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Product Review The Mathemagician's Apprentice A lot of us struggle with maths when we're children and anything that aims to make maths fun is definitely worth a look. The |
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Mathemagician's Apprentice is a book and an interactive CD-ROM to help children aged seven to eleven learn their multiplication tables. The book is full of
tricks and tips on how to do this. There are shortcuts, number grids,
and even a colourful pattern of 'magic' symbols to help work out
the answers. Square numbers and how to find the area of shapes are
also included. Also on the CD-ROM there is the facility to print
out a number of multiplication puzzles. |
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The story told in the book is of Ozzy, Max the Mathemagician's apprentice, and his final test of finding his way through Straker's wood. The wood is full of danger and the only thing that can keep Ozzy safe is his knowledge of mathematics. Time and time again he uses his multiplication tables to get him out of trouble but finally the evil magic of Grimlock, the "nastiest, meanest, most unpleasant magician ever" is too much for him. Ozzy ends up locked in a small dark cell. |
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the book ends and the CD-ROM comes into play. It is up to the player
to rescue Ozzy. The player has to find his way through the wood collecting
the magic keys, which will free Ozzy. There are a great many obstacles
to be overcome by solving various mathematical problems.
Another dimension of the game is that the player has to find his way to Ozzy's cell by choosing to go north, south, east or west with the help of a map. Unfortunately, even though Max the Mathemagician is there to help, there are no really clear instructions on how to actually play the game. Until you've worked this out for yourself it can all be a little frustrating. We also felt that the voice used in the commentary was a bit flat and a more theatrical sounding magician would be more entertaining. However, if you're someone who, to this very day, doesn't know your times-tables you'll find this book a revelation. Some of the tricks are quite ingenious. You get rewards for getting things right as you progress through the game. If you mess it up it might mean starting a section all over again, but it does make learning fun. |
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