A science and ecology learning program featuring games, stories and activities by Digital Impact. Recommended for ages 3-8 (Grades K-4). $29.95 including Parent/Teacher Guide. School discount price: $19.95 guide. Also available in lab pack: $75.00 for 5 CD-ROMs and one copy of the guide for multiple computer installation. Not networkable. Windows/Mac.
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throughout. For example, Ozzie says: "Why don't you hang out and
explore all my cool stuff while I water the garden."
There are five settings in which to explore. They are a beach,
vet's office, forest, garden, and Ozzie's bedroom. After Ozzie
introduces each area, he disappears to attend to other ecological
matters and the student can view experiments, games, coloring books
and fun facts relevant to each area. There are standard games in
each section such as the Silly Sorter, Hidden
Pictures, Match-a-Pair, Coloring Books, and a Jigsaw Puzzle. Three
difficulty levels are provided for each game and good audio
explanations accompany each. [Top of Page]
This material is colorful and engaging but randomly organized for
an exploratory approach. The science content of the experiments is
simple and well explained by the audio. The sound effects are
varied and amusing and the visuals are colorful and basic yet
thorough in the "experiment" sections. This program could be used
effectively in sparking science project interest even at the
Kindergarten level.
A 56-page Parent/Teacher Guide provides transcripts of the
experiments and games with educational objectives, lesson planning
aids and material suggestions. [Top of Page]
Ease of Use
Even young children should be able to navigate the well explained
click and shift-click procedures.
However, young non-readers will probably need tips on getting
around since some sections (i.e., the Ambulance-Help section) rely
on print only. Other sections (games and experiments) contained
clear audio instructions and each of the five settings uses
standard exploratory features and similar entrance and exit
methods. [Top of Page]
Installation Details
System requirements: Macintosh: LC III minimum, System
6.0.5 or later, 4MB RAM, CD-ROM Drive, 640 x 480 256-color Video
Display. Windows: MPC 1 minimum, MPC 2 recommended, 386DX 40
minimum; 4MB RAM, CD-ROM Drive, 8 Bit Sound Card, 640 x 480 256-
color video display.
This program was installed and tested on a Macintosh LC II 8/80,
a Compaq 486 DX2/60, and on a Dell 486 DX33. Performance was slow
on the Dell, due to the slower processor. On the faster systems
there were no problems and
the software ran smoothly. No technical support was required
during testing. Sales staff were friendly and efficient when
called. [Top of Page]
Other Reviews
Technology and Learning. April, 1995. Page 9:
...This software will surely find a welcome place in the
classroom as an entertaining reward or support activity.
Also reviewed in:
Reviewed by Mary Swan, B.S. in Elementary
Education (Math/Science),