The Mac-Stacks Emporium has released a freeware version of Creepin' Critter Math. Educational titles such as this simplify the learning process, while making computer use for children more enjoyable. According to the Mac-Stacks Emporium:
Creepin' Critter Math is a math practice game with problems such as pre-K counting, basic math facts, and double-digit problems involving carrying, borrowing and remainders.
The Creepin' Critter format is a multiple-choice challenge in which children choose the answer to a math question by swatting one of four bugs which are creeping up a wall towards "picture frames" which contain four possible answers. If the incorrect bug is swatted, the other three continue creeping up the wall giving the child further chances to swat the correct bug. If the correct bug is not swatted by the time one of the bugs crawls underneath one of the picture frames, then the correct answer flashes several times and another problem is presented. After finishing a game, the problems which were answered incorrectly or not at all may be repeated.
The distance the bugs creep before reaching the picture frames may be decreased, giving the child less time to swat the correct bug, but increasing the possible score. An arcade-style "Top Ten List" shows the child's highest scores, and so gives an incentive to improve.
For children who do not like swatting bugs, an alternative game called Bubble Poppin' Math is included. As the name implies, this alternative requires popping the correct bubble among four bubbles which are rising from a bubble bath towards a steam enshrouded ceiling. Floating in the steam are four possible answers to a problem.
The freeware version of Creepin' Critters math contains only the beginner level, as opposed to 4 difficulty levels in the full version. You can find more information at the Mac-Stacks Emporium web site.