Title:  Math Munchers Deluxe

Content Type: Math

Rating:  6.5 (Kristin 6.34, Katie 7)

Low Grade:  3rd

High Grade: 6th

Publisher: MECC

Date Published: 1995

Platform: Mac or Windows

Price: $29.95

Content Description:
 The game takes place on a 3-D checkerboard playing field. The goal for each game is to not only advance to the next level and land a spot in the Hall of Fame, but to tackle a wide array of mathematical competencies. Teachers and students can determine the appropriate level of play (levels 3-6). Users will be asked to select a broad topic from one of the following: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, geometry or the challenge (a mixture of all categories). Once a category has been selected, players have the opportunity to focus on specific skills within that category. For example, if a student chooses geometry, they can choose to explore problems related to shapes, angles, or a mixture of the two. The students can also opt to play with or without “Troggles,” the pesky villainous creatures that attempt to spoil your mathematical fun! While the player is trying to “munch” numbers, the Troggles are busy chasing them. Before the game begins, your “common taters” (potato-resembling news anchors) explain the directions of the game. The directions are also printed on the screen for easy reference.  This activity can be manipulated in a variety of ways to encompass diverse learning environments (individual, small, and whole group settings). This software is best suited for use in small time increments to reduce potential monotony.

Installation:

Hardware Requirements:

Windows

· 486/50MHz or higher
· Windows 3.1 or higher
· MS-DOS 5.0 or later
· 256-color SVGA display
· 4 MB RAM required, 8 MB RAM recommended
· Windows-compatible mouse
· Hard-disk space
· Double-speed CD-ROM drive
· Windows-compatible sound card
 

Mac

· 68030 required (Performa 575 or greater)
· System 7.1 or later
· 5 MB RAM required, 8 MB RAM recommended
· 13” or larger color display required
· Hard-disk space
· Double-speed CD-ROM drive
 

Ease of Installation: On a scale of 1-10 (1-hardest, 10-easiest) this game scored a 9.0.

Strengths/Weaknesses:

Strengths
· Ease of play
· Bright, attractive graphics
· Versatility
· Broad spectrum of mathematical concepts

Weaknesses
· Predictability of correct answers in the geometry category – all the correct answers were one color
· Monotony potential
· Lack of concrete assessment
 

User Comments:
 “We play the game at school to review math or practice.  It is a fun game to play.”
      -Erin, 6th grader
 
 “I use Math Munchers Deluxe with my students who are a little ahead of the class. It gives them a chance to be challenged, but doesn’t take the place of teaching.  I let them play after they finish their regular math work.”
-Holly Yastremski, 2nd grade teacher
 

Links:

http://www.mecc.com - publisher’s website
*See attached reviews