USA Explorer
© 1999 DK Multimedia
As enjoyable and educational as its sister program, My First Amazing World Explorer, this game teaches US geography. Kids are asked to deliver a package to Joe, a fellow who is traveling all over the 50 states. By reading (or listening to) clues, children track Joe down and in the process visit dozens of interesting locations and landmarks. In some locations, the software dishes up historical facts. In others, the program rewards players with stickers of local landmarks or animal inhabitants. Once players track Joe down five times, they become official USA Explorers. The automatic narration can be toggled off for times when you'd rather kids read the text themselves. There are two levels of difficulty plus some mini games and activities found in Joe's bedroom. This is a fun program that gets kids thinking— a real winner.
$29.95, Win 95, 98; Mac OS (CD-ROM)
Teaches: U.S. geography, history