The Quantum Pad Learning System is a portable electronic unit that allows children to interact with specially designed books using a magic pen. See our full review of this electronic toy.
Although the Quantum Pad comes with a nice sampler book, owners of this learning platform will likely want to expand learning opportunities for their children with new software for the system. There are three series of books designed for the Quantum Pad: Fun-damentals, Above & Beyond, and Great Reader.
Part of the Fun-damentals Series, 3rd Grade Science stands out with savvy games and activities that allow children to explore a variety of science topics typically studied in third grade. Many second-graders and some first-graders will enjoy and benefit from the rich learning opportunities of this book/cartridge as well.
Each spread of the book features colorful illustrations, text, and hotspots that activate games and lessons. The introductory spread offers kids the opportunity to explore the Scientific Method and common science tools, and "rap" with famous scientists like Marie Curie and Albert Einstein. Another spread focuses on matter and the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. A fun observation game involves using clues (based on the five senses) to determine a mystery object. Children explore light with a set of activities that teach about reflection, refraction, absorption, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the rainbow.
Animal habitats are explored through games such as Lost & Found in which children must match animals with the correct habitats. For example, the lynx belongs in the Taiga and the Howler Monkey should be placed in the Rainforest. An especially fun spread features groups of animals in the African Savanna. After children take on the identity of a specific animal, such as an impala, they are plunked into a survival situation (for example, "you hear a lion approaching"). Kids must choose a special adaptation that allows their animal to survive. On the same page, "Mystery Meal" is a clever game of investigation. Children press their pen on different animals to hear each animal's version of a predator-prey mystery! Children must guess who was the prey and who was the predator based on these clues. Children participate in a competitive race for lemmings in the Arctic tundra, learn about threats to coral reef (such as global warming and pollution), explore moon phases and the Solar System, play a game of Star Struck as they learn to identify constellations, and more.
3rd Grade Science offers plenty of opportunities to explore concepts from physical, life, and earth sciences in a truly fun and engaging manner. Because the activities are encouraging and self-correcting, this book is especially helpful for children who learn best through independent play and discovery. There are no penalties for making mistakes. Instead, children are motivated to do better the next time they play a game.
