Switcheroo Zoo Software Review

Type of CAI: Simulation/Game
Operating System(s): Windows 95 and up/ Mac OS X and up

Switcheroo Zoo by Tubehead is an Entertainment Software Rating Board rating of E for Everyone. This means it is geared for children 6 years old and up. It can be used online for free or Zoo Deluxe can be purchased for $7.99 download or $17.99 in CD format. Zoo Deluxe boasts larger images and more features. The larger images are definitely a plus as the online images are decent size but the text that goes with it is rather small, especially for those who may need glasses. Switcheroo Zoo contains many interactive simulation games that allow the user to explore an animal’s environment. It also allows for the user to learn characteristics about the animal and that environment. Users can also create interesting “creatures” using different animal heads, bodies and tails. Each body part’s use is explained separately. Switcheroo Zoo obviously covers the science subject area but language arts come into play as it allows the user to create a title for their “creature” and type a story about it. The user may then print or save the story and creation. Geography is also used for another game that requires the user to place animals in the part of the world they belong. This software does a great job of relating animals to their environments while allowing for creativity. It also provides great looking pictures of the animals and its interface is very easy to use. It also has a catalog of over 140 animals. The main downfall was the online version does have the smaller web graphics and text. I would recommend this for elementary science classes are studying animals and ecosystems.