Math Circus is a Graphic Sideshow

Math Circus Act 4 was published in 2005 and is part of a continuing software series used in schools around the world. It is supposed to help children enjoy mathematics and develop their problem-solving skills. It includes ten levels of difficulty within twelve puzzles, ranging from very simple to very challenging. There are five basic levels for children in the early years of schooling, and then five advanced levels for those who are ready for more of a challenge. Many mathematical topics are covered including positive and negative numbers, addition, multiplication, sums involving money, 2- and 3-dimensional geometry, sorting by colour and shape, the physics of pendulums and trajectories, and programming sequences of movements. Teachers can control music and sound effects, decide which levels of which puzzles are available, and inspect or print details of students’ progress.

This sounds like a great educational tool but I feel it is lacking in entertaining and design features. The graphics are poor and the situations are not authentic for the general population. Perhaps some students have never even been to the circus, which will make it hard for them to make connections. However, it does seem to include some valuable features for the low cost of the package but at the expense of the visual component.

This program was reviewed by three educationists who found students to be engaged by the program even though the graphics are basic.

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