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Schoolhouse Review Crew ~ Knowledge Quest TimeMaps (for PC)

Before I get into all the reasons I love TimeMaps (from Knowledge Quest), let me give you all the basic information. The best way to describe this terrific product is straight from their website:
   
    
“TimeMaps are computer software files that use Flash – a free program from Adobe. Maps are shown in chronological order at the click of a button and progress at your timing, showing how civilizations, countries and continents have changed over time. Quizzes and encyclopedic entries are included and can be turned on and off at your discretion. TimeMaps are a work in progress with many Ancient and Medieval civilizations having reached completion with more historical topics on the way."


The subjects covered in the TimeMaps bundle I received are Ancient China, The Rise of the Roman Empire, The Fall of the Roman Empire, The Rise of Islam,  The Black Death,European Exploration, and Atlantic Slave Trade. Each of these titles can be purchased individually or as a complete set. (Prices and ordering information follow at the end of this review.)

Timelines and maps are wonderful tools to use when teaching history and geography in a homeschool setting. The animated maps allow students to click and learn more about certain places and cultures, and to move on to the next phase of history for the region being studied. Questions are available to help cement what has been learned. For the visual learner, this is an excellent resource. The map commentaries are fantastic, and the content is fascinating (even if you aren't a history nut!)

The maps simply follow the course of history so that the student can move along through time and see how certain events changed the lay of the land from a historical point of view. And since there is no set amount that must be done in one sitting, you can easily assign more for your older students and less for the younger ones.



Now I'd like to share with you how we used TimeMaps in our homeschool - hopefully you will catch a little of my enthusiasm and give Knowledge Quest a whirl in your homeschool!

The era of history we dug into right away was "The Black Death". I studied the Teacher Guide before assigning any work to my kids (ages 12, 14, 16, and 17). I was pleased very pleased with the content as well as the ease of use. Most studies on the Black Death focus on England primarily, perhaps with an overview of Europe as a whole. But Knowledge Quest TimeMaps let us study the plague's broader impact on all of the Old World. Did you know China and India have records of large scale plagues in the 1340's? This product allowed me to expand my understanding of the Black Death, which in turn helps me as the "teacher" to guide my children into deeper understanding.

Using TimeMaps to teach my kids was not only easy, it was also a lot of fun. "Watching" the advance of bubonic plague year-by-year allowed them to step back in time (well, sort of!). As the disease traveled along trade routes, it's impact was tremendous. By 1349 the plague covered all the major population centers of the Old World. And history changed along with the plague; in China, for example, the Mongol reign crumbled, opening the door for the Mind dynasty and age of emperors.

You can learn more about their variety of products, request a free MapTrek Sampler, read their blog, find apps or classes, and more at their website, www.KnowledgeQuestMaps.com.

You can also take a TimeMaps tour at www.TimeMaps.com

The complete set of TimeMaps sells for $44.95 as a download for Windows or Mac, or individually for $9.95 apiece.




To see what other Schoolhouse Review Crew bloggers think of Knowledge Quest, click HERE.



As for what we'll learn next from TimeMaps, well, with this curriculum I can be certain that it will be more than I bargain for!

(Disclaimer ~ I received this product free of charge for review purposes. All opinions shared here are solely my own.)


 Day 201 done :)

Jan L. Burt

www.ALLTHINGSHOMESCHOOL.weebly.com

www.SavanasClayCreations.com

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