Why Geography Games Software?

Geography programs help kids in school and help them begin to understand complex spatial relationships, such as distribution of population and resources. In addition, game software adds an entertainment value that keeps kids captivated and motivated to learn.

Through geography software, kids can acquire the skills and knowledge they need to approach the concepts required by the National Geography Standards, established in 1994 to guide geography education in the schools.

These standards include knowledge and understanding of:

• The World in Spatial Terms – Includes the ability to read maps and organize and analyze data into spatial terms.
• Places and Regions – Human and physical characteristics of a region and the influences of culture and human experiences.
• Physical Systems – Processes of nature that shapes the surface of the earth and the distribution of ecosystems.
• Human Systems – The characteristics, distribution and migration of human populations, cultures and resources.
• Environment and Society – How humans modify physical environment and how physical systems affect human systems.
• The Uses of Geography – How geography knowledge can be used to interpret the past and present and plan for the future.

What to Look for in Geography Games Software?

Good geography software extends beyond what an atlas or globe can offer. There are already hundreds of maps that are available on the Internet, so software should offer more, including interactive maps and games, regional information and captivating multi media features such as video and sound clips.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate geography games software:

• Major Areas Covered – The top geography programs cover world physical geography and cultural and economic geography.
• Topics Covered – The subject of geography encompasses more than just locations. Geography evaluates human spatial and environmental relationships and regional social, cultural and economic geography.
• Teaching Tools – Geography software should offer an assortment of teaching tools that make learning more interesting, including a combination of informative text and games, quizzes, interactive maps, photographs and video/sound clips.
• Ease of Use – Considering that most geography programs are for young students, the software must to be easy to use. Kids should be able to locate games, quizzes, maps and tutorials quickly and monitor progress easily.

• For kids 4–9, My First Amazing World Explorer

• For kids 8–12, Carmen Sandiego Geography Learning System

• For kids 12 to adults, National Geographic 3D Globe