Darcy Jean's Math Jam

Reviewed by Fran Bott
Published by Ohio Distinctive Software

Age Group: Age 8 and Up
Type: Math, Thinking Games
Price: $10

PC version requires:
Win 95+

Mac version requires:
OS 7.x +

Description:

What an unusual way to teach Math! Shooting balls, dance moves, a DJ and music are all used to teach equations and operators in Darcy Jean's Math Jam by Ohio Distinctive Software. 6 different levels of math problems with each level having 10 levels of difficulty are available to keep anyone busy for quite a while.

In the beginning you are given a goal number. Then you launch the math balls - that have either a number or operator on them - into a math grid forming equations that equal the goal number. Sounds pretty easy? Wait until the goal numbers get larger and you are presented with more that one operator to use. Oh, did I forget to mention order of operations?

Clearing a level then unlocks one of Darcy Jean's dance moves and off to the dance floor you can go. This part was a lot more fun after unlocking 6 or 7 of the dance moves as you can click on the unlocked moves in any order and as many times as you wish to get Darcy Jeanto rock and roll on the dance floor.

When you've finish playing, you can print out a > Math Jam Tracking Report which prints out all the equations you completed correctly in you session and the level and the difficulty of the level the equation was completed in.

Features:

  • 6 levels of Math
  • 20 difficulty levels
  • Keeps track of high scores
  • Games can be saved
  • Print your progress

Technical Aspects:

This game installed easily and ran with no problems. Navigation was easy through the different screens and help was readily available when needed. Darcy Jean's movement while she was talking was choppy and erratic to the point of being annoying. Her movements were more like she was throwing her head around rather than being movement from speaking. Once I learned to ignore it, I was better able to enjoy the game.

Report and Conclusions:

At first, I really didn't think I would like the game, but after playing with it a few times, I really started enjoying it. After unlocking a five to six of the dance moves, I had a great time clicking away and watching Darcy Jean dance. I think this would be good in the classroom, because it would allow children to have some fun while learning.




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