The most recent articles from vnunet.com

Playhouse Disney Triple Pack

Martin James — 2005-01-19T15:11:21.000Z

Martin James, vnunet.com, Wednesday 19 January 2005 at 15:11:21

The basics of maths, science and language for children under six

Teaching children up to the age of six the basics of numbers, letters and colours is all about making it fun and exciting for them, and the Playhouse Disney Triple Pack combines three titles that do just that.

There is a common theme that links all three: in Rolie Polie Olie, you have to find Olie's dog Spot, in Stanley Tiger Tales it's about finding Stanley's tiger swim suit so he can go to the beach, while in The Book of Pooh - A Story with a Tail, Eeyore has lost his tail.

Stanley Tiger Tales doesn't just teach basic maths, science and language skills, it also places a strong emphasis on conservation, helping children to foster an appreciation and respect for nature through fun and informative exercises.

Rolie Polie Olie is a little more quirky, but still has strong educational aspects woven into the gameplay as you help Olie search the house for his lost dog. The only concern with these two titles is that the American accents and language may be hard for youngsters to understand.

Contact: Mindscape Tel 01293 582640

www.mindscape.co.uk

I spy Junior

Luke Smith — 2004-12-03T11:55:47.000Z

Luke Smith, vnunet.com, Friday 3 December 2004 at 11:55:47

Help young children develop logic and maths skills

I Spy Junior is for the three-to-five age group. Organised into games, the idea is to identify various objects displayed on the screen. The software is divided into six categories: Blocks, Nature, Busy Bins, Oops Hoops, Pattern Place and Make Your Own.

The first three categories contain simple puzzles, which consist of a narrated riddle, for example 'I spy turtle eyes a letter D block, three yellow buttons and a bug on a rock'. Kids must then click on the relating objects displayed on screen. Each time an object is correctly identified, a short animation is shown as a reward.

Oops Hoops and Pattern Place help develop logic and maths. The Hoops game requires kids to sort objects into hoops or areas - food in one hoop, red things in another, for example.

To complicate the task, there are objects that fall into both categories. Unsurprisingly, the Pattern Place game requires kids to put objects into patterns.

Despite being well presented there isn't a lot of mileage in I Spy Junior, but young kids will find it engaging for a while.

Contact: Focus Multimedia 01889 583571

www.focusmm.co.uk

Voyage Through the Universe

Luke Smith — 2004-12-01T10:02:51.000Z

Luke Smith, vnunet.com, Wednesday 1 December 2004 at 10:02:51

Everything you need to know about outer space

This space-age title is handily divided into four sections: Laboratory, Sphere of Knowledge, The Heavens and Planetarium.

The Planetarium section stands out for its presentation. Here, you can scroll around a graphic representation of the night sky, lighting up constellations and their names. You can choose to see specific details on a star or view the night sky at a different point in time, which is an excellent option for keen astronomers. It also uses your computer's time and date setting to plot a viewing point.

The Laboratory section focuses on the solar system, stars and the distant sky. You view photos of stars, compare their size and watch videos that track the movement of stars and planets.

The Heavens section offers a historical perspective on our relationship with the night sky. Our favourite feature here is the Mythologies section, which explains the legends created to describe each constellation.

The Sphere of Knowledge contains topics on the history of astronomy. This also includes a question and answer section about the stars, galaxies and possibility of life elsewhere.

Contact: Mindscape 01293 582630

www.mindscape.co.uk

Secrets of the Universe

Luke Smith — 2004-11-19T09:31:01.000Z

Luke Smith, vnunet.com, Friday 19 November 2004 at 09:31:01

The Big Bang, astrophysics, space and more

Secrets of the Universe is a reference package that deals with cosmology and its surrounding disciplines. The information is divided into three major themes: The Big Bang, The Infinitely Small and Space-Time.

Once installed, you have access to 40 animations, 400 photos and scientific illustrations, three hours of video and more than 30 interactive experiments in subjects such as the general theory of relativity, time travel and black holes.

Although a fair job has been made of arranging everything into topics, the submenu system can be confusing at times. But with patience you'll find your way around.

Ideas are conveyed well through the videos, which feature experts (including two Nobel prize-winners). To help you understand the information further, there's a handy glossary for the wide range of physics terms.

Although it doesn't adhere to any education syllabus, it's a great reference tool for budding cosmologists. If you fancy learning something challenging, this is a good start. What's more, you don't need to be a maths wizard to explore the interactive topics.

Contact: Mindscape 01293 582630

www.mindscape.co.uk

Gigglebies Garden Party

Luke Smith — 2004-10-15T16:11:51.000Z

Luke Smith, vnunet.com, Friday 15 October 2004 at 16:11:51

Basic computer skills for toddlers

Gigglebies is a fun learning tool that caters to kids aged three and up. It aims to teach basic computer skills while remaining fun and entertaining.

You take control of Tipi and Scoot (the two main characters) as they try to organise a garden party for their friends. Certain tasks must be completed so that the other characters can join the party.

While some tasks focus on teaching computer skills, others concentrate on general skills such as colour and shape recognition, listening and observation, audio and memory recollection and hand/eye co-ordination.

The package is well presented and engaging. There are lots of clues and pointers throughout, and a particularly useful commentary so that the young user can be in no doubt as to what is required.

Some of the skills are of great use to young developing minds: Spot the Difference, for example, proved a great hit with our four-year-old tester.

Our only criticism is that the seven games are quickly completed. However, kids will return thanks to the great characterisation and animation.