As we move into the second week of school, the kids and I have been busy exploring the myriad of apps on our new HP ENVY Rove20 as part of the HP Canada Brain Training Challenge with Creative IQ. For our second task, we elected to improve our science knowledge, teamwork and artistic skills by playing educational games that are fun and engaging. With the Rove20’s 10-point multi-touch 20-inch screen, exploring the solar system and living cells, solving puzzles and painting has never been this exciting.

First up was the Puzzle Touch app. After spending a good while figuring out how to search for apps in the Windows Store (it's really quite easy), it wasn't long before the Puzzle Touch app was downloaded and automatically installed. With the Puzzle Touch app, you can choose from a large selection of beautiful photos as well as the number of puzzle pieces you would like. My son started with a 6-piece puzzle and loved the car puzzle the best.

Eventually he worked his way to 12-piece puzzles and turned on the rotation option, which turns pieces and makes it even more challenging to solve. Of course, a little help and encouragement from daddy made it all the more enjoyable. 

For a free app, Puzzle Touch can provide hours of family fun. You can create a new puzzle easily by using a photo from your album or by taking a picture using the HP Rove20 built-in camera. And if you are a puzzle freak like me, you can get as many as 1,000 pieces but it'll cost you $2.99 to have full access to that feature.

Next up, we tried out the Star Chart app which allows you to explore the planets, moons, satellites, stars, and constellations within our solar system. It's the perfect app for that budding astronomer in your family.