Title: Math Stars
Overall Rating:
B-
Source: www.download.com
Playing Time:
Date: May 20, 1999
Cost: free
to try, $7 if you decide to keep it
Number of Players: 1 to 2
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: PC
or Mac with mouse
Subject Area: Math
Objectives: For practicing addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division (through a quizzer).
Brief Description: Game allows one to
be quizzed and timed in order to get the right answer
Entry Capabilities Required: Minimum-system
7
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 4, Clear and
precise. You definitely get good practice on your math facts!
Provides practice of relevant skills:
4, Allows the player to adjust the level of game that is played.
Can go from very easy to hard (even for a college student).
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 2,
It is pretty straight forward but not enough graphics to keep the attention
of the student. When you get done with a section it states "you get a
star".
Actually putting a star on the screen would be nice.
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 4,
It is very easy to understand. There is step by stap instructions/directions
for the student to follow. It is easy to get going on the game without
many instructions. Some kids may find it hard to type in the answers
quick enough even if they know the answer.
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
2. Not very attractive, Sound and graphic effects are weak.
This seems like a game from about 5-10 years ago. The main emphasis
is on the math, but kids can get that in school.
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): Given there is two players
it scores the total time taken to complete the round.
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction):5, Not really a game but
it does allow you to compete for time. Makes you feel
as if you are on a game show.
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test
results):
My 7 year-old daughter enjoyed the game, but in the end she got bored.
The quizzer was repetitous and not to appealing to her. She, as most
7 year-olds are these days, is used to more graphics and fun in games.
Clear directions for play: 5,
Instructions
were clear and understandable.
Effectiveness of debriefing:
5,The practicing of the quizzer will allow the students to learn more about
time quality and improve the math skills. You have to know the facts
backward and forword to get the answer in on time.
Strong Points: Math
detective is interesting to play. It allows the student to search
and find the answers, and if needed, there are clues.
Weak Points:
Not enough visual stimulus. The graphics were poor and not inticing
at all. It can be used as a quiz for schools, but it does not live
up to game status. If this was in a home the child would stop playing
it because there aren't enough rewards. In the school setting the
kids could use it for a little time each day to review their math facts,
but this probably would not go beyond a third or fourth grade level.
Reviewer: Doane K. Graves
Position: Student
Date: June 7,1999
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.