TeenBiz 3000

[S. Hickox]

As part of our ongoing assessment of the T.E.S.S.T. project, we would like all of our participants to share their experiences using the TeenBiz 3000 program. How are you using this tool in your classroom? How effective is this tool for the purpose of integrating LA/SS? What would make this tool more effective for the T.E.S.S.T. project?

[Phyllis Bowie]

I am working with the English teacher to encourage students to use social studies topics to promote better writing skills. One of my concerns is the students who are reluctant to write. Do you have any good incentives to encourage students to write?

[Martin Lang]

I have used TeenBiz more as a tool for reading, but I've also found that my students enjoy writing about/to the picture prompts located in the writing center portion of the program.

[Rosanne Thornley]

I am the science teacher in our group, so I use teenbiz3000 articles for reading a current events article. Students have been reading not just the ones I choose for them, but have been enjoying the puzzles and picking their own articles using the search. I may use the articles to make Wordles when they are done reading next quarter: just an idea.

[Martina Henke]

I like your idea, Roseanne. It would make an interesting exercise for them to analyze the wordle when it is complete.

[Chris Eisert]

Have not yet used TeenBiz in my classroom, but my team teacher has. I do plan on using it for current events as a social studies teacher next semester. So far, from what I have seen, TeenBiz integrates current events or "history in the making" and allows students to reflect upon the articles using and building their language skills. My advice for this program would be to offer more world news to increase its relevance to the 9th grade World History curriculum and make this program available to 10th grade U.S. history classes (the artilces available are more relevant to 10th grade U.S. History than they are to 9th Grade World History). This is a great program and should not be limited to just one grade of students, it should be available to all!!