Critical thinking: how computers can help

Thinking’ Things Galactic Brain Benders Collection 3
It's one of those titles that we can’t say enough about and an absolute must-see. Recommended for ages eight to 12.

Star Wars Droidworks
We were sceptical about the actual educational value of a Star Wars game. We were wrong. Star Wars Droidworks (not based on Episode 1) is fun, educational and challenging and deserves the high praise it has received. Droidworks is a combination strategy game and construction set.

Players use higher-level thinking skills while inventing and designing robots – ‘droids’ in Star Wars-speak – and completing a series of missions. Droidworks teaches scientific concepts such as energy, motion, magnetism and more. From Lucas Learning, Droidworks is recommended for ages eight and up.

Madeline’s Thinking Games
‘In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived 12 little girls in two straight lines… And the smallest one was Madeline.’ So goes the familiar story; so also goes the computer software.

In this endearing title, Madeline faces a series of situations and adventures geared to challenge the younger set. Madeline’s Thinking Games includes original songs and video clips and is entirely narrated by the voice of the little mademoiselle Madeline herself.

Rediscovering a familiar childhood character was a delightful experience, especially for our testers Aunt Nattie and Madelyn. In a few short turns at the PC, this clever game became Maddy’s favourite, and now she serves as a subtle link between the generations.

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