BrainPop

BrainPop - []
** Sponsoring Organization: FWD Media, Inc. **
 * Date of Last Update:** 2009

** Authority: ** BrainPop was originated by Dr. Avraham Kadar, a pediatrician, as a fun way to explain difficult ideas and concepts to young children. Around for ten years now, the developers are a group of educators, animators, and writers. This group is assisted by diverse group of educators serving as Academic Advisors. More about the advisors can be found at []. Awards have come from Apple Education, Technology & Learning Award of Excellence, Edutopia, Media & Methods, and many more. BrainPop Jr. is also available.

** Content: ** BrainPop is divided into the following curricular areas...science, social studies, english, math, arts & music, health, and technology. Hundreds of short, animated movies about different subjects are available for viewing. Lesson plans for teachers, quizzes for students and a correlation to state standards are available.
 * Currency: This site is updated regularly. You can receive updates via RSS or email. BrainPop news and events are available on Facebook and Twitter. **


 * Purpose:** The purpose of BrainPop and BrainPop Jr. is to allow students to learn about a variety of subject areas in a format students are used to viewing...short, animated clips. Tim and his robot, Moby, are comical but informative.


 * Organization:** In order to view all movies, a subscription is necessary. Logging in with a username and password is at the top of the site. A list of curricular areas (mentioned above) are brightly colored and visible down the left side. There is a search box at the top right corner, allowing students to type in a keyword. Buttons for Free movies and Top movies are also front and center.


 * Strengths:** Students love watching these short animated clips. They feel like they are being entertained and learning at the same time. After the movie is over, a quiz can be taken and scored. These clips are perfect for reluctant readers and for introducing new information. BrainPop Jr. is developing and adding more videos for the k-2 audience. BrainPop is also available in Spanish.
 * Weaknesses:** Unfortunately, this site allows only a few free videos in each curricular area, and they change on a regular basis. Subscription is necessary to watch all videos. Some of the content and vocabulary, while accurate, can be too hard for a 5th grader.


 * Instructional Uses:** This can be used as an introduction to new concepts, as a review for a test, or for a visual way to simplify a complex topic. Students can view independently or in a whole group setting.


 * Benefits to Students:** We all know students learn in a variety of ways. This site allows them to see and hear information in an interesting way. The interactive quizzes provide a way for students to show what they know and get immediate feedback.