DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM:

You are a spaceman in search of your spotnapped pal Spot. You can adjust the program to different levels as well as different mathematical functions such as addition, multiplication, substraction, fractions, percents, and many more. There are four activities:

The Number Recycler- Here you convert trash into fuel by manipulating the number to make a correct equation.

Cave Runner- Here you have to arrange the number on blasternaut so that his number is between the two numbers you are trying to go through. You are able to change your number by thrusting (pressing the mouse button) and running into droplets with certain numbers on them. They will then change your number by that much.

Math Blaster Game- Here you solve the equations by thrusting into the correct answer. There are objects that you must avoid and you have to avoid the fire droplets that are dropped from the spaceship. There are periodically bonus rounds where you can earn extra points by running into the diamonds on the screen.

After Spot is rescued, you have an option of printing out a certificate of acheivement for completing the game.

EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM:

The program is fairly straight forward. The booklet was not available so I was not able to look at it to see how clear or not clear it was. The program provides a motivation for the students to finish the game because they have to save their pal Spot by solving the math problems. It is not a very diverse game. There is only a few characters. One is a male, one is a female, and the others are your pal Spot and the trash alien. The male is the main character while the female is the commander at the space station. I rate this program as a 9. I would use this program in my teaching because it encourages learning and mathematical solving while they have fun.

APPLICATION OF THE PROGRAM:

In my classroom I would use this program to help teach different units in math. Every time I would teach a new subject in math, the kids could practice it on Math Blaster.