[MACEP] computing pre-history

[Mark Petersen]

On Mar 18, 2005, at 11:50 AM, radams at lane.k12.or.us wrote:

> And I'm still doing a chem lab simulation and having physics kids play 
> "Algebra Arcade" on the 4 Apple //es and two //GSs (one of them a Woz) 
> to teach them how to design equations to fit observed data. I wish I 
> could find Algebra Arcade for Mac.


One of the best simulations that I worked with and that the 5th graders 
really loved was an Apple II program called, "Nor'westers to the 
Pacific."  It was on the order of "Oregon Trail" but far more 
sophisticated in its calling upon the player to make decisions and 
build a network of forts and trading posts in western Canada.  Kids 
quickly learned that exploring and trading was an end in itself, not 
just getting to the coast.  They were able to save their explorations 
and continue at later times.  As they played the game, they traveled on 
existing rivers and gradually developed the entire map of Canada west 
of Hudson's Bay.  They also learned of the predominate animals and 
plants in the different biomes as they traveled through them and hunted 
for food.

My daughter was one of those who played the game and in a subsequent 
summer family trip recognized locations on the road map as ones that 
she had "seen" in her explorations in the game.  It was exciting.

I have looked for the program and have been unsuccessful in finding it 
on any other platform.  Too bad, it was a good one.

Cheers,
Mark

Mark A. Petersen		Portland, Oregon, USA	map at mac.com

"It's so simple to be wise.
Just think of something stupid to say,
and say the opposite."
	Sam Levenson
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