Title: Crystal Maker
Overall Rating:
(4)
Source:
http://www.crystalmaker.co.uk
Playing Time: Unlimited
Date: 6/7/99
Cost: $499 for a single user's licence.
(3 Versions)
Number of Players: 1
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: 8044KB
memory, mouse , color monitor
Subject Area: Science
Objectives: Teach students how crystal
lattice, and molecule arrangement produce mineral propertties.
Brief Description: Game allows player
to change dimensions to create a three dimensional lattice. Then once a
lattice is created you can insert such things as lattice planes or show
molecule arrangement. Player can also move the lattice around to view it
from different angles.
Entry Capabilities Required: Entry level
mouse skills, basic keyboard skills, If you can download the game you can
play it.
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives:The game shows
it's objectives very well. (4)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
The skills practiced are reviewing crystal dimensions. (4)
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: Would
probably only maintain students interest for brief amounts of time (3)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: The
game was very comphrhendable to me but, High School students may have some
difficulty (3)
Technical quality (durable, attractive): Game
has cool graphics and seemed t o work very efficiantly (4)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): N/A
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): Game seems
very accurate/realistic(4)
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
N/a
Clear directions for play: No directions
on Demo
Effectiveness of debriefing:N/A
Strong Points:
Excellant Graphics
Weak Points:
Must have some prior knowledge of mineralogy to insert dimensional plots,
assistance not much help
Reviewer: Jim Nieman
Position:
Date: 6/7/99
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.