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Cluefinders Rule the 3rd to 6th Grades
The beginning of the school year is a perfect time to invest in grade-specific software. For third-sixth grades, one series stands out—The Cluefinders Adventure Series. The four grade-specific titles are the best on the market; and each draws on the academic material typically taught within the grade of focus to create fun academic games.
The Cluefinders are a group of four brainy and resourceful junior detectives: Joni, Owen, Leslie, and Santiago. In each of the “Cluefinders” titles, children help the famous detective group solve an unusual mystery by playing learning games that are embedded in the story.
While the Cluefinders series is not new, each title of the versions released this fall contains a new bonus CD called “Mystery Mansion Arcade” (look on the bottom left corner of the software box for this title). This bonus CD is a separate adventure so buyers can get two titles for the price of one. Below is a summary of each grade-specific “Cluefinders” title, as well as a review of the bonus “Mystery Mansion Arcade.”
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Cluefinders 3rd Grade Adventures
Published on August 23rd, 2002
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Released in 1998, this was the first “Cluefinders” title; and it is the best of the series. Set in a rain forest, the Cluefinders seek to uncover who kidnapped Joni’s uncle and discover what creature is terrorizing the rainforest. Their adventure leads them to the Ancient City and the Bottomless Pits of Doom —places reminiscent of the Indiana Jones movies.
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With 22 different academic games offered on 4 levels of difficulty, this software packs a wallop of learning. The games cover science, language arts, math, geography, and logic; and players can set the difficulty levels separately within each of these academic subjects. This software has just the right mix of wacky, spooky, and thrilling situations to keep children coming back for more.
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Cluefinders 4th Grade Adventures
Published on August 23rd, 2002
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This time the mystery is set in Egypt, where the Cluefinders are on an archaeological dig. They must stop the evil archeologist from unleashing an ancient force.
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As gumshoes, kids will play 15 different academic games that quiz language arts, reading, math, science, geography, and logic before they can solve this case.
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Cluefinders 5th Grade Adventures
Published on August 23rd, 2002
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Cast away on a volcanic island, the Cluefinders become separated. Players help Joni and Santiago find Owen and Leslie by exploring both the island and the surrounding ocean through 10 academic activities.
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Cluefinders 6th Grade Adventures
Published on August 23rd, 2002
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Mutant plants-turned-warriors are the focus of this adventure. Players follow the Cluefinders underground to discover what has created the Empire of Plant People.
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This theme is a little far-fetched, and some of the academic activities are particularly challenging; but overall, the title is worth exploring.
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Mystery Mansion Arcade
Published on August 23rd, 2002
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While not strictly academic, this software unites four of the “bad-guys” from previous Cluefinders titles. These four have been brought together by a mystery villain to try to trap the Cluefinders and thus keep them from helping the world.
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The four villains have devised arcade games—one for each of the Cluefinders. For Leslie, there is a book-leaping game where she can only leap on the books that fall within a specific category. For Owen, he must skateboard through giant pizzas while avoiding the toppings. Santiago becomes a pinball (!) and must bang his way through a pinball table. Joni navigates an underground maze with the help of her detective-mates.
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The arcade games are a riot; they come with plenty of levels and are all tied into an interesting story. Remember to ask you child who the mystery villain is—it is a quite a surprise.
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All the Cluefinders titles are published by The Learning Company, www.learningcompany.com, and retail for $25. Win/Mac.
All software is judged on a five star scale by looking at the following five factors:
educational, fun, ease of use, value, technical.
Jinny Gudmundsen is the Editor of Computing With Kids magazine. If you have
questions or comments, please write to: .
© 2010 Computing With Kids
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