Case of the Golden Idol helps kids practice and improve the following skills:

Working Memory: Recalling and retaining information in our minds while working. 

In order to complete one chapter of the mystery and move on to the next, the player needs to be able to remember the names of characters, important dates, and events from previous chapters. All of this information carries through from one chapter to another, culminating in a final chapter that requires the player to remember the characters and events from nine previous scenes. The player needs to use their working memory and keep this information in their head while they are actively looking for clues and putting them into the current mystery they are trying to solve. 

Focus: Getting started and then maintaining attention and effort to tasks. 

In order to solve the puzzles, the player will need to use their focusing skills and pay attention to how characters and items are placed within the scene. Sometimes objects are hidden and sometimes they do not seem significant. Without focus, the player may find themselves unable to find the final clues they need to solve the mystery. For players who need some extra help with their focusing skills, hints can be “purchased” by completing simple puzzles or a button can be toggled that highlights all of the clues in a chapter.