Educator's Choice Middle School Excelerator
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (13 September, 2001)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

Middle School Excelerator is a suite of tutorial software that is designed to help middle school students with math, science, and history. The emphasis is placed on the five core subjects that all students are required to take: natural science, pre-algebra, world history, biology, and algebra. With a highly focused and easy-to-follow format, the student can get much-needed help on these subjects while learning at a relaxed pace on the PC. Each CD-ROM provides a thorough lesson on the particular topic it teaches, while engaging students with its graphics and interactive format. As a tool to help achieve better grades and a better understanding of these core subjects, this suite of CD-ROMs can give the student a true advantage. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great!
It's really good! I've been on the honor roll since 4th grade, and some of the questions manage to stump me. The lessons are very detailed, and easy to understand. The science cd made stuff I don't think my parents even know cool! ... Read more

Asin: B00005OA3Q
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Kids (Children)    3. Education (Educational)    4. Reference    5. Secondary Education (High School)   

Middle School Advantage 2003
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (14 June, 2002)
list price: $39.95
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Editorial Review

Kids ages 11 and up get an edge in class using Middle School Advantage 2003. Based on standard middle school curriculums for sixth through eighth grades, this comprehensive learning system covers 10 core subjects: U.S. history, vocabulary, grammar, science and technology, Earth science, Spanish, typing, pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry. Packed with thousands of step-by-step lessons, 3-D images, animations, and audio, Middle School Advantage 2003 adapts to different learning styles and levels. Improve test scores and grades, supplement classroom study with engaging tutors, obtain data for homework, and much more. ... Read more

Features

Reviews (4)

Happy Mother
I purchased this item for my 7th grade daughter to assist her in math. This is a study guide that has helped her to review and get a head start on her school work. It gives step by step examples for her that are easy to understand. This is a great tool that she feels has helped on her path.

What a huge disappointment ...
Did the people writing the rave reviews on Middle School Advantage really get the same product we received? The five CD's included in the 2003 edition are just a packaging of software titles produced by independent agents, with little attention given to consistency, quality, branding, graphics, etc. across the 10 subjects.

The math sections -- what we originally bought it for -- are nothing more than text book pages reproduced online. There is nothing engaging, exciting in the material -- nothing to motivate a willing student to learn or discover more. The "interactive" option is laughable -- a voice reads what appears on screen.

Don't waste your time or money on this Middle School series...

This has great advatages!!!!!
If you want to improve something or study for a test you need this product! It is great!! It'll help middle schooler's grades improve and it is kinda fun! You really need to try this product! ... Read more

Asin: B000068WXU
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Education (Educational)    3. Touch Typing (Typist)    4. Reference    5. Secondary Education (High School)    6. Foreign Languages (Language)    7. Spanish Espanol    8. Portuguese    9. Learn learning   

Achieve! Writing & Language Arts Grades 3-6
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (26 January, 2003)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

Achieve! Writing & Language Arts brings four award-winning educational titles in one to your child's desktop. Designed for younger learners, a combination of memorable music, appealing characters, intriguing environments, and clever word games build language and grammar skills. Tackle sentence structure, learn about synonyms and antonyms, explore language concepts, and more. Featured titles include: Word Munchers Deluxe, Schoolhouse Rock! Grammar Rock, The Writing Trek, and Strategy Challenges 2: In the Wild. When grammar and vocabulary are made this much fun, young learners achieve at learning. ... Read more

Features

Reviews (11)

Good theme, low quality software
The goal behind this software is great. We bought this to give our computer savvy child some practice on writing and language art. The software is not of good quality. It has hard to use user interface. Especially compared to other educational software, this lacks the finish. My son soon got bored and has never used this.

Our kids favorite software -- my favorite too
We purchased Achieve Math and Science grades 1-3 for my two children, 5 and 6 years old. We purchased Reader Rabbit 1st grade at the same time. My children choose to use the Achieve software -- Reader Rabbit is almost untouched.

The activities progress in difficulty for each user from level A to level Z. Each user moves through the levels automatically. Level A is very easy with things like counting and sorting by color, identifying shapes. These beginning level activities were suitable for my 5 year old, and might be suitable for a 4 year old, but they were too easy for my 6 year old. However, just change the level manually, and the activities are challenging -- my 6 year old started with the intermediate activities and finds the activities challenging. Neither child wants to stop playing.

The activities are obviously educational. Fractions, sorting by multiple characteristics, adding, subtraction, etc. There is very little downtime like with most other kids software. It is just one activity after another. Rewards are not long winded. There is some variety within each type of activity to make it interesting.

So, I would disagree with many of the low reviews given by other reviewers. That said, I would not recommend this software if you're child is already in grade 3 -- most of the activities would be too easy.

Wonderful resource for the serious homeschooler!!
We have been proud owners of this package for two years and have used it diligently to supplement skills and concepts introduced throughout the year for first and second grade. It has been a WONDERFUL supplemental resource. Unlike a lot other educational software packages that claim to cover a wide range of ages, this one means it when they say "First through Third grade". It is simple to use: After a concept (example: 2 digit addition) has been introduced to the student, you specifically set up games to reinforce those particular skills.After those skills have been mastered you then go back in (with a simple click of the mouse and check-mark skills you want to reinforce from a large pre-set list) It is honestly very simple to do. Explaining the process actually takes far more time that it does to actually do it. Although the games are very "friendly", with engaging characters and settings, the software is not meant to "entertain" as much as it is to teach. I would not at all be surprised to find this package in a lot of school computer rooms for kids to reinforce their skills on. If you are looking for a true educational software package that would be appropriate for (no younger than)first through third grade, this would be perfect for you and your child. ... Read more

Asin: B00007I222
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Kids (Children)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

Achieve! Math & Science Grades 3-6
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (26 January, 2003)
list price: $19.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Achieve! Math & Science brings four award-winning educational titles in one to your child's desktop. Designed for young learners, a series of challenging puzzles, brain-boosting problems, and irresistible games cover essential math and science skills. Sharpen math skills, explore geometry, learn about electricity, experiment with gravity, and more. Featured titles include: Mighty Math: Calculating Crew, MindTwister Math, Space Academy GX-1, and Thinkin' Science: Zap!. When math and science are made this much fun, young learners achieve at learning. ... Read more

Features

Reviews (11)

Good theme, low quality software
The goal behind this software is great. We bought this to give our computer savvy child some practice on writing and language art. The software is not of good quality. It has hard to use user interface. Especially compared to other educational software, this lacks the finish. My son soon got bored and has never used this.

Our kids favorite software -- my favorite too
We purchased Achieve Math and Science grades 1-3 for my two children, 5 and 6 years old. We purchased Reader Rabbit 1st grade at the same time. My children choose to use the Achieve software -- Reader Rabbit is almost untouched.

The activities progress in difficulty for each user from level A to level Z. Each user moves through the levels automatically. Level A is very easy with things like counting and sorting by color, identifying shapes. These beginning level activities were suitable for my 5 year old, and might be suitable for a 4 year old, but they were too easy for my 6 year old. However, just change the level manually, and the activities are challenging -- my 6 year old started with the intermediate activities and finds the activities challenging. Neither child wants to stop playing.

The activities are obviously educational. Fractions, sorting by multiple characteristics, adding, subtraction, etc. There is very little downtime like with most other kids software. It is just one activity after another. Rewards are not long winded. There is some variety within each type of activity to make it interesting.

So, I would disagree with many of the low reviews given by other reviewers. That said, I would not recommend this software if you're child is already in grade 3 -- most of the activities would be too easy.

Wonderful resource for the serious homeschooler!!
We have been proud owners of this package for two years and have used it diligently to supplement skills and concepts introduced throughout the year for first and second grade. It has been a WONDERFUL supplemental resource. Unlike a lot other educational software packages that claim to cover a wide range of ages, this one means it when they say "First through Third grade". It is simple to use: After a concept (example: 2 digit addition) has been introduced to the student, you specifically set up games to reinforce those particular skills.After those skills have been mastered you then go back in (with a simple click of the mouse and check-mark skills you want to reinforce from a large pre-set list) It is honestly very simple to do. Explaining the process actually takes far more time that it does to actually do it. Although the games are very "friendly", with engaging characters and settings, the software is not meant to "entertain" as much as it is to teach. I would not at all be surprised to find this package in a lot of school computer rooms for kids to reinforce their skills on. If you are looking for a true educational software package that would be appropriate for (no younger than)first through third grade, this would be perfect for you and your child. ... Read more

Asin: B00007HW23
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Kids (Children)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

Educator's Choice Math & Science Excelerator Grades 3-6
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (15 June, 2001)
list price: $29.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

If high-flying superheroes, glitzy game shows, and dangerousinterplanetary missions are what it takes to hold the attention of third throughsixth graders studying math and science, then this four-CD compilation ofeducational software does no wrong. And, fortunately, all fourprograms--originally released separately by the quality-conscious folks at Edmark--manageto do a respectable job of actually teaching kids, too.

While there is some crossover in content, especially between the Mighty MathCalculating Crew and MindTwister Math, Space Academy GX-1'sastronomy and space-based physics focus and Thinkin' Science ZAP!'selectricity, sound, and optics activities more than make up for the overlap.

The interfaces vary from program to program, but all prove navigable and easy tolearn. And while the presentation might be tame at times for experiencedcomputer-gamer tastes, for the most part these titles pack enough sounds,voices, and animation to keep things moving. Parents and teachers should behappy with the mix of problem-solving and drill-oriented activities. Inparticular, Thinkin' Science ZAP! offers some excellent open-endedinteractivity with real, hands-on science, thanks to its virtual laser tables,circuit boards, and an audio studio.

The mathematics game show MindTwister Math might be the weak link of thebunch since it's only geared to third and fourth graders, but at this price, thecollection is still a steal even if you don't end up using all of theCDs. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Features

• Provides hands-on experience
• Includes 4 fun and educational titles
• More than 15 individual lessons and 200 activities
• Each program uniquely designed to teach basic skill sets
• Each title highly rated by accredited reviewers and experts in the field

Reviews (4)

Avoid This Product
I have purchased 30-40 software CD's for my 6 year old over the years and this CD has got to rate near the bottom of the bunch.In summary, there is very little explanation or instruction into the math or science concepts being "taught", the "game" aspect to theCDs is clunky at best, and it is just plain confusing.I have been sorely disappointed in these CDs and my daughter has very little, if any, interest in using these CDs although she loves to be on the computer.At the same time I boughtthese CDs, I also bought her a Magic School Bus title which was very good and which she asks to play.I have never written a review before this review but felt compelled to do it to alert other parents to avoid this title. Waste of your money, and of your child's patience and interest.

Exceeds Expectations
My son is 6 yrs old so I was leery of purchasing this title.However, it is better to challenge than to bore, so I made the purchase.I will never regret it.The software is fabulous.It installed easily, initializes and performs well, is incredibly engaging and remarkably educational for such a fun suite of software.

I highly recommend this software for nearly all ages.My 6 year old is able to benefit from most of the challenges, yet others offer a level fit for a much more sophisticated child audience.

Buy this software ... you will not be disappointed.

Great selection of titles, educational and well worth the $$
This is a great set of CD's.Informative, fun, challenging and well worth the money.A deal like this is hard to find, and belive me I've been looking! My 10 yr old son very much enjoys this product as well as the Middle School Accelerator. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LPYY
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Kids (Children)    3. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple   

Turbo Twist Math
Average Customer Review:
Toy

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (29)

A great way to learn math!!
My 5.75 year old daughter has had this toy for over a year and she loves it. We take it in the car and she practices her math problems on the road instead of complaining she's bored. She seems to really like the postive reinforcement she gets ("wow you got 8 in a row!") and she feels good when it automatically adjusts her level up. We recently purchased the 1st/2nd grade cartridge for it and she's learning even more now. For details on the level equivalents, and etc., see the LeapFrog website :

http://www.leapfrog.com/do/findproduct?ageGroupID=ages_grade&id=ttmath
They explain the concepts being taught and provide sample problems for each level.
This toy has stood up to use by my daughter since she was 4 (include a few drops), so it's durable enough. It's also has a strap that makes it easy to carry along.
I strongly recomment Turbo Twist Math.

math twist great for adults too
I bought turbo twist math to refresh my math skills. It is a great refresher for any adult to keep math skills sharp, I was amazied how much I had forgoten, and the turbo twist brought my math skills back up to par. This is a great produce, and lost of fun to play with. I am going to buy turbo twist spelling next.

My daughter loves it.
My daughter was originally given Turbo Twist Fun Facts as present for her 6th birthday.She played with it the minute she got it.That was three years ago.She's still playing with it.After seeing how much she enjoyed the Fun Facts, we got her Turbo Twist Math for Christmas two years ago.It was a little beyond her at that point, so she didn't play with it as much as the Fun Facts.As she started to understand maths, the more she enjoyed this toy.Her 6 year old sister now fights for her chance to play with them.I plan to buy the spelling unit for her upcoming birthday.I would recommend either of these toys to those parents whose children have a real hunger for knowledge.For those children who would rather sit in front of a tv hooked up to their playstation, I wouldn't recommend any of the Turbo Twist line. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TFGA
Sales Rank: 3445
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic   

Math Shark
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Educational Insights brings a terrific idea to life in Math Shark, a combination skill-building tool and calculator. The shape, colors, flashing lights, and beeps--all reminiscent of a hand-held electronic game--will appeal to kids who may not otherwise be interested in practicing math. (Parents: the sound is unobtrusive, but can be turned off.) Math Shark offers eight different skill levels and seven skill groupings: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages. After every question a red or green flashing light and a corresponding beep let you know whether or not you answered correctly. If you get one wrong, the right answer flashes, and the question keeps appearing, along with any others answered incorrectly, until you get it right. After each set an encouraging comment--"You did it!" or "Way to go!"--comes up on the screen. The sets are timed, and your score, based on how long it took to answer all the questions correctly, appears at the end. When practice is done for the day, Math Shark becomes a handy calculator. Requires two AA batteries, not included. --Rachel Radway ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Pleased Teacher
I ordered 5 math sharks for my inner city classroom.My students were having motivational issues and this really helped.I used it in centers and during indoor recess.You can turn the sound off if your student/child is using it during a quiet time.It tells the student what their score is at the end so they can keep track.My students were at different ability levels and they could choose something that was challenging for them.I did find that by the end of the year, the display was not as clear.

Great to keep in the minivan....
Our 6 yr old is enjoying this product. She needs help with getting quicker at drilling addition and subtraction and this is helping.She likes when the green light lights up to tell her she is correct.The levels are very good since my niece (8 yrs), nephew (10 yrs) and the adults have all tried it.If it's durable enough, it should last her for years as she gets to multiplication etc.She doesn't think it's FUN though - it's just something to do when she is bored.For this reason we keep it in the van.Our plan is working though because she climbs into her seat and immediately turns it on.We had it in our home for awhile but there were too many other FUN things to do besides Math! If your child enjoys challenging math facts, they will think it's fun though - our 8 yr old niece did and so do myself and my husband.

Good toy for practising math
I bought this for my 5-year old daughter. She really enjoyed using it and actually enjoyed the challenge of having to figure out the answers in the shortest time possible. The different levels of difficulty are useful so she can keep using it over the years. ... Read more

Asin: B00000IRMM
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Electronic    4. Math    5. Water Life    6. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)   

iQuest: Red
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Interactive talking handheld makes studying fun
• Personalized response on LCD display with graphics and sounds
• 1,000 questions, 2 game modes and 40,000-word dictionary
• Scheduler/calendar, address book and calculator

Reviews (95)

Awesome
This is good for study time/study hall because if you have a big test, this would be very helpful

Good for both studying and cheating
I love the iquest!!! The only thing is a girl in my class brought hers to school than she would use the calculater to cheat. It's a nice toy but don't let your child cheat with it!

the best fun learning product ever
This product is the best, I have gotten so much smarter and have done so much better in school it is unbeliveable if you haven't bought this product yet you should!!! ... Read more

Asin: B000067FN9
Sales Rank: 1953
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Reading    4. Science    5. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    6. Electronic    7. Alphabet    8. Counting    9. Activity    10. Electronic Learning Aids   

Mind Station
Average Customer Review:
Toy (31 August, 2001)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (88)

great gift
i love the idea of just the iquest .But then they come out with this its very durable and even ,if your childs absent they can study with theiri quest as well as download extra and study for tests. Finally they come out with something educational for preteens.great job leapfrog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mindstation works great
I read all the negative reviews and they made me apprehensive about buying the mindstation for my son's turbo twist spelling (TTS).Amazon also lists the mindstation as discontinued.But my 1st grade son has a spelling list that he'd love to have the TTS help him with; so i went internet searching and found the mindstation USB at outpost.com for [$$$].received it, plugged it in to my XP PC's USB port, created an account on leapfrog.com, typed in my son's spelling list, and it works GREAT.I don't know what the fuss is about (maybe an earlier version didn't work well?) and don't know why [amazon] have the mindstation discontined, but it does the trick for me.i do not work for leapfrog - i am just a 'joe consumer'.recommended.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY
Althought the idea of this is great, it is just about worthless in practice.I have been in touch with the Leapfrog technical support at least 10 times and they still can't figure out how to get mine to work.The packaging starts out confusing with a lot of talk about an AC adaptor that it turns out you really don't even need if you have a USB port.But nowhere does it even say that.Then the downloading is a nightmare. Apparently it isn't compatable with many internet servers.I see no warning about this.Also, to download things from the internet (if you ever can) you have to pay a membership fee.It did not say this on the product info.The good news is that you get your first year free.I am down to 9 months left and I have not been able to download anything!At no time has anyone from Leapfrog seemed at all apologetic much less offered a refund which is about all that would make me happy at this point.This thing is a complete waste of money.To be fair,I like all of my other Leapfrog things.I have the spelling Tubotwist and a Leap Pad.I think they just aren't equiped to do the internet downloading properly. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BYPF
Sales Rank: 5219
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Reading    4. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    5. Electronic    6. Counting   

iQuest Cartridge: 5th Grade Math with Two Cartridges
Average Customer Review:
Toy (21 October, 2002)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (2)

my
i liked it alot i got an a+ 0n mytest for using that

iquest 5th grade math
This item would be an excellant educational item if it had my son's math book on it.I was disappointed that I purchased this and can not use it.Plus the web site "leap frog" does not have my son's books in it either and did not responsed to my request of when they would get his book's on line so I could down load them.The iquest was a waste of my money. ... Read more

Asin: B000066990
Sales Rank: 5169
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic   

iQuest Cartridge: 6th-8th Grade Math with Two Cartridge's
Average Customer Review:
Toy

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (1)

Very good to review with.
Iquest has many review lessons from many popular math books. The book my son uses is Saxon Math 76. He can go to his iquest, select Saxon 76, and pick the current lesson he is working on. The questions are based on the actual book and lesson. This product is working very well for us ... Read more

Asin: B00006698Q
Sales Rank: 3903
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Math    3. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    4. Electronic