MathSoft Launches StudyWorks! Online; Free Learning Site Delivers Proven, Innovative Approaches For Teens Studying Math And Science

Business Wire, August 7, 2000

Business/Technology Editors

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2000

MathSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ: MATH), the nation's fastest growing publisher of educational software, today announced the launch of StudyWorks!(R) Online, expanding its offline franchise of award-winning math and science content and tools to the Web. The free Web site uses the same hands-on, exploratory approach and patented technology as the software to create a fun, interactive place where teens, parents and teachers can explore math and science learning over the Internet. StudyWorks Online encourages students to learn at their own speed, in their own way, without commercial pressure or privacy concerns.

Launching today, www.studyworksonline.com features engaging and original material in algebra, geometry, statistics and calculus, and earth sciences, biology, chemistry, astronomy, physics and even science fiction--all highlighting the math and science behind everyday activities such as baseball, sailing and photography. StudyWorks Online offers site-based and downloadable courses, as well as top math and science links, quizzes, homework help, games, news, features and MathSoft's acclaimed "Web Collaboratory"--a moderated, online forum for exchanging ideas and help with other students and teachers.

The site also brings new premium content and services to MathSoft's best-selling StudyWorks Science Deluxe and StudyWorks Mathematics Deluxe packaged software products. Using StudyWorks Online, registered users of the software can now download added subject and problem-solving modules, as well as Princeton SAT II review materials. In addition, software users can access enhanced online courses and lessons. Some are available free of charge, while others will be offered at prices starting at $4.95.

"StudyWorks Online makes it so easy to see how the math and science we're doing in class relates to space launches, earthquakes, snow-boarding and all kinds of other cool things happening in the real world," said Joe DeVincentis, a high school student attending public school in Malden, Massachusetts. "StudyWorks Online also helps you really see the math and science behind so many careers in computers, medicine, engineering, finance--you name it."

"MathSoft has proven that it is uniquely positioned to create high-quality, visually engaging products for this tough-to-please age group," said Chris Randles, senior vice president and general manager of MathSoft's engineering and education division. "StudyWorks Online goes far beyond the static, aggregated content of other educational Web sites. The site provides valuable learning resources, offering depth in math and science topics for students, their parents, teachers and schools."

Free Help for Teachers, Parents

While designed primarily for students, StudyWorks Online features special areas for teachers and home-schooling parents. In the coming weeks, the Teachers' Corner will feature resource guides and teaching aids, authoring and grant information and networking with other teachers. The exclusive Teacher-To-Teacher section lets professional educators seek and give help on a variety of Internet, technical and teaching topics. Parents can take advantage of special sections such as "Home Schooling" and "Helping With Homework."

StudyWorks Online features these sections, each designed to complement and reinforce the others:

--News and Info features daily news on math and science-related topics.

--Homework Hints offers fast, friendly help from teachers and other students.

--Explorations provide in-depth looks at the math and science behind photography, sailing, baseball, meteorology and other interesting topics.

--Careers in Math highlights exciting jobs in computers, astronomy, finance and other hot technical professions.

--Test Yourself helps students assess their current achievement levels, then set goals for growth.

--Math and Science Links features the best of the `Net, hand picked by MathSoft, teachers and students.

--Just for Fun offers a wide range of math puzzles, games and brain-twisters from ancient China through today's latest.

To ensure privacy and safety, StudyWorks Online features a strict privacy policy that prevents unauthorized use of information about visitors. The complete policy is accessible from the site's home page at www.studyworksonline.com.

About MathSoft, Inc.

Founded in 1984, MathSoft is the provider of the broadest line of technical calculation and analytical software for business and academia. With MathSoft's products, users can deploy technical calculations and exploratory data analyses across their entire organizations. The company has more than two million users of its Mathcad(R), StudyWorks!, S-PLUS(R), Stat Server(R) and Axum(R) software worldwide. Users include technical professionals worldwide at more than 90% of the Fortune 1,000 companies and over 500 government installations, and students and faculty at over 2,000 colleges and universities. For additional information, call MathSoft at 1-800-628-4223.