Logomation Published by Magic Square Inc. Age Group: Age 8 and Up Type: Computer Toolbox License: free to try, $24.90 for full version

LOGOMATION is an easy to learn computer programming environment. It is aimed at people who never programmed a computer, and always wanted to try, or seasoned programmers who want to have fun with animation.

The language Logo was introduced in the 60's and has been widely used in schools since then. Its key innovation was the concept of turtle geometry. Children learned programming by taking the point of view of the turtle. So, to draw a 5x5 square, they told the turtle to go forward 5 places and turn right 90 degrees, 4 times in a row. This language grew over the years with many different versions and extensions. LogoMation was developed in the 90's and borrowed the idea of turtle geometry from the original Logo.

Write programs that tell the computer to draw things. When the program is ready, click the Go button to see the picture that you were describing to the computer. The picture can be static (not moving) or animated (moving). It can also have sound effects. Attach pictures to pens to create animations and games.

The download is fully functional for 3 weeks and then runs in demo mode. Programming examples are included, such as Towers of Hanoi, and a Fractions tutorial game. The full version comes with a 130 page Logomation Book and over 35 examples.

Features include:

• Turtle graphics
• Integrated editor and run-time environment
• Code Editing tools such as Beautify
• Movement along straight and curved lines
• Unlimited number of named pens
• Import pictures
• Animate pictures
• Import or record sounds
• Library of built-in functions

A detailed tutorial is provided in the Logomation book. Adobe Acrobat is required to display it. It starts with instructions on how to draw different geometric shapes. Continue and learn about variables and functions, for example to draw a square of any specified size. Turn the square into a flower by use of Repeat. Then attach a picture to your pen and have fun with animation and sound effects.

After completing the tutorial, get creative and see what you can build with the function library and your own imagination! Logomation requires a basic understanding of geometry. 10 and up.

Download Details

Requires:
Windows 95/98/NT, 486 and up, 16 Mb RAM

Download Sites:

US : Visit the Logomation Site to download