Maple V: Academic Single License      $675.00
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Operating System: Windows 98 or better, Macintosh
Number of Players: individual or group play
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: PC or Mac with Maple Software installed.
Subject Area: Upper division Mathematics, programming, engineering.
Objectives:  Maple V is used worldwide by educators, scientists, engineers researchers, and students in the physical sciences, business management, economics, finance, and engineering. Specific applications include VLSI design, robotics, laser design, mathematics problem setup and brain  research.
Brief Description: Maple V Release 5.1 is a powerful interactive computer algebra system that provides a complete mathematical environment for the  manipulation of symbolic algebraic expressions, arbitrary-precision  numerics, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics, and programming.
Entry Capabilities Required: Should have math level of Calculus three or greater.

Rating: (1-5)

Relevance to objectives: 4 ; Though I have not seen how it is used for brain research, Maple can be used for all of the objectives above.
Provides practice of relevant skills: 4; Skills from Mathematics can be practiced though Labs set up by the instructor;  and A programmer can create a lab through use of coputer codes.
Likely to arouse/maintain interest:  3; although the software has good uses it is not something anyone would want to do unless  required.  It does become frusterating if you do not know the program well enough.
Likely to be comprehended clearly:  2: Maple has many comands and topics. If one does not know how to use the program they will not understand and comprehend what they are suppose to do.
Technical quality (durable, attractive): 4; It is very durable since math does not change however not extremely attractive.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather than chance): 1; no winning involve, only solutions.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic, accurate depiction): 5; This is very realistic in terms of its use.  A programmer will be creating programs and a mathematician will use this program and others similar to it in their work.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results): 5; professor Madore at the SUNY Potsdam mathematics department uses it for his Linear Algebra 1 class and he feels it is a great resource and good for college students to learn from and expand their knowledge.
Clear directions for play: 2; Not exactly.  A manual is needed in order to do any of the programming or mathematics wihtin the program.
Effectiveness of debriefing: 2; the only way you know how well you have done is if your program works, if your brain research is accurate, or if your professor looks it over for you.