the puzzles, for example, Pizza Pass involves the student needing to figure out the combination of toppings on a pizza before being allowed access by the pizza eating Tree Trolls, to the next puzzle. Using logic and the understanding of the evidence (the rejected pizzas), the correct combination rewards the student with an immediate and humorously animated encouragement to proceed on to another puzzle. Each puzzle then, focuses on different areas such as Logical relationships; groupings & comparing informationStrategic thinking; linking information and problem solvingOrganisation; graphing and mapping information andAlgebraic thinking; sorting, comparing and associating variablesAfter successfully sending 16 Zoombinis to the new Zoombiniville a new building appears. The student then must repeatedly return to Zoombini Isle for more Zoombinis in order to complete the new township.Principles of Effective Learning and TeachingIn 1989, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics [USA] published the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. The logical journey of the Zoombinis software complies with these standards which call for a shift towards a broader approach to mathematics instruction. Open ended problems, mathematical reasoning and other subject areas and disciplines, including communication and language, are integrated with the more traditional mathematics curriculum as part of the NCTM (USA) standard. The Department of Education Queensland (Australia) 1994 utilizes five key Principles of Effective Learning and Teaching and provide a criteria to which this software game relates, based on Australian interpretation of effective learning and teaching. The five key principles, which are relevant to all areas of education including mathematics and logic, emphasize the understanding of the learner, provides for active construction of meaning, ensures a supportive and challenging environment, builds worthwhile learn...
