My Amazing Human Body
© 1997 DK Multimedia
For a very entertaining and educational introduction to the human body, this program is perfect. Children learn about their skeletons, organs and body systems, and how each of these important components work. They are led through four fun activities by a humorous skeleton who teaches about each body part and function. In Build Me A Body, kids answer multiple choice questions to earn bones and organs. While this activity was difficult for six- and seven-year-old children (reading is required), a handy Show Me icon tells about and sometimes demonstrates the concept being taught. The other activities, however, were very child-friendly. Kids can examine, manipulate and learn about 35 body parts. They also play a simulation game, where children determine the events of the skeleton's day by selecting activities like running, swimming, rollerblading, eating, reading and drinking. The goal is to get him through the day successfully, making sure he eats well, rests and exercises. In another activity, kids record personal information about themselves like their favorite food, height, and weight, as well as developmental milestones under headings like "When I was a baby." At first glance, we wondered if there was enough to do in the program. After playing for awhile, though, we discovered additional activities— once one is completed, you find another. For example, after kids play the challenging Build Me A Body, they then get to dress and take a picture of the completed skeleton. Both parents and teachers will appreciate the program's design, which encourages kids to look up topics in an extensive information section. This fun and informative program would be a great addition to any home or classroom library.
$19.95, Win 95, Mac OS (CD-ROM)
Teaches: science, anatomy, health