need the following software and data CD's, which are available directly from It's About Time Publishers:

• Simulations and Multimedia CD

The Simulations and Multimedia CD includes simulations, web pages, and Microsoft excel spreadsheets that must be copied onto each student computer. All of the contents of the Simulations and Multimedia CD are compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.

• WorldWatcher 3.0 CD

The WorldWatcher CD contains the WorldWatcher data visualization environment and data. WorldWatcher is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. The CD contains an installer, which installs both the software and data. WorldWatcher must be installed on each student computer.

• One of the following GIS softwares: MyWorld GIS * or ArcView Data CD **

* If you opt to purchase MyWorld GIS: You are purchasing both the MyWorld software and the specific project data files needed in CASES. It is compatible with both Mac and PCs. All project files are embedded within the software for easy use. It also comes with a master PDF file of all the MyWorld activities used in the curriculum.

** If you opt to purchase ArcView Data CD: You are purchasing the data files for the GIS projects in cases, but not the software. You must also purchase ArcView 3.3 with Spatial Analyst from ESRI, its publisher. The ArcView software is not available from It's About Time. ArcView 3.3 works on any version of Windows, but it does not work on MacOS or other operating systems.

The ArcView Data CD is not compatible with any ESRI products other than ArcView 3.3. (e.g. ArcGIS, ArcExplorer, ArcView 8 and 9).

Each student computer must also have the following, which are not available through It's About Time:

• A web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari) with a flash plug-in installed. (An Internet connection is not required for student computers.
• Microsoft Excel, or a spreadsheet application that is compatible with excel formulas.

IV. Materials and Supplies:
There are a handful of lessons that require a video or other specific materials. Most of the lessons can be done with materials purchased at the store or found in general science departments. Below is the list of specialized items.

Unit 1: Land Use

• Chapter 2 - Daphnia
• Chapter 3 - World Population Video from Population Connection
• Chapter 6 - Presentation Materials
• Full Unit 1 Materials List

Unit 2: Energy Generation

• Chapter 2 - Coal samples
• Chapter 3 - Indicator solution and pH paper
• Chapter 5 - A & E video "Earth in a Hot Seat"
• Chapter 5 - Heat Lamp
• Full Unit 2 Materials List

Unit 3: Water Management

• Chapter 1 - Prepared Soil Samples (download instructions here)
• Chapter 1 - Soil Sieves
• Chapter 3 - Stream Table and lots of oil based clay
• Chapter 5 - Aquifer Model (we recommend this activity to be optional if you don't already have an aquifer model)
• Chapter 6 - Presentation Materials
• Full Unit 3 Materials List

Its About Time has kits available for the CASES program. If you are starting up a new science department or don't want the hassle of ordering everything individually, you may want to check out the entire kit. It contains everything you will need to teach CASES. There are a few specialized items, such as maps and posters, that have been designed and built for this program. You may want to work with the sales representative in your area on other materials you may need.

Individuals interested in participating in the Professional Development Opportunity please click here.