When the game first loads into the web browser, it is in the "non-game" state. Here, the user will be able to create a gear train by using the gears provided. Not until the user clicks the "play" button will the program proceed into a regimented gaming environment.
The Buttons
- "Animate" will begin rotating the drive gear (with a green arrow) one revolution. During game mode, this button is "submit."
- "Reset" will erase the current gear train and quit the game.
- "Play" initializes the game and proceeds to setup the first round.
Building the Gear Train
The gear train may be built up using the gear bank buttons:
- Up/Down - changes the size of the gear in the gear bank
- Plus - adds the selected gear to the end of the train
- Minus - removes the last gear in the train
Changing Parameters
Aside from the tools to build the gear train, all data input by the user is located in the upper-left corner of the window. To change a given parameter, one may either increment it up or down via the corresponding arrows, or by selecting the text, typing in a number, and then hitting "enter" (or "return") on the keyboard. This last step is very important, because the system will not update until "enter" is stricken.
Playing the Game
There are six rounds of play, each with a distinct setup and required input from the user. Instructions will appear to guide the user. Helpful equations used to answer the questions will appear in the "tips" window if the game difficulty is anything less than "hard." NOTE: SOME ROUNDS WILL REQUIRE THE USER TO INPUT AN ANSWER, OTHER ROUNDS WILL REQUIRE THE USER TO CHANGE THE GEAR TRAIN!
Scoring System
The score that is awarded depends on how many attempt it takes for the user to actually produce the correct answer. The scoring system is as follows:
- First attempt = 5 points
- Second attempt = 3 points
- Third attempt = 1 point
The objective is to earn the highest score possible, 60 points.
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