Grossology: The Science of Really Gross Things

Copyright: KBKids.com

Have you ever wanted to go on a diet? SegaSoft's Grossology program is guaranteed to make any adult loose his or her appetite! This is not a program to purchase if you are currently suffering from morning sickness. While you are wondering if you will ever eat again, your children will be in hysterics. They will also be learning a lot of biology without even knowing they are learning. This is true "stealth learning" as publicized by SegaSoft.

Grossology teaches the finer points of burps, barf, farts, poop, zits and other disgusting bodily functions. Anything which would make an 8-12 year old giggle, is covered in this program. No sex education though, just the really 'gross' stuff. Grossology is based on the extremely popular book of the same title by middle school teacher Sylvia Branzei. While taking advantage of 8-12 year olds' natural affinity for the disgusting, Grossology subtly teaches solid science, using both correct terms and slang terms. The learning is there, but it is hidden just far enough under the surface, that your children will not feel like you have handed them a biology program. They may, however, sit in wonder of the fact that you are allowing them to use this program. Keep in mind that if you are extremely offended by bathroom language, you will want to stick with a more traditional biology program. Testers found that the language did not translate into everyday talk as long as it was made clear that this was not appropriate language for company etc. By letting your kids know that these are simple, actual bodily functions, some of the 'sneakiness' your kids may feel will be reduced. You may, however, find yourself giggling under your breath along with them.

Your tour guide is Ginger Vitis. She will walk with you as you visit classroom labs on various subjects. Each lab is taught by a different guest. The Poop, Farts and Diarrhea Lab is taught by Paul the Butt Crack Plumber. Darryl the Deli Delivery Dude teaches about Burps and Belches. Once you have studied each subject in enough depth, you can play an equally disgusting game. Before playing, Ginger tests your new found knowledge. If you haven't paid attention to the scientific details, you must head back to the classroom. Each game has three difficulty levels. The following games are included:

• Zit Attack Game: A great color game which is similar to Tetris.
• Booger Block Game: You must help Shirly Snotgrass keep the boogers from dripping into her mouth or she will get sick....she really gets sick!
• The Drool Show Game: Find the food which will make Polly's mouth water.
• Burp-O-Rama Game: A follow the leader type game where you must match the pattern of burps from a group of characters.
• Dr. Sleuth Game: Help diagnose your patients illnesses from clues on a chart of clues.
• Poo-Poo Pinball: This one is rather self explanatory and as disgusting as it sounds.
• Don't Pee Your Pants: Build a flow tube (urethra) for Tommy's pee.
• What A Wound Game: Try to heal your wound by accumulating good blood cells and not bacteria.
• Something Special In The Air: Concentration has never been so 'gross.'

While these games are decidedly disgusting, the emphasis throughout the program remains the science. You will also find clip art to use in other programs as well as a sound lab for creating your own musical 'masterpieces.' If you are not opposed to the extremely irreverent attitude of this program, it is a great way to teach your children about biology. This is a well done program, with tremendous kid appeal.

Bottom Line: A totally disgusting, yet wonderful science program which your kids will love if you can stomach it.

Ratings: (based on KBKids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3 1/2

BrainGain: 3 1/2

FunFactor: 3 1/2

EasePlease: 3 1/2

Amazon does not carry Grossology, but you can purchase it from http://www.cdaccess.com