The New Way Things Work

The Way Things Work is a wonderful book by David Macaulay. My kids have loved this book. A few years ago, Dorling Kindersley (DK Multimedia) turned this book into a popular CD-ROM. This updated version brings the reader into the late 1990's with additions such as DVD-ROM and Virtual reality. This new upgrade is essentially the same program, but includes updated inventions, machines and inventors.

The only complaint I have about this program is that the text is not read aloud. I have a seven year old who lives and breaths science. He would love this program, but can not read the text. This would be a simple addition which would add much to the program.

The New Way Things Work is not all text, however. Many of the screens include interactive demonstrations, animated video clips and sound bites. For a child who can read on an upper elementary level, this program is a wealth of information.

Although the program keeps track of various users, and tracks their progress, this is essentially an open-ended program. Your child can choose to study machines, scientific principles, or the history of inventions and inventors. A new area includes digital technology.

The timeline shows how all of these inventions fit together into the 'big picture.' The inventors section may lead to further reading if you follow up as a parent.

Although this is not a workbook style program, your child can take a quiz after studying each of the scientific principles. Each principle has five questions. If unsure of an answer, your child can click the 'research answer' button which takes them to the text section for that principle. An Internet connection to Mammoth.net is integrated, but is clumsy. You must paste the URL into your browser, something many children would not know how to do.

This is an intriguing and fun look at the world around us. Your kids will enjoy the humorous slant of the woolly mammoth included in all The Way Things Work publications. While very similar to the original program, this is a good upgrade if you have enjoyed the first program. It will add new technologies, and keep your kids up to date with the latest inventions.

Grading for The New Way Things Work Educational Value- 5 Entertainment Value- 4 Replay Value- 4 Ages- all who can read or be read to

 

Buy The New Way Things Work at Amazon!