Learning science with Henry

In a world of violent video games, where dexterity of the thumb and index finger is infinitely more important than the flexing of the cerebrum, there must be a place for children and their parents to interact and actually learn something from that overpriced multimedia computer/gaming system. Take a deep breath and enter the ROMper Room, where learning is a four-letter word — cool.

A train-traveling bum teaches grade-schoolers the scientific methods of data collection and organization in the Hobo Henry Science Kit. Offering online analysis with away-from-the-computer detective work, Onset Computer Corp. has cleverly combined a data-logging device used by the likes of geologists, NASA engineers and biologists with easy-to-install graphing software that will keep junior researchers enthralled.

The pager-size unit uses a microprocessor, sensor and 3-volt lithium battery and simply is placed in an environment where it can measure air temperature (Fahrenheit and Celsius), water temperature, relative humidity and light at predetermined time increments. The information can be accessed through a computer program and displayed in graphical formats.

The company created the Henry character to introduce grade-schoolers to the research concept, and it offers a 50-page booklet with 20 experiments to conduct surrounding his tales.

After software has been installed in either a PC or Mac, the Hobo is plugged into the computer via a USB or PC serial port and is activated to set up for experiments.

Experiments might involve Henry’s visit to the Catskill Mountains, where he hides in an underground shelter to avoid a flash blizzard. Students translate that text tale into a surface-vs.-ground-temperature laboratory by first leaving the Hobo outside (taking readings at 15-second intervals) and then burying it in the dirt.

The Hobo is then retrieved and plugged into the software-loaded computer, and data are downloaded to form a graph of temperature variations that students can interpret. Other stories lead to labs on body temperature, structural warming and refrigeration.

The Hobo Henry Science Kit also includes a PC connection cable, USB cable, external temperature probe (for water measurements) and Hobo Henry action figure, which is the weakest part of the package. The action figure is just a blue foam insert with its innards carved out to hold the Hobo device.

I’m hoping the next Henry release will incorporate a more entertaining online environment for those still not convinced of the importance of data crunching. Maybe Hobo readings can be used within online games or to embellish some type of virtual story mode.

Junior researchers also can visit the Hobo Henry Web site (www.iscienceproject.com) to find 100 additional experiments, ranging from discovering which materials absorb the most heat to finding out how salt affects the freezing properties of water to tracking the living conditions of a pet hamster. Some activities require the purchase of additional Hobos.

Hobo Henry Science Kit, Onset Computer Corp., $169, stand-alone unit with computer software, for PCs (Windows XP/2000/Me/98 operating systems) or Macintosh (operating system 10.2 or greater).

ROMper Room is a column devoted to finding the best of multimedia edutainment. Write to Joseph Szadkowski, The Washington Times, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002; call 202/636-3016; or send an e-mail to (jszadkowski@washingtontimes.com).

DOUBLE DELIGHT

HERE ARE TWO MULTIMEDIA OR ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS TO TRY:

• THE HAUNTED MANSION BY BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAINMENT, HYBRID FOR DVD-ENABLED HOME-ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS AND PC OR MACINTOSH SYSTEMS, $29.99.

Leave it to Disney to turn a $90 million movie into the weakest link on a delightfully spooky DVD smorgasbord paying tribute to a classic theme-park attraction.

After the young ones view the 88-minute flick that highlights the many ways Eddie Murphy can look scared, I suggest popping the DVD into the computer to unearth a creepy, cobweb-filled menu system to access the mansion’s well-rounded multimedia center.

Special-effects admirers will appreciate the featurette touting Rick Baker’s makeup effects and a virtual DVD ride through the set hosted by the spirited Emma and Ezra. Disneyland fanatics will enjoy viewing the history of the Haunted Mansion attraction, with Walt himself offering insights along with the creative imagineers.

Hands-on types can import a mug shot of a friend or loved one into the Ghostly Effects Studio and turn the friend into a ghost, zombie or one of those hilarious singing busts, or print out an avalanche of art-themed activities, including ghoulish iron-on transfers, door hangers, height charts, a pumpkin stencil, spiders and ornaments.

Additionally, a link to “The Haunted Mansion” movie Web site allows a walk through the doomed domicile that mirrors much of the movie’s plot and adds some simple games.

• Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed by THQ Inc., for PC with Windows 98, 2000, ME or XP operating system, $29.99.

Mirroring the Mystery Inc. gang’s exploits in their latest live-action adventure, this 3-D action game features 16 levels of action. Keyboard and mouse controls are used to maneuver Scooby and Shaggy through some harrowing environments as they solve puzzles, master pretty forgiving games (usually involving munching on Scooby Snacks) and uncover clues.

Computer-generated cut scenes using lame character animation combine with the vocal talent from some of the film’s stars. The action has the player roaming through the likes of Old Wicks Mansion and the Faux Ghost bar with the task of defeating the “living” costumes of their most feared foes, such as the Black Knight and Redbeard’s Ghost, who have escaped from the Coolsville Criminology Museum.

Mastering Pac-Man variations, matching challenges and catching humans dropping through trap doors will give 7-year-olds (also the apparent target age for the film) a thrill but bore the more sophisticated gamer in the family.