Performa 6400/200 with 32MB and 8XCD
Description
In this program a quartet of superheroes leads the user through
four different activities aimed at rehearsing and strengthening
the understanding of basic math concepts. Each section includes multiple levels of activity to challenge
the avid player.
The Nautical Number Line requires the player to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, fractions and decimals to guide a submarine to points on the number line where treasures can be found. At the Superhero Superstore, heroes share their supply wish-list and their budget, and ask that the user make appropriate choices, calculate the amount of money owed, and make change to complete their purchases. Dr. Gee's 3D Lab allows the user to experiment with 3D solids and their flattened, two-dimensional "nets". This mind expanding activity includes a mini paint-program for decorating original nets that can be printed and assembled. Nick Knack, Supertrader takes the user to the Planet Havarti, where multiplication and division lessons clarify the process of feeding the Havartians.
Ease of Install / Use
Mighty Math: Calculating Crew installed easily on our test Mac and PC machines.
The manual is useful in understanding the full nature of each activity, which is not necessarily intuitive. It also includes an"About Kids"section for each activity-a brief explanation of how and why the activity strengthens a child's mathematics understanding.
Educational Value
Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts are strongly
reinforced in this program. The use of concrete manipulatives,
as well as repeated drill and practice helps the user master these
math basics. Although the geometry section seems a bit out of
place in this program, it offers relief from the tedium of math
drills, while it enables the user to develop and practice critical-thinking
and problem-solving skills.
Kid Appeal
The superhero theme is a bit overdone and surprisingly, was not the
biggest draw for this program. The superheroes' voices are unattractive
and sometimes quite annoying. Reviewers ranked the superstore
section highly, especially the virtual exchange of money, although
it could have been improved upon by making budget considerations
more a part of the process. Unfortunately, the section that focuses
most directly on teaching math skills was not well-liked by our
reviewers. They found this section tedious and were anxious to
move on to other, more interesting aspects of the program. The geometry
section proved to be a bit frustrating for younger players, but
quite valuable and intriguing in the upper age range. Overall,
child reviewers who enjoy math enjoyed this program.
Best for... / Bottom-Line
Although Calculating Crew is meant to challenge a large spectrum of ages,
even the most difficult sections are quickly mastered by those
on the upper end of the recommended age range. It works best with third and fourth graders,
who find it especially helpful with multiplication and division
comprehension and drill. Because it begins with the basics and
advances with successful completion of each level, players gain
encouragement from this program while strengthening crucial math
skills.
PC |
Macintosh |
|
| Operating System | Windows 3.x, Win95 or later | System 7.0.1 or later |
| CPU Type and Speed | 486/33 or faster | 68030/25 or faster |
| Hard Drive Space | 5 MB | none |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 MB | 8 MB (4.1 MB unused) |
| Graphics | SVGA 640x480x256 colors | 13" or larger, 256 color |
| CD-ROM Speed | 2X or faster | 2X or faster |
| Audio | Windows compatible sound card | |
| Other Needs | printer optional | printer optional |
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