When you're just starting out have 1 farmer, 1 builder, and 1 scientist. Have the kids get mushies and collectables. You'll get more food and tech points that way. Keep it on normal during the day and pause at night. Train some people in healing so you'll have a doctor when you need it. Buy engineering first or farming and engneering at the same time. Only have 1 building project at a time. When the dam is done and your crops come in, don't have a lot of people harvesting, but don't have only 1 either. Make sure they do crops till the crops are gone. When you have the algae cleared you can keep it on fast during day and slow at night. Keep the fire going and while you're gone have at least 2 trained doctors checked on healing. Trained means at least traniee. If you need help with the puzzles check out the VV2 Guides.