ThingsPondered

Here is a site at which one can do a little relaxing (truly, how many Free Cell games can be played) while doing good at the same time.  It is www.freerice.com.  One need not be put off by the suffix “.com;” this is a charitable site associated with the United Nations.  There is an advisory, however.  A warning states that one may become smarter and I find it to be a valid risk.

In the spirit of educational software, there are 13 subject areas with questions to answer.  They are:

Art: Famous Paintings

Chemistry: Basic Symbols, Full list of symbols

English: Grammar, Vocabulary

Foreign language vocabulary:  French, German, Italian, Spanish

Geography: Identify Countries on Map, World Capitols

Math: Pre-Algebra, Multiplication tables

For each correct answer, 20 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Programme.  Spurring one on is a wooden bowl which fills up with the rice as one plays.  Incorrect responses show the correct answer.  Then, the learning comes from the software’s frequent returning to any question missed, giving a chance to use what has been read.

It is an all-around good deal and banner ads support the site.