Edmark is well known for its outstanding educational yet motivating and fun software for children. Mighty Math Number Heroes is no exception! I usually do not like math software as they tend to be no more than worksheets on computers. That is not the case with this one!
Mighty Math consists of four game/activities. Each one covers a different math concept. Quizzo includes a broad spectrum of practice in basic math skills as well as activities using logic, patterns, analogies, and geometry terms. Fraction Fireworks provides opportunities to work with equivalent fractions, decimals, as well as addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions. GeoComputer serves to familiarize and enhance the players' understanding of geometry. And finally, Probability promotes the use of numerous probability activities.
 
I was particularly impressed by several features in each of these games. First, the games are very intuitive. I launched the CD and was able to figure out what to do without looking at the manual. If help is needed however, the directions are given orally by one of the characters in each of the games. I know from much experience with children, that few will read the directions, but they will be drawn to listening to the motivating character giving them. Further, each game features a button allowing the player to select a specific topic he/she might wish to pursue or simply select a level of difficulty. Again, my experience with children tells me that students will often go to a more difficult level and challenge themselves further if given the opportunity. Finally, each game has an Explore Mode feature I found to be outstanding! Children have got to be given the opportunity to play and explore if they are to learn. This feature promotes that concept and thus moves it from a simple content learning experience to a complex thinking and creative level. I applaud any software that can make that happen while maintaining an entertaining product.
The Parent Guide that comes with the package is well done also. Many children today haven't been taught to explore and search things out. As a result, they are dependent learners. Although I believe Mighty Math will lead them to become more independent, they may need some direction to get started. This feature is easily accessible and allows the user to select the section from which they may have questions without going through the whole guide. I know that characteristic of the program will be well received by many busy parents!
As children become more familiar with the software, they may need to be focused on tougher challenges. The "Adult Options" of Mighty Math serves that purpose. An adult could easily go into the preferences of the program and set it to a particular level as well as allow or disallow certain features. I'm thankful printing can be disallowed for example. Children will often print everything in sight with no respect for the cost of that!
Mighty Math Number Heroes is well worth its price! Children from the ages of 8-12 will find something challenging and fun to do! I will use it in my 6th grade classroom!
Pro
• Stimulating entertaining as well as educational software
