TechInsights and next-generation educational game developers, Software Kids, LLC, have announced the release of Time Engineers, a graphics- and content-rich video game designed to introduce pre-high school students to basic engineering, science and math principles in a fun and entertaining setting.

TechInsights sees Time Engineers as part of an ongoing commitment to engineering education programs for all ages. "We are delighted to work with Software Kids to help promote Time Engineers," said TechInsights' CEO, Paul Miller. "The game is an excellent teaching tool and does a great job of piquing student interest in the fields of engineering and technology."

Time Engineers was created by Software Kids founder Ray Shingler to combat the perception that careers in the sciences are not as prestigious or as lucrative as other careers. "We set out to produce a computer game where kids could see the importance of learning math and science at an earlier age," said Shingler. "Time Engineers also allows them to have 'hands on' interactive simulations to enhance their level of learning. And unlike most educational software, Time Engineers was designed to be as rich in graphics, content and game-play as most commercial games students play."

After cracking the code that gives access to the Time Engineers travel pod, students are graphically transported back in time to the origins of some of the most significant engineering achievements in history. Players can experiment with mechanisms and materials to build the pyramids and crop irrigation systems of Ancient Egypt, help design and command a World War II submarine, and learn how to engineer a Middle Ages drawbridge.

At each step in their journey through time, students are challenged by interactive exercises that help them learn and apply engineering, science, mathematics and technology concepts such as binary number systems, Boolean logic, linear expressions, geometric set theory and power generation.

Produced in conjunction with the College of Engineering at Valparaiso University, Time Engineers has been endorsed by educators who value its easy-to-follow manual and helpful teaching tools such as lesson plans and curriculum guides. "Time Engineers is an incredibly engaging and equally educational tool," said Michael Jabot, Ph.D., Professor, Physics and Science Education, State University of New York at Fredonia. "In using it with a group of middle school students as part of our outreach program, even the most reluctant of the students was drawn into the program and we had a difficult time breaking them away when our time ran out."

Time Engineers won Choosing Children's Software magazine's "Best Pick" award and Children's Technology Review magazine's "All Star Software" award. More than 3000 copies of the game have been purchased to date and a sequel that incorporates social impact themes, environmental and biomedical engineering concepts and contributions made by women and minorities is in the works.

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