Genui$: The Tech Tycoon Game
© 2005 Viva Media
A cross between Oregon Trail and SimCity, this historical simulation combines science and real events from history to create an engaging science and economics experience for older children. Players might start in a small bicycle shop, where they try out ideas to create inventions. An experiment mode lets them solve puzzles that require applying principles of optics, thermodynamics, electricity (circuits), gears and motion and astronomy. Success earns new inventions, which are sold. The money can then be used to hire more workers, build factories, and expand into new markets. Content includes five locations (Detroit, Pittsburgh, London, Berlin and Melbourne) and 100 puzzles covering engineering, thermodynamics, optics, electricity and astronomy. This is one of the best science programs for 2005. Developed in Germany by Radon Labs and Cornelson, for Viva Media.
$29.99, Windows 98, Windows XP
Teaches: physics, science history (especially 1850s on), creativity, problem solving, observing, scientific vocabulary, making a hypothesis, using science tools, reading
CTR Rating: 92%