KIDS FIND MATH IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM IN COUNTING ON FRANK

NEW CD-ROM TITLE BASED ON POPULAR STORYBOOK ENGAGES KIDS IN LEARNING

SAN MATEO, Calif., October 28, 1994 -- Parents will like the newest
computer program from EA*Kids as much as children do. Designed to meet the
standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM),
Counting on Frank builds childrens' curiosity about the role of math in
the world around them.

Available this fall, Counting on Frank is an educational adventure that
uses the interactive power of computers to reveal to boys and girls ages 8
to 11 the world of mathematics. With a story line derived from a popular
book by Australian author Rod Clement, this discovery-based learning
program features an imaginative boy named Henry, his animated dog Frank,
and his math companion Ginger. Together they embark on a series of
adventures that help youngsters sharpen their basic mathematical skills
and discover math concepts in a fun and fascinating way.

In Counting on Frank, students have the opportunity to gain practice in
addition, subtraction, problem-solving, estimation, decimals, fractions,
multiplication, division, and word problems through compelling math games.
Children are also introduced to new concepts, including percentages and
geometry. Counting on Frank, offering three different levels, can be
customized to meet the distinctive needs of learners at various levels of
math skill development. It features an on-line calculator, an on-line
notebook, and on-line help.

Henry's challenge is to calculate the number of jelly beans in a jar and
win a trip to Hawaii for his family. Children use their math skills to
earn clues with Henry and Frank as they explore his mathematically rich
neighborhood. Math anxiety dissolves as onscreen objects become humorously
animated and math concepts reinforced at a click of the mouse. Young
computer users meet Henry's parents, his bright friend Ginger, and a whole
cast of unexpected characters. Pretty soon Henry -- and young learners --
are curious to find what might happen next.

With its easy-to-navigate interface, entertaining story line, and rich
color animation, video, and sound, Counting on Frank appeals to the
various learning styles of all boys and girls, whether visual, kinetic, or
aural. The program utilizes the massive data-storage capabilities of
CD-ROM to present an abundance of the engaging features young children
love. It's also instructionally sound.

The new program was created by the same group that produced EA*Kids
award-winning titles Peter Pan, Eagle Eye Mysteries, and Scooter's Magic
Castle. It also incorporates input from Maria Klawe, Ph.D., head of the
computer science department at the University of British Columbia

Klawe has directed a research project called Electronic Games for Education
in Math and Science (E-GEMS), which focuses on the different ways in which
boys and girls learn. The study found that generally, girls identify more
strongly with characters in software games, than with the fast-action that
is typical in many video games. As a result, the female characters in
Counting on Frank are depicted as being enthusiastic about and good at
math. Klawe also assisted in devising true-to-life scenarios that present
meaningful problem-solving opportunities for young minds.

A national jelly bean contest will accompany the launch of Counting of
Frank. Customers can enter at participating software stores and at The
Sweet Factory stores nationwide. Winners will receive an Apple Performa,
Counting on Frank software, or candy from The Sweet Factory.

Counting on Frank will retail for approximately $49.00. It will be
available in CD-ROM in November 1994 for the IBM PC and Mac.

Electronic Arts
1450 Fashion Island Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94404

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