Exploring the Nardoo
Grades 8-12

A simulated river environment

Explore the complex ecosystem of the Nardoo River from the comfort of your classroom. Using Exploring the Nardoo, students will be asked to conduct investigations on a simulated river, the Nardoo, and then report their findings by writing newspaper articles, hosting class discussions, writing reports, or preparing multimedia presentations.

The Nardoo River, and its associated investigations, span 4 physical regions and 4 time periods - allowing students to compare and contrast historical data with future projections. One click of the mouse brings them to the river in its pristine condition (1900s) - another click brings them to the same section in the 1990s. Now students can note ecological differences; the impact of urbanization, farming, and industry; changes in water quality and chemical composition; and the evolution of fauna and flora.

Developed by the Interactive Multimedia
Learning Laboratory and the Faculty of
Education, University of Wollongong, Australia

An investigation in progress along a heavily
farmed and irrigated region of the river.

The investigations are thorough. Students are asked to: take physical measurements; analyze data using powerful simulators; record the evolving nature of local fauna and flora; access TV, radio, and newspaper archives for relevant information. They will then be directed to the Water Research Center to utilize reference materials and seek the assistance of experienced mentors.
The Curriculum Guide provides you with lessons and assessments. The lessons do not always rely on use of the computer. Worksheets, lab activities, and field trips are all incorporated into the lessons. You will also find correlations to the Standards, and cross-curricula connections spanning Biology, Chemistry, and Physical Science.
Exploring the Nardoo readily integrates with all science curricula - biology, chemistry and physical science. In addition to reinforcing essential skills such as data measurement, testing and analysis, this CD-ROM includes these engaging and involving activities:

Developed by educators in full conformance to National Science Education Standards (NSES), the Exploring the Nardoo interactive CD-ROM will be an invaluable addition not only to your environmental studies curriculum, but to your biology, chemistry and physical science curricula as well. Simply put, Exploring the Nardoo is a content-based, education-focused, multimedia tool that lets your high school students do "field work" on a complex, changing river environment - in a comfortable and supportive classroom environment.

The Research Center is where your
investigations begin. It provides guidance
and a robust collection of resources.

The "Blue Green Algae" Simulator.

The PDA where media sources, water
samples and notes are collected.

Special Features

• A water sample tool that allows you to collect readings that one would gather in real-life water testing.
• An electronic notebook provides students a location for collecting, organizing and saving media resources, water samples and selected text.
• A report generator guides students through essential steps in developing scientifically formatted reports. Whether your students choose a text-based report or extend to a multimedia presentation, this feature will enhance your students' literacy skills.
• Audio and video clips which add depth to a vast collection of investigative resources.

More Information:


Detailed review by NSW Department of Education
EMLAB - the developers of Exploring the Nardoo