Meet the Authors

[Lanore Larson]

Interact authors have been invited to join the on-line community to comment of their lessons, share new lessons and answer questions. Please check periodically for new author entries.

[Brad Hulman]

Hi. My name is Brad Hulman and I am an 8th grade World History teacher in Huntsville, Alabama. I am the co-author of "Empires" and "Ancient History Activators." I look forward to getting the chance to find out how these simulations have worked for you and answering any questions you may have.

[Lanore Larson]

Thank you for writing such great curricula and being the first author to post. I am looking forward to hearing from you and teachers who have enjoyed "Empires" and "Ancient History Activators"

[VaReane Heese]

Hello! I am the author of Classroom Campground, Internet Cruises, and Net Venture. Each of these have been updated to integrate technology which I feel is a key component to education today. I, too, am looking forward to hearing input from teachers who use our simulations. I have found many ways to use different parts of each simulation in my classroom.

[Diane Findlay]

Greetings! My name is Diane Findlay. I wrote Book Mountain Expeditions, Genre Journeys, and Dynamic Decades for Interact. I had the pleasure of visiting my grandson's 8th grade language arts class as they field tested Genre Journeys, which was delightful. But I don't have many opportunities to hear from teachers about their experiences with these products "on the front lines." I'd love to know how you've used them and to improve my writing based on your feedback.

[Wanda Dye]

I am the author of Teamwork and Character. Teamwork was written to encourage an environment of cooperation in the classroom through interaction. Character was written in response to an increase in conflict in schools across the nation. The unit features fictional characters who allow students to think about choices and consequences. Though I originally created both units for my Gifted/Talent curriculum, they are adaptable to all classroom settings. I would love to hear from teachers who have used either of the units!

[Wanda Dye]

I have use the King Lexicon unit in my classroom. I think I learned as much as the students!

Myron Flindt said:

Hi, I am Myron Flindt. I am the author of several Interact simulations: Gold Rush, Forum, Zoo, Fitness, Science Fair,and King Lexicon, I retired from teaching in June 09, but find myself busier than ever helping a friend with his business, taking classes, gardening and traveling. One of my plans in retirement was to provide resources for teachers to help them with my simulations. For example, I wanted to visit gold rush sites, take pictures, and make them available so teachers could share them with students. I look forward to sharing my ideas and hearing from you.

[Louise Vandling]

My name is Louise Vandling. I am the co author along with Judy Bippert of 7 Interact simulations dealing with math. We decided that Mathematics content needed to be taught in settings that were interesting to students and not only provided them with skills but also challenged them to use their reasoning. Each of our simulations culminates with an event or a project. Although retired, both Judy and I have many years experience in the classroom. Let us know if you have any questions about our units. They are: Project Polaris, Amazing Shapes, Game Factory, Algebra; Into the unknown, Math Marvels, Math Merchants and Space Probe.

[Daniel Castillo]

Hello:

I am a new teacher and I am wondering if anybody has any success and if so, how so, with the Civil war?

thanks everyone.

Daniel from San Francisco

[Diane Findlay]

What level do you teach, Daniel?

Diane Findlay

Daniel Castillo said:

Hello:

I am a new teacher and I am wondering if anybody has any success and if so, how so, with the Civil war?

thanks everyone.

Daniel from San Francisco

[Nancy Hooker]

Hi! I am a fourth grade teacher in CA and I have used the Gold Rush simulation for the last two years. I was much better at it the second time and successfully adapted some items to suit my younger group. The students love every minute of it and couldn't wait for Social Studies. I must say it is my favorite time too! It was so great to see the teamwork skills that evolved, watching the students collaborate, and material that covered the state standards as well. Thank you!

Myron Flindt said:

Hi, I am Myron Flindt. I am the author of several Interact simulations: Gold Rush, Forum, Zoo, Fitness, Science Fair,and King Lexicon, I retired from teaching in June 09, but find myself busier than ever helping a friend with his business, taking classes, gardening and traveling. One of my plans in retirement was to provide resources for teachers to help them with my simulations. For example, I wanted to visit gold rush sites, take pictures, and make them available so teachers could share them with students. I look forward to sharing my ideas and hearing from you.

[Rebecca Bishop]

I am teaching Civil War right now in my 4-5 grade American history class. The students are highly engaged, love the Battle Jeopardy bouts, and the Confederates in my class have the greatest rebel yell ever. Next week we will re-enact Picketts charge on our 3rd grade visit day. This is the second time I have used the unit, and I'll never go back to the textbook!

Daniel Castillo said:

Hello:

I am a new teacher and I am wondering if anybody has any success and if so, how so, with the Civil war?

thanks everyone.

Daniel from San Francisco

[Carla Boerman]

Hi Myron...I teach 4th grade in California and have used Gold Rush for 3 years now ~ I absolutely LOVE it and my student's can't wait to get to my class to do it! I especially love the melodrama that we always put on for our school and parents! My students from the previous two years still remember the answers to the questions for the mining rounds. Also, the outlining process carries over to many others curricular areas and I am thankful that my students learn this skill from this simulation! We are fortunate enough to live in the area where gold was discovered in California and we end the simulation with a field trip to Marshall Gold Discovery State Park ~ I suggest making that one of your stops, if you haven't already!

Myron Flindt said:

Hi, I am Myron Flindt. I am the author of several Interact simulations: Gold Rush, Forum, Zoo, Fitness, Science Fair,and King Lexicon, I retired from teaching in June 09, but find myself busier than ever helping a friend with his business, taking classes, gardening and traveling. One of my plans in retirement was to provide resources for teachers to help them with my simulations. For example, I wanted to visit gold rush sites, take pictures, and make them available so teachers could share them with students. I look forward to sharing my ideas and hearing from you.