Jars

for the BBC Microcomputer Model B

Suitable for 7-13 year olds.

This pack contains the program JARS on cassette.

It is widely recognised by educationalists that practice with estimation gives a child a feel for mathematical principles. The main objective of this program is to present what are usually thought of as purely numerical problems in a visual way.

The first part of the program gives practice with estimating the volumes of liquids in jars. First the child is asked to estimate the amount of liquid in a jar as a simple fraction. The child is then asked to estimate the volume in absolute terms and also to work out how much more liquid is needed to fill the jar.

The second part of the program is an exercise in a logical application of simple arithmetic. By manipulating the computer keys, two jars can be filled or emptied and liquid poured from one to the other until one of the jars contains an amount specified by the computer. Problems are divided into two levels of difficulty. The harder level will prove to be a challenge even to adults!

Each section of the program can be called in any order from the Menu, but the order can be pre-set by the teacher or parent to give a progression of problems in order of difficulty. Success, partial success or failure is noted by a scoring system and suitable comments. Sound effects can be switched off.

About The Authors

After graduating from Manchester University, Wally Walters taught for a year in a Grammar School before working as a Plant Manager with I.C.I. He left industry to re-enter teaching and is now a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry with special responsibility for development of the use of computers in Education.

Maureen Walters has been in full-time teaching since she left Manchester Teachers' Training College. She is now working at a Junior School where she is responsible for language development.

Contents

JARS

Loading

To load and run the program place the cassette (fully rewound) in the cassette recorder, type:

CHAIN"JARS"

and press RETURN; the 'Searching' message should appear on the screen as you do this. Now press the PLAY button on the cassette recorder and wait for the program to load. Once the correct position on the tape is reached the program takes 2-3 minutes to load.

Game Credits

Authors: Maureen and Wally Walters

Acornsoft Limited, 4a Market Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3NJ, England

SBE15