Electricity, biology, chemistry, physics. From basics to a college prep review course. SuperKids checked out the latest programs, and found a mix of good -- and not so good.
Time Engineers [for ages 10 to 17] from Software Kids, LLC, transports the user back in time to see and recreate historical examples of civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering at work.
What Smart Kids Know About Endangered Species [for ages 4 to 7] from Magikids Interactive, introduces the causes of animal endangerment using an interactive book format. Best for young creative children.
Wildlife Tycoon: Venture Africa [for ages 6 to 12] from Pocketwatchh Games, is a simulation game in which players learn the importance of a balanced ecosystem. Best for patient kids who like to play - not shoot - animals!
Pet Vet 3D Animal Hospital [for ages 10 and up] from Viva Media, is a simulation-style, problem solving program where the user is cast in the role of a small practice veterinarian. Patient, inquisitive students interested in pet health will find the program attractive.
Bridge Construction Set [for ages 10 and up] from Chronic Logic, is a cross between a civil engineering tool and a virtual erector set, with a touch of demolition derby thrown in for fun.
True Blue Friend [for ages 4 to 9] from Block Publishing, provides a broad-brush, multimedia introduction to whales for young children. Photos and short videos make the information clear and more interesting than many textbooks.
Stanley: Wild for Sharks! [for ages 3 to 6] from Disney Interactive, is an interactive, animated extension of Andrew Griff's popular series of children's books. It is best-suited for lover's of the character and/or the topic, AND those children who have the patience for a quest-type activity.
JumpStart Animal Adventures [for ages 4 to 7] from Knowledge Adventure, is a great introductory program for young children (4-7) interested in animals.
Cells Alive! [for ages 12 to adult] from Quill Graphics, is an excellent library of biological images and video clips. Best-suited for increasing student interest in science.
Tutorials in Science [for ages 16 to adult] from MCH Multimedia. Introductory chemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and general physics presented in a textbook and drill style. Best used to prepare for an SAT-II exam or to review topics for tests in a course.
Virtual Labs: Electricity [for ages 12 to 18] from Edmark, teaches students about electricity by presenting them with simulations of how pieces of electrical equipment work together. After learning the basics, users get to design models of circuits found in doorbells, holiday lights, and cars. Young users may require interested adult participation.
Future Lab: Circuits for Physical Science [for ages 9 to 18] from Simulations Plus, shows students how to build and understand electrical circuits on a computer before they work with actual components. Best suited for students who know a small amount about circuits, are self-motivated to explore circuits, or have access to guidance during this process.
Telling Our Stories: Women in Science [for ages 10 and up] from McLean Media, describes the backgrounds, interests, experiences and experiments of eight contemporary female scientists who work in fields ranging from superconductivity to animal communication. Program suggests, especially to a girl, that a career in science is interesting, comprehensible and exciting.
Kaplan: Biology & Chemistry Essential Review [for ages 14 to 18] from Encore Software, is reminiscent of early educational computer programs - lots of content, but little interactivity.
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