Lavaminds

Amanda Helmcamp's review of Lavamind:
LavaMind is a company out of San Francisco that develops products, games, websites, and mobile apps. Their website includes 3 business simulation games that were developed for schools. [] __Strengths __ Economics- The games show how our economy works and the difficulties of successful business. Safety- The website doesn’t include any outside links or advertisements like some other games I ran across this week. Levels- The games all offered different ability levels and the opportunity for multiple player __Weaknesses __ Design- The games do not have a very up to date design. Story- The story/setting of the games may not appeal to students because it is set in alien worlds. Tutorial- The tutorial doesn’t explain very well what you should do to make better profits.

I found this website though much searching for educational simulation games. The three games Gazillionaire!, Zapitalism!, and Profitania! Are all very similar. The games are most appropriate for Jr. High and High school students. They would be difficult for younger children to understand and play. The games would be good for teaching about supply and demand, starting/running a business, and running a factory. Each of the games is set on an alien planet students have to decide what they are going to buy or sell to make a profit.

__**Reflection:**__ It always amazes me at the quality games and simualtions that are on the internet. Students could spend lots of time doing something that they love, generally, playing video games. When I saw that these were economic based games, it inspired me to try doing my business elective once again but use these simulations.