GeoSafari Science is an interactive multimedia game that presents factual information and provides quizzes to test knowledge of a variety of science topics. The program contains 15 categories that range from weather and the solar system to dinosaurs and rocks and minerals. There are more than 40 subcategories with thousands of details.

Each quiz consists of three opportunities to answer a question correctly, which keeps the game moving. When the correct answer is identified, a GeoByte appears. If the correct answer is not identified, the GeoByte will appear after the third incorrect attempt. The GeoByte provides a learning opportunity by presenting factual information about the preceding question, which is read by an auditory guide. Throughout the program, the guide encourages and praises the user’s efforts. The user is provided with an opportunity to revisit incorrect questions at the end of the challenge.

This program presents a variety of topics covered in elementary and middle school curriculums and will intrigue students in a range of grade levels. The age-appropriate content delivers detailed information accurately and is user friendly. Constant auditory guidance makes this program extremely easy to use and navigate despite variations in the presentation of each challenge. This program is free of gender bias and stereotyping.

Clearly labeled links accompanied by auditory directions makes this software easy to operate. A novice shouldn’t have difficulty navigating this informative program. Multimedia and quick-time serve to enhance the user’s learning experience, especially in the challenge portion of the program. The graphics in the factual part of the program are simplistic and without animation. Although they serve their purpose, enhancement of colors and animation will liven up this section of the program.

GeoSafari Science does not utilize the computer to the fullest extent and has some constraints. The program presents a standard number of challenge questions that can’t be changed or modified by the teacher. Although there are thousands of questions in each category, the user is somewhat limited by the predetermined number of questions.

The program accommodates multiple users. The user can work independently to improve his/her own score or work with up to four partners. Working with a partner promotes group interaction, cooperation and teamwork.

This program offers little coaching. In order to be successful on the quizzes, the player must have a fair amount of background knowledge. The teacher can help students meet this requirement by incorporating the program into the classroom when a GeoSafari Science topic is being studied. Conducting an interest survey on the program's topics is another way to incorporate the software into the curriculum. Themes to study can be created based on the results. Portions of the information presented may be difficult for some elementary students. Pairing a higher and lower level reader will make the experience successful for everyone.

This program accommodates groups of users. This minimizes the amount of software and computers required for classroom implementation. The teacher should become familiarize with the topics presented in the program prior to introducing it to students. This will ensure that the students are provided with background information they need to be successful.

GeoSafari Science is a fun, interactive science game that can be used to reinforce science concepts in a range of grade levels. This user-friendly program covers a variety of categories and presents thousands of facts and questions that promote learning. The lively and animated quiz portion of this program provides three opportunities to answer a question correctly. The user is praised for correct responses and encouraged when an incorrect response is made. The audio guide makes navigation simple. GeoSafari Science provides an exciting opportunity for students to learn about a variety of science topics and test their knowledge.

Overall Rating (based on a scale of 1 to 10) 8

This program is somewhat limited by the predetermined amount of quizzes that are presented and the inability to add or modify questions. However, GeoSafari Science is a highly educational program that presents thousands of quiz questions in a fun and motivating manner. It also promotes small-group cooperation and teamwork by accommodating up to four students at a time.

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