Astro Algebra
Reviewed by Cynthia A. Sorrels
Published by Edmark

Age Group: Age 8 and Up Type: Math, Thinking Games Price: $ 34.95

Description:

Astro Algebra is one of Edmark's Mighty Math series. This particular title is targeted for children ages 12 to 14 and targets pre-algebra and algebra concepts. One interesting point in the game literature is that elementary school children use "manipulatives" such as blocks and counters to understand and solve math problems; at the middle school level, math concepts become more abstract and sometimes it is difficult for students to switch gears.

In this title, kids captain a ship and help out varying groups of aliens by solving their algebra-related missions. Your flagship, the Algebra Centauri, is ready, and your support crew has been fully trained. There are number of "mathematically challened" life-forms who need your help! When you're On Duty, the crew scans the galaxy and transmits missions to you. You are automatically transported to the correct station for solving the mission. Any time you want, go Off Duty to freely explore the tools and stations, view trophies or play Equation of Mystery in the Cargo Bay.

The four stations are the Bridge, VariaBlox, Grapher or Cargo Bay, where you will work on and solve missions. There are special Data Viewers that will give information needed to solve the problem, and a Keypad in each station for entering information.

The AstroNet is a tool enabling you to log on and surf a simulated Internet, learning about important concepts. The Astronet is NOT connected to the Net or the World Wide Web, and the Internet cannot be accessed through this program. The Grow Slide monitors progress and increases the difficulty of missions as they are successful. There is also a Calculator to help you out of tough spots.

Features:

• Graph points, functions, equations on a number line or coordinate plane.
• Learn to think in algebraic terms.
• Use ratios, proportions and percents.
• Understand word problems, variables and graphs.
• Evaluate expressions using order of operations

Reactions:

The pace of Astro Algebra is leisurely, allowing time for thought and "figuring" and yet, has enough action and aliens involved that kids won't be bored. The title ran very smoothly and caused no run-time problems. My kids especially liked the "cool" graphics and the idea of commanding a Flagship. This is a good way to help kids brush up on algebra during the summer months, or to support learning in the classroom or in the homeschool setting. Most of it is pretty thinly disguised math drills, but it's broken up with transmissions from aliens, crew comments and a lot of fun.

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