Toys by Subject
Geography
Description and Reviews
Amazon.com
An educational handheld electronic game, this 9.5-inch-inch-high module
features an embedded 4-inch track-ball globe. Turn the machine on, adjust the volume, and
follow the spoken prompts. Geography questions (from its bank of over 5,000) are asked and
the player has 45 seconds to choose an answer. For some questions, pushing the help
button will provide a clue, and for all questions, the answer can be located by spinning
the globe and examining the appropriate part of the world. The machine is programmed for
one or two players, and it keeps score and provides encouragement. Definitely a good
choice for long trips. (Ages 8 to 12) --Richard Farr
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Description and Reviews
Amazon.com
Put this globe on the coffee table and watch the family gather round. The
up-to-date, 12-inch globe talks and plays music (you control the volume). The buttons on
its base invite participation in an 11,000-questions-strong interactive quiz that one to
four people can play, with each player selecting the answer time and level of difficulty.
Push the Repeat button to stop the clock and hear your question again. A Help button
offers clues. Most answers can be found on the globe (Which body of water borders
Madagascar?). Others test cultural knowledge (Which country is associated with the song
"Kumbaya"?). The instruction book is clearly written and illustrated, and
includes a geographical glossary and basic information about geography (explanations of
latitude and longitude, even a definition of "analemma"). An optional AC adapter
can be jacked into the base, and other models include a four-way headphone jack. (Ages 8
and older) --Louise Carter
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Description and Reviews
From the manufacturer
Ancient Egypt possessed a remarkable culture, full of mystery, secrets,
legends, and wonder. In the Land of Egypt, one of our newest games, brings much of the
Egyptian culture to life. From the amazing pyramids, to exotic dice games, to spellbinding
myths and stories; it's all here in eight great games to accommodate a wide range of
learning. Included are 30 pyramid cards, 30 mummy cards, 15 rhyme cards, 2 Egyptian dice
and a complete rules booklet.
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Description and Reviews
Amazon.com
"Dear Pen Pal, Konnichi wa! We've been to see Mt. Fuji. Name my country!
Sayonara, Michiko." Challenge your group with this fast-paced geography game, created
in 1992 by Educational Insights, Inc. Everyone begins at the post office. Players twirl a
finely printed spinner (built into the game board itself) to select one of 60 countries.
If the player can correctly identify the country's location on the board's numbered map,
he or she may advance along the path to the finish. Bonus moves are won by landing on
"postcard" spaces, listening to the clues on one of the 40 postcards, and
correctly identifying the pen pal's country. (The sample postcard above came from Japan.)
A more challenging game can be achieved by requiring players to name the country's
capital; answers are provided. (Ages 8 and older) --Liane Thomas
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Description and Reviews
Amazon.com
Which state is west of Virginia and north of Tennessee? And where exactly is
Wyoming? Name That State looks easy, and it is for players who know their U.S. geography.
But for those who aren't sure which is Vermont and which is New Hampshire, it's a game of
challenging--but fun!--questions and trivia. Small pictures printed over certain states
give clues (a Georgia peach hints at that state's location) and trivia questions on
postcards also help players identify what is where. And for geography buffs, there are
suggestions for a more difficult version of the game requiring players to name capitols as
they make their way around the game board, and around the U.S. --Courtney Hudak
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Description and Reviews
Amazon.com
National Geographic Mystery Voyage Game tests the geographical skills of even
the most seasoned world traveler. Starting with a Picture Card of the mystery destination,
you're off around the world, depicted on the game board, to collect up to eight clues to
help you identify the correct country or U.S. state. But be careful--places aren't always
immediately identifiable. Do you recognize France when you see a field of lavender? One
false guess and you're out! With 60 mystery voyages, there's enough variety to challenge
both kids and adults. Includes game board, picture cards, clue cards, mystery cards,
playing pieces, dice, and writing slates to take notes as you play. (For two to four
players; ages 8 and older). --Elizabeth Ward
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Description and Reviews
Amazon.com
This colorful map of the United States shows cities, national parks, and
monuments, and lists all the state flags, state nicknames, the year of statehood, and the
order in which each state entered the union. Printed in full color on coated paper, this
22-by-34-inch map has a scale of 125 miles per inch. It makes a great addition to your
wall. And everyone in the family will use this handy reference to answer homework
questions or to locate places out of curiosity. (Ages 6 and older) --Margaret Quinn
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