Frequently Asked Quetions:

1. What age/grade is best for Nano Legends®?
2. How can I quickly get an idea of what Nano Legends® is like?
3. How do I participate in the Free Demo?
4. How do I purchase Nano Legends®?
5. Does Nano Legends run on Windows? On Mac?
6. Do we need to use joypads or any special equipment to play Nano Legends®?
7. Why should I consider a video game for my classroom?
8. I am not a very good video game player. Won't it be hard for me to teach with Nano Legends®?
9. Will students really like Nano Legends®?
10. Aren't video games more for boys than girls?
11. What test results are available?

1. What age/grade is best for Nano Legends®?

   Nano Legends® has been used both in 9th-10th grade biology classes and in 7th-8th grade science classes. The key to using Nano Legends® in your classroom is to take advantage of the model of the cell that is created as your students play the game. While Nano Legends® covers significant NSCES content, since students will understand and remember the story, it is easy to attach other cell science or biology content to the cell model created in the game.

   You can find the standards mapping here. You can review the specific science content covered here. You can peruse teacher experiences and academic opinions here. (back to questions)

2. How can I quickly get an idea of what Nano Legends® is like?

   You can view a slide show that tells the Nano Legends® story here. You can download the Nano Legends® movie trailer here. You can review the specific science content covered here. (back to questions)

3. How do I participate in the Free Demo?

   To be eligible for the Free Demo, you first need to click on the Free Demo sign up link found on the Home page.  If you are one of the first 100 respondents you will receive an email notification from us letting you know that we have shipped the Free Demo materials to you. You must complete the use of Nano Legends® Free Demo by December 31, 2007. (back to questions)

4. How do I purchase Nano Legends®?

   Nano Legends® can be purchased a couple of different ways.  First, you can place an order through your authorized sales representative, or by contacting us directly.  Purchases can also be made online using a credit card by clicking on the "Store" button on navigation menu.  However, most purchases are made by the school submitting a purchase order (via fax) to their sales rep or to us directly.  We then ship the materials and send an invoice to your school along with a copy of the purchase order.  Credit Card orders can also be taken via our toll free phone number (800) 841-5449 during normal business hours (M-F 8am-5pm CST). (back to questions)

5. Does Nano Legends run on Windows? On Mac?

   Nano Legends® runs on Windows 2000, XP, and Vista.  There is not currently a Mac OSX version, however, the game does run well on the newer Intel-based Macs under Windows.  (back to questions)

6. Do we need to use joypads or any special equipment to play Nano Legends®?

   Like many other computer-based video games, Nano Legends® is designed to play very well using just the computer keyboard and mouse. It is also possible to play the game using a USB attached joypad. (back to questions)

7. Why should I consider a video game for my classroom?

   Like other electronic media such as MP3 players and the internet, video games are a large part of popular culture today.  In fact, the video game entertainment industry is now larger than the motion picture industry in terms of revenue generated.  Studies are now showing that video games can be used in the classroom effectively.  See the recent article from the NSTA (click here). (back to questions)

8. I am not a very good video game player. Won't it be hard for me to teach with Nano Legends®?

   Most teachers consider themselves as non-gamers or novice gamers.  We have specifically designed the teacher's guide to allow teachers to be knowledgeable about the game without having to be a gaming expert.  The teacher's guide is designed so that each chapter contains a "game play guide" complete with sequential screen shots, explanations, and even expert tips.  A teacher can use this guide as a reference to follow along with their students as they are playing the game.  If a student is stuck or doesn't know what to do next, the pictures and text in the guide provide "how to" information.  Additionally, the expert tips and hints we provide in the guide will make you the expert in the eyes of your students.  All without even having to play the game yourself! (back to questions)

9. Will students really like Nano Legends®?

   In the evaluation testing, 90% of students rated Nano Legends® as comparable to or better than the video games that they play for enterainment. See the student's actual comments (click here). (back to questions)

10. Aren't video games more for boys than girls?

    Evaluation testing results indicate an equal interest in Nano Legends® from girls and boys. In addition, to help make sure girls would be comfortable with the game, the main character is a female. (back to questions)

11. What test results are available?

    Nano Legends® has been thoroughly tested in classrooms. See a summary of test results (click here). (back to questions)