|
What a neat idea! ElementO was designed by a father, Richard W. Lewis, to help his children gain an easy familiarity with the Periodic Table of the Elements. The game is well presented, fairly easy to understand, fun, and technically good. It bears a resemblance to Monopoly, especially in that players should either decide ahead of time how long to play or set up a table that can accommodate extended, intermittent play.
One thing I found odd: elements 104 through 111 had names handwritten in black ink, with lines drawn in for further numbering of as-yet undiscovered or unnamed elements. I'm not sure if this represents difficulty with a particular printing series, if the set we have is older, or if this is not the norm. Whatever the case, it hasn't stopped us from playing enthusiastically and learning as well, as the game designer intended.
We've played with an age range from twelve down to five. Even the youngest (as a team with mom) managed a full hour and a half before wandering off--and this during the first time through. They all continue to enjoy it immensely, though the 5-year-old, upon further questioning, still has no idea why she has both protons and neutrons in "pretend money." Despite this minor difficulty, she still asks to play "the element game."
The game may be ordered from the above address or via the 800 number (using Visa or MasterCard). The website above appears to be informational only.
Product review by Carrie Wilbur, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2008
|
