Hot Dog Stand: Top Dog

Kliatt, July, 2003 by Paula Rohrlick

HOT DOG STAND: TOP DOG. Sunburst (101 Castleton St., Suite 201, Pleasantville, NY 10570; 914-747-3310; www.sunburst.com). c2003. Macintosh OS 8.0 mm,, 8MB; Windows 95 min., 90 MHz Pentium mm., 16MB; for both: 256 colors, Internet connection for access to Internet features. CD-ROM disk, teacher's guide. Single edition or license for 10 users, $99.95; unltd. site license, $699.95. J

This business simulation/math program for grades 5-8 is based on Sunburst's award-winning program Hot Dog Stand: The Works. Students learn data analysis and money management skills by operating a concession stand at a stadium hosting various events. The game begins by selecting level of play: beginner, intermediate, or advanced, with increasing numbers of events to plan for. Students then carefully choose a location, buy a stand, and hire staff. They must outperform computer rivals--Greta Sauerkraut, Colonel Ketchup. and D. John Mustard--by paying close attention to attendance, the weather, and the news. They buy and analyze market research (gaining experience in reading charts and graphs), using it to decide what supplies to purchase and what prices to set. As items are sold, bar graphs chart amounts, while speech bubbles pop up providing the cartoon customers' comments on prices and availability. The students can use this information to analyze their sales results and make adjustments for the next event. Wi th Internet access, games can be played online, and sales can be compared with those of other players.

The brightly colored graphics add to the fun of this relatively simple but effective way to teach data analysis. budgeting. and math. Students may need help getting going on this, but once started they will keep playing eagerly, striving to best their computer opponents. Top Dog provides a good lesson in real-world business skills. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT