Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sansing
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
2-D physics sandbox fosters awesome inventions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Algodoo
What's It About?
In ALGODOO, kids play as engineers, inventors, and scientists exploring (and building with) the cause-and-effect relationships among energy, objects, and materials. Friction, gravity, light, magnetism: they're all here for kids to discover as they complete tutorials and create "scenes" -- or playable scenarios -- that demonstrate scientific principles via the players' created models and mechanisms. There can be a lot to keep track of for those looking for a challenge, but it's also fairly easy to get up and running with something like a laser and a prism to engage kids and get them thinking about how our world works.
Is It Any Good?
Algodoo is a great entry point for learning physics. Because it's a two-dimensional sandbox, it's a much more welcoming experience than something like the popular three-dimensional physics puzzler Garry's Mod. It's easy to see how objects attach to each other or interact with one another in two dimensions as compared to three. Thorough tutorials help kids master the basics, and the Algobox community features plenty of projects from which to draw inspiration for more advanced work. The "lessons" section offers tutorials that teach discrete, specific topics in physics. Algodoo is like a Scratch for physics; it starts where kids are but can spiral up in complexity as they learn.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can explore how kids can become digital creators with Algodoo.
Families can explore how real-world objects and energy sources -- such as prisms and flashlights -- interact with one another.
Families can explore local science museums and events to learn new ideas to test in Algodoo.
Game Details
- Platforms : Mac , Windows
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , Math : algebra , arithmetic , geometry , measurement , Science : engineering , physics , Arts : drawing , Hobbies : building
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : defining problems , hypothesis-testing , problem solving , Creativity : developing novel solutions , making new creations , Self-Direction : goal-setting , self-assessment , work to achieve goals , Emotional Development : developing resilience , persevering , Collaboration : meeting challenges together , Tech Skills : digital creation , using and applying technology
- Pricing structure : Paid , Free
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Algoryx
- Release date : September 1, 2009
- Genre : Simulation
- Topics : STEM
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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