Blue Ribbon Reviews November/December 2006
By Linda Lindroth

Here's software for creating your own databases with web data input or online history databases for strengthening social studies and history standards. Either way, these will find a place in your curriculum.

FileMaker Pro 8.5
Even if you are currently a FileMaker user, you will be amazed at the new features in this powerful upgrade from FileMaker, Inc.

The most dramatic new feature is FileMaker Web Viewer. The Web Viewer control allows the user to create a database that includes web information that can be viewed within the FileMaker database. So, a class database of student names and addresses can include a street map showing where a student lives. If the student moves, just change the address in the database and the map automatically updates from the web. Students can create an animal database and link to a URL for pictures and information about the animal. Teachers will find dozens of ways to use this feature in instructional presentations as well as with student activities.

Opening a URL for research is easy with the new FileMaker Web Viewer.

Another big addition is the FileMaker Learning Center, which users can access from the Help Menu. Get tutorials, updated information and other online resources for help with FileMaker Pro 8.5 while working within the program.

All objects in a layout can now be named, making it easier to link directly to a particular field or section. Just go to Layout Mode/View Menu/Object Info.

Visit www.filemaker.com/solutions/k12 or call 800-725-2747 for more information. Mac/Windows and Universal (FileMaker runs natively on both Intel-and PowerPC-based Mac computers). Education pricing: FileMaker Pro 8.5, $149; FileMaker Pro 8.5 Advanced (with even more new features for users and developers), $249.

Facts on File History Databases
Facts on File has redesigned their online history databases. All the titles in the history series have a new history search tool that allows users to cross-search throughout the six databases.

• American History Online More than 500 years of American history with 15 era-specific timelines.


• African-American History Online More than 3,700 biographies, timelines and spotlights like the Harlem Renaissance. Editor's Selection highlights an event tied to each month.


• American Indian History Online Browse 500 tribes and over 15,000 years of culture and history. Includes Traditional legends for many tribes.


• American Women's History Online Tabbed search results and quotations linked to biographies.


• Modern World History Online Mid-1400s to present with hyperlinked resources and new Focus On feature such as Age of Exploration.


• Ancient and Medieval History Online Eight civilizations with 18,000 entries for in-depth study or comparative studies of events.

The online history series includes a new Learning Center function that selects key topics and time periods to generate more in-depth research. Every title features primary resources that provide a better understanding of the topics. All six titles have original maps and charts, timelines, biographies and an Image Gallery with explanatory captions.

Search features for all databases in the series allow Boolean searches by keyword or phrase, as well as the ability to browse by topic, category or time period. Additionally, one can search biographies by occupation and browse primary resources by type.

For more information and a list of additional databases, visit www.factsonfile.com or call 800-322-8755. Sign up for a free trial to see how these online history databases can fit your K-8 curriculum. Call for pricing.

Linda K. Lindroth is Teaching K-8's technology editor and website coordinator, and a technology resource teacher at Russell Cave Elementary School in Lexington, KY.

November/December, 2006 Volume 37, Number 3