SuperKids Software Review of Problem Solving Skills Software, June 1999.

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all reviews >>> problem solving skills software

Problem Solving Skills Software -- The Big Picture

What do we mean by "problem solving skills" software? These are programs that focus on developing or exercising critical thinking skills by the user, rather than a specific academic discipline. This group is an eclectic collection, at best, ranging from a Java-based simulation authoring tool, to a pure game.

Stagecast Creator [for ages 11 and up] from Stagecast, is a Java-based authoring tool that allows users to make personalized worlds and then animate them as desired -- without any knowledge of programming, and without ever seeing a line of program code!
Thinkin’ Things: Toony the Loon’s Lagoon [for ages 4 to 8] from Edmark, features interactive activities that invite creativity, imagination and strategic thinking. Best for kids who like to create, experiment and explore.
Tarzan Activity Center [for ages 4 to 8] from Disney, provides young Tarzan fans with nine time-absorbing activities loosely based on the newest feature-length animation from Disney.
Tarzan Action Game [for ages 8 and up] from Disney, is NOT an 'activity center' type program for older children. It IS a nicely animated game program
Road Adventures USA [for ages 10 and up] from The Learning Company, is a scavenger hunt across the USA, requiring strategic thinking and decision making, along with an understanding of basic real-life math, geography, map reading and research skills -- and persistence.

Can't find one that meet your needs? Check out other Problem Solving Skills programs SuperKids has reviewed.

SuperKids Ratings
Title Publisher	Education Value	Kid Appeal	Ease of Use	Buyers Guide (Price Survey)
Stagecast Creator Stagecast Software	5.0	4.0	3.5	PC / Mac
Road Adventures USA The Learning Company	4.5	4.5	3.5	PC / Mac
Thinkin’ Things: Toony the Loon’s Lagoon Edmark	4.0	4.0	4.5	PC / Mac
Tarzan Activity Center Disney	3.0	4.0	5.0	PC / Mac
Tarzan Action Game Disney	n/a	4.0	5.0	PC / Mac
Reviews of Other Problem Solving Programs