Smart Kids: Touring the Planet

PC version requires:
P 166, Windows 95/98, 32MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, thousands of colours

Mac version requires:
Power PC, 166 MHz, System 7.5.5, 32MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, thousands of colours

Description:

The basis of this software is to teach the elements of science to young children. Through the use of clear and simple language, experiments and colour, it is hoped that children will be inspired towards the sciences.

The language is simple and clear, and is certainly suitable for those with minor hearing problems. Written language, through reading that comes with every item, is similarly easy to follow, albeit a little lengthy for some younger children.

Every item on the software is indexed and can thus be readily located through the inbuilt search button, or with the help of 'the wizard'. Different characters or smart kids introduce different areas of interest. They lead to a variety of questions on particular themes and offer detailed explanations. Assorted fact sheets are aimed to further stimulate the mind. Examples include the 'History' and 'Future' of science. The former are purely historical while the latter may be regarded as science fiction by some - until they become fact.

Features:

• Elementary science concepts
• 100 science questions to answer by research and experiements contained on the disk
• Add your own material
• Away from the computer activities
• Vocabulary
• Multi-level difficulty

Technical Aspects:

I found it very hard to progress with the software and despite the inbuilt help feature I could not readily move from one experiment or information session to another. Moreover, as to the help features, these are in effect below the bottom of the screen and it was only through pure luck clicking my mouse all across the screen that I came across it. To do so you must target the middle of the bottom of the screen. I also experienced difficulty in trying to quit the program.

Report and Conclusions: