Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego?

Publisher: Broderbund

Reviewed by Amanda Smith

SCHOOL SUBJECTS: astronomy and problem solving

GRADE LEVEL: 7-12

PLATFORM USED FOR EVALUATION: Mac PowerPC

HARD DISK OR CD-ROM?:CD-ROM

TIME TO PLAY: approximately 10 to 15 minutes

RATING: 5

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM:

Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego? offers students the chance to employ problem solving strategies while learning about our solar system. Carmen Sandiego and her criminal sidekicks are ravaging the nine planets, their moons, and even the sun. Your goal is to gather clues and use them in determining which of the fifteen sidekicks is the guilty one and track him, her, or it to its final hide-out. The graphics are extensive and portray not only humorous, animated characters, but also provide great images of the planets and other celestial bodies. With each place that is visited, an educational description of its features appears on the screen. Say, for example, you pursue your suspect to Jupiter. When your spaceship lands on the solar system's largest planet, you will learn about distinguishing characteristics such as the Red Storm.

The program begins when you receive the description of a crime that has occurred somewhere within the solar system and get your assignment from GROK (Galactic Research Operating Kernel). Your space travel now begins as you journey to the actual crime site. After landing you are given four choices. You may either talk to a witness, tap into the VILE Encrypted Frequencies (those used by Carmen's gang), search the galaxy for incoming messages, or contact your informant for information about your suspect's identity. You will want to be sure and record any identity clues in your VAL 9000 onboard electronic computer. Once you have obtained enough of these clues about the suspect's gender, number of eyes, mode of locomotion, and the like, you will be able to pinpoint your suspect and receive an arrest warrant. But be careful, don't attempt to overtake your suspect until you have obtained the warrant!

Some of the clues that you will receive may help you follow the suspect's trail. These clues often take some thought, reasoning, and may even require the help of PetersonÕ's Simplified Guide to Astronomy (which is included in the game package) to figure out. However, you may also use the Data Base offered by VAL 9000 to research information you have received concerning the destination of your suspect. By opening the "Travel Map" you will receive the names of four locations, one of which is the suspect's hide-out. Pick the one that correlates with your clues and you're off! The game continues like this as you track down your suspect. Don't waste much time, though. You have a certain Star Date to meet before your suspect escapes for good!

EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM:

Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego? is a new version of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? However, it seems as if some of the integrity of the original program has been sacrificed for the extensive graphics and animation seen in the newer version. At points this program is rather complicated and sometimes down-right confusing. The clues that are given to help you follow the trail of the suspect often require knowledge of the solar system that is beyond 12 year old children, and may even stump older players. (I spent a good deal of my playing time with a puzzled look on my face...) However, the program does require a lot of concentration and the use of problem solving skills.

One of the positive aspects of Where in Space is Carmen Sandiego? is its inclusion of all genders. Carmen Sandiego is a woman, while her band of criminals is composed of five males, five females, and even has five androgynous members!

APPLICATION OF THE PROGRAM:

This program could be integrated into classes in which basic astronomy is being studied. Although space and the solar system are often studied earlier in the education process, this program may be helpful in junior high classrooms. It will definitely enhance problem solving skills as well as giving students an overview of the solar system.