Games: Science
ANATOMIX
Publisher: The Green Board Game Company
For more information or to order: www.greenboardgames.com/

Anatomix is a board game for 2-4 players ages 5 and up that tries to teach children about the human body. Specifically the children compete to put together 1 of 4 puzzles based on a system of the human body (skeletal, nervous, muscular, and organs).

There are two levels of game play. The beginning level (ages 5 - 11)serves to familiarize children to a general overview of the body. Not much technical information is taught as children will most likely focus on the games aspects (trading puzzle pieces, trying to keep opponents from winning). With parental involvement more learning can take place by pointing out names of bones, organs, etc. The advanced level includes a deck of cards with questions that the players must answer in order to gain puzzle pieces. While the questions are excellent, this does prolong the length of the game -- maybe a bit too much. Several variations of play are offered and it would be easy to create additional rules to speed up the game if desired.

Anatomix would be a good resource to have if you were planning a unit study on the body. Game 1 would be a good introduction, while game 2 would nicely review material that has been taught (ex. How many bones in the body? Where is the iris found? What is the largest organ?). If you have multiple ages playing, it would be possible to let the younger ones play by Game 1 rules, while the older players could use Game 2 rules. Rules are also included for solitary play.  The pieces seem quite durable. And the game board and puzzle pieces not only label body parts in English, but also in French, German, and Spanish.  Looking at the similar root words might make an interesting discussion.

Anatomix has very simple instructions and will not require much preparation or set-up to begin play. Overall this resource would be a fairly good option if your children enjoy games and puzzles. Parental game participation, while not required, would be needed to maximize the educational potential of this game.

Making the grade: A
Cost: $20
Value for your homeschool dollar: 8
Reviewed by Kelly Mamott, homeschool mom of 3