Galaxy of Education produces a line of Math computer games on CD which can be used for grades 1 through Algebra. The folks at Galaxy of Education believe that "Mathematical concepts are tools that, like any other tools, involve actions that move you towards a goal. Mastery means that you know what the tools does and when to apply it." I agree with their thought that "10 minutes or 10 problems a day will improve a child’s understanding of math if done consistently."
Programs available are:
- Whole Numbers Fun (grades 1-4 and should be able to read) *
- Fractions Fun (grade 5)
- Decimals, Proportions, Percents (grade 6)
- Word Problems Fun (core elementary and middle school)*
- PreAlgebra Fun*
- Algebra Fundamentals*
*we used
Pros:
- Fun games to play.
- Able to play after doing a few problems.
- Thorough problems from all areas of math.
- Clear teaching commentary throughout the beginning of different problems
- Excellent step by step directions for problems missed or not understood.
Cons:
- Gets boring after a while . (Both boys said this yet they are quite happy to play it.)
- Very simple graphics-think PacMan style. This could also be considered a pro to some. As my youngest son said, "What’s so bad about that?".
- Same amount of robot rewards no matter how difficult the problem is. (complaint from my son doing Algebra)
- Robots are not saved. If you have to leave the computer game and you still have robots left, they are lost forever.
Since I am unsure of how long the interest level would remain for this product, Math Galaxy CDs probably would not be purchased in our home for $24.95 + free shipping. Perhaps if it was $15 to $20. Violet and I dislike these programs because we get nervous thinking about a snake eating our robot if we don’t get it out of the cave in the Labryinth game. 
The Math Riddler game is more fun to us. It is like Wheel of Fortune and encouraged me to keep doing problems to get the answer and then get a robot. Dash does not ask to play, but thinks the games are pretty fun. JackJack loves it. He asks to play and has gotten many robots at a time.
I plan to use this more for my older ones as alternatives to textbook assignments. We were having some trouble with setting up problems for Distance = rate X time. I decided to try Distance problems on Algebra Fundamentals and was pleased with the explanations given. An appropriate amount of play vs. work is given, unlike some of the other math games I have seen. I also like that this is not subscription based. Buy it once and you have it.
These work on Mac and Windows 98+. Find them online at www.mathgalaxy.com to find out more specific information. In fact, take the "Guided Tour" for samples of all the different games included on the cds and also the types of problems the student will see. While there look at their other products which include Worksheet Generators and ebooks containing the ability to print 130 of the 500 worksheets the Generators contain.
I received these items as a member of TOS Homeschool Crew for the sole purpose of using and reviewing. No other compensation was given, but my honest opinion is given. I received a download version instead of a CD.
Kimberly