Way Things Work: Pinball Science, The
© 1998 DK Multimedia
This software turns your computer into a responsive and realistic game of pinball… with no need for quarters. Kids apply important physics concepts like force and magnetism as they modify their machines with special springs, levers, rockets or windmills. In each of three locations— a village, an island and the moon— children first research and answer questions concerning energy, force, friction, levers, magnetism and gravity. Questions pop up on the screen and kids type in the answers. If they need to research the subject, a handy inventor's journal is just a click away. After a few correct answers, kids are awarded a component for the pinball machine, perhaps a spring or a lever, or even a rocket or windmill. When all questions are answered and the machine is fully assembled, children play pinball. They rack up high scores and eventually gain access to the next location. We seldom see a program that so nicely balances educational value with fun. Kids want to play pinball so they are driven to answer all the questions, and this often requires them to read up on the subject at hand. Sample questions include "Friction is a force that resists what?" and "What is another name for the energy of movement?" The question quizzes have three levels of difficulty, and there are bonus items that give kids extra options on the pinball tables. The pinball game play is very responsive and an excellent simulation of the real thing. Our only criticism is that it may take kids a while to figure out how to progress to the next location. This information is contained in the logbook but takes some effort to find. The bottom line: this terrific program would make a great addition to classroom and home software libraries.
$19.95, Win 95, Win 98 (CD-ROM)
Teaches: science, physics