Jumpstart 4th Grade 2-CD Set
© 2000 Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
These learning games, set within a mystery, are innovative, educational and fairly fun at first. Kids have to use a laser to cut out correctly spelled words, for instance, or solve math problems to turn on lights in tunnels. Unfortunately, the games must be played so many times in order to advance that kids lose interest— we had to beg them to play! In all, though, the educational content is solid. A total of 11 games drill 30 skills, and there are 200 tutorials if kids are having difficulty in any subject. Other nice features are the optional pretest that can be used to set skill levels and the thorough record-keeping system. It's also great to see a daring and intelligent female main character. Weaknesses include poor responsivity and some annoying music loops, in addition to the afore-mentioned repetitive format. Only the most dedicated, persistent kids will stay with this mystery to the end. The second CD, designed to reward kids' successes with games like mountain climbing and skateboarding, doesn't make up for the program's flaws.
$30, Win, Mac OS (CD-ROM)
Teaches: math, reading, geography, art, history, music, science