The objective of this reference program is to accurately represent Native Americans. The multimedia CD-ROM program is based on the 1995 CBS miniseries narrated by Kevin Costner, who also narrator this program. 500 Nations is graphic, colorful, and depends on multimedia since it has a minimal amount of written text. One powerful feature is the video clip collection of Native Americans talking about their history and culture.
Chapters are several screens in length.
Each chapter or section is introduced by a video with Kevin Costner and has vivid, colorful illustrations, text, and narration. 500 Nations Academic Edition comes with a Teacher's Activity Guide that is divided into twelve themes. The guide is very useful in helping the teacher lead students through the CD-ROM and it adds structure to the program. The term being searched is often hidden within several layers of the indicated section. Reproduction by any means without written permission is prohibited.