Splash Math Grade 3 by Applicable2U

  Splash Math
     by StudyPad, Inc.

Have you splashed into Math for Grade 3 yet on your iPad device?  If not, then you will want to take the leap today by jumping into their mathematical aquarium.  StudyPad released Splash Math Grade 3 at the beginning of the school year. It is a wonderful addition to the Educational App Store. It is quite obvious that curriculum standards were at the forefront of creating this educational app.  The models and usage of mathematical vocabulary are very well done.  When visiting StudyPad’s website, a particular quote struck me, “Your time is important, and so is the time you spend with the child. You will no longer be spending time correcting and evaluating hundred of sheets. Instead you will focus on real teaching. Splash Math is designed to provide deep insight into the student’s performance.”  This is an app that will support teachers, guide parents and their struggling third grader(s) in a non-threatening environment. Of the educational apps that I have reviewed, it is a more expensive application, however, the capabilities and skills that your child(ren) will  master will be well worth your money!!

Upon entering this application, I was immediately struck by the life like graphics coming alive as origami characters.  In addition, I was stunned at the number of mathematical skills that will be reinforced within three levels of play: Easy, Medium and Hard.  Splash Math Grade 3 truly encompasses an entire years worth of content in one download.  Chapters range from place value, to the four operations, time, measurement, geometry, data/probability, fractions/decimals and money.  When playing, a total of 5 users can be established on one device.  Initially, the only level of play open is easy.  As a user plays and succeeds, additional levels are then unlocked.  Having so many mathematical options, StudyPad has provided the teacher or parent the ability to set up the type of play mode that will occur with each experience.  Skills can be set to on or off depending on each users ability level.  A note to the developers – might it be possible to lock the skills page, allowing only a parent or teacher the ability to access via a password protection.  It is also important to note that along the way, the number of questions to be answered can also change.  The number of questions range from 10 to 100.  Now that is a lot of math!  It is an application that can be used throughout the school year.

As mentioned earlier, StudyPad chose to design Splash Math with the intent of saving time for a parent or teacher.  This is done with the help of progress reports designed as a report card or activity log.  To support the classroom teacher or a parent, those report cards can be emailed directly to them as a way to see the progress or lack of progress that their child(ren) are making as it relates to the third grade curriculum. Having such a report is very important as it informs further instruction.  Through our exploration, we did notice that there are very clear differences between the  ”Play” and “Practice” mode.  Play mode will encompass all those skills that were set to on.  As they swim along, they will notice that questions/topics are chosen at random. The layout of the play mode screen is very clear.  However, I wonder if it might be possible to include a reading option of questions that users might be unclear of.  With very clear visual models and 4 bubble choices, users will be rewarded with up to 2 points which can be “cashed” in for prizes to add to your own aquarium.  At the top of the screen is a bar graph indicating how many questions have been answered and what level a user is currently working in.  A note to the developer – might it be possible to remove from the “play” mode, the curriculum topic/percentage indicator at the top.  If I understand it correctly, this same information is stored in the “practice” menu screen.  If however, they are two separate indicators, then it would be important to keep.  When incorporating the “practice” mode, here users can pick one particular area of need.  When that topic is chosen it is then narrowed down even further.  For example, Applicable2U happened to choose Addition.  That topic is then broken into 6 choices: properties of addition, two digit addition, three digit addition, four digit addition, estimate sums and a mixed review.  WOW!!!  By offering this option it allows the user(s) to choose the area that has the least percentage correct, thus indicating further reinforcement or teaching.

Overall, Applicable2U was very impressed by Splash Math for Grade 3.  In our opinion, we feel that the cost of this educational app should not stop you from downloading it to your iTunes library.  You will be amazed at how your child will progress in math as they will be encouraged to try more challenging mathematical subjects in a fun way.  By the end of the school year, what will your aquarium look like?  If you would like to learn more about StudyPad, Inc. and their other grade level specific apps, please visit their website here.  Is your elementary student feeling a little crabby about math?  Do you happen to be in 3rd grade?  Then begin downloading Splash Math Grade 3 to youriTunes library here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Mathomatix Measurement by Applicable2U

Mathomatix Measurement
 by EMANTRAS Inc.

Interested in an educational app that develops a child’s mathematical and critical thinking skills in a variety of ways?  If you happen to have a kindergartener at home or in the classroom then Mathomatix Measurement by EMANTRAS, Inc. is certainly worth the .99¢ download.  It has been on the market since December of 2010 and can be viewed on any Apple device running iOS 3.1 or later.  When EMANTRAS, Inc. says they are going to give their viewers something, they mean it! This mathematical application provides the user five very interactive ways to develop their academic skills in the facts of measurement through coverage of weight, time, volume and length. In the information section, Applicable2U learned that this app has been aligned with the National and California State Standards.  Knowing this information as both a parent and a teacher, we feel confident that the time spent “playing” has been valuable time from both a learning and fun aspect.

The design that EMANTRAS, Inc. chose to use is very kid friendly, repetitive and graphically appealing as children play “real life” mathematical experiments in order to enhance the math curriculum.  Those ages 5-6 will feel independent as they follow very clear directions during which they are both positively and negatively reinforced in some manner. However, if users need support, one to one interaction with either a parent or teacher is certainly a choice as well.  The mathematical thinking that will be occurring will overwhelm those watching.  Visually users will hear and see directions at the top of each window.  In addition, choices may be provided through graphical cards or interaction with various objects in order to answer each games main question(s).

Upon entering, users will immediately notice an adorable giraffe that talks, animation spinning and moving across the page and three player options. The most important option is to establish the user within the application.  Simply click on the “settings” button in order to add your child’s name. Unfortunately, only one account can be set up.  This design is wonderful for families that have one child, however, the potential that this app can provide could benefit so much more if the option to add multiple users could be made available.  Although more and more school districts are purchasing large quantities of Apple devices, some classrooms do not have this luxury.  By setting up centers around the room, teachers could have previously set each student up to a particular device thus tracking each users success rate.  Success rate can be viewed by looking within the “My Stuff” section from the main the screen.  It is here that users will collect random objects along the way as they play: Crazy Clock, Scale Tale, Fill Me Up, Long & Short, and Action Month.

Crazy Clock: With a flower like clock, users will be presented a time scenario (morning, day or night) such as “I play with my puppy at 6 in the evening.”  Depending on the time of day, players will notice when moving the minute hand that the background scenery changes.  The number that is showing within the scenario will be highlighted on the clock.   Once there, a quick chime of the clock will occur and users will be positively reinforced. Oddly enough, this particular activity does not allow for incorrect answers.

Scale Tale: With a one eyed monster that has really long arms and happens to look like Mike Wazowski, players will explore the concept of heavier and lighter.  As two objects are magically dropped from the sky, our one eyed monster will swing his arms up and down like a real scale.  It is important to note that objects are announced to avoid any confusion.  With every correct answer, our little green friend will begin to fill his belly, while incorrect answers are thrown into the air and a quirky sound is made.

Fill Me Up: With a simple drag and drop users are in control of how this activity will go.  Although they should take note of the objects possible destination below (sand pail, dinner plate) as there is a difference.  Once objects have been dragged and dropped a new question will appear – which is less or which is more.  It is here that players will be introduced to the concept of volume.  With every correct answer, players are verbally rewarded and given a green checkmark.  With a sweet little oopsie, users will know they did something wrong as they will receive a red “x” in the middle of the screen.

Long & Short: Here users are given two choices and are expected to answer such questions like which is longer or shorter.  This activity will set the stage for understanding length. Numerically they will not know each length, but visually users will be able to answer the above two questions.

Action Month: In this activity, users will manipulate letters in order to spell the months of the year.  Letters do not need to be dragged or dropped in any particular order.  No need to worry if you drop it exactly over each matching letter.  If the colored letter is near its match, it will pop into place. Simply fill in the blanks and see the month go wild.  It might be interesting to add in a future update, objects that relate to each month when it goes wild.  For example, a shamrock for March or a pumpkin for October.  In addition, once all months have been spelled, it might be interesting to see each month laid out side by side either as a storyboard window or a scrolling window.

Since having downloaded this application, my soon to be kindergartener has been actively developing his measurement skills.  Like most children, he enjoys seeing his rewards in “his stuff” area.  Although he may have been verbally rewarded throughout, viewing his stuff just extends the smiles that much longer.  Overall, Applicable2U was very pleased with our download of Mathomatix Measurement.  If directions are unclear, users are provided a brief tutorial by simply clicking the “i” button in the lower left hand corner.  However, we would suggestion providing users the ability to tap individual words/sentences in case questions were misunderstood or repetition is required.  Regardless of what your role may be, this educational app is an excellent addition to any whole group or individual instruction. If you would like to learn more about EMANTRAS, Inc. and other curricular apps that they have to offer, please visit their website here.  To begin downloading Mathomatix Measurement to your iTunes library, simply click here.

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Sam Phibian by Applicable2U

Sam Phibian
by 3CD

It’s time to go on an adventure through the swamps with our frog friend, Sam.  Appropriately titled, Sam Phibian, will engage children in preschool through kindergarten as they experience a very clever counting game that not only works on a number of mathematical skills but also a user’s hand eye coordination. After only two days in the Apple Store market, Sam Phibian has already been mentioned in the “New and Noteworthy” section.  Currently, it is FREE, so be sure to get it while you can at this discounted rate. So what is all the hype over this educational app?   Sam happens to be a picky eater, so it is your goal to read what is “on the menu” for each meal of the day and feed him only those things that he wants.  If Sam happens to eat too much, the wrong type of fly or a random object, some very goofy things will happen as he becomes too big for his lilypad.  For this age group, it’s a nice mix of academics with opportunities of laughter and fun.

Prior to entering the swamps, Sam’s meal is revealed through a visual and numeric representation.   At each meal, users will simply tap the screen to trigger Sam’s tongue to grab the correct number and colored fly.  Accommodations are made within this educational app as it provides support for various learning styles and needs. Such support would be the tracking and/or reminder of the flies needed for that meal in the lower left hand corner of the users screen.  However, I wonder if an option to read particular items (directions upon entering the swamp or unknown numbers) might be added to guide those just learning or to reassure students.  With success, each meal there after will become more challenging thus turning those options mentioned above off.  Through auditory sounds and visuals, users will know when correct and incorrect answers have been selected.  The tracker menu at the bottom will place a green checkmark as tasks are completed.  If extra flies or incorrect flies are chosen, users will hear a buzzing sound and checkmarks will turn red causing Sam to become slightly bigger with each incorrect answer.  As you navigate from one area of the swamp to another, flies will begin moving a lot faster and meals will become more complex, so users need to pain attention.  If you are not paying attention, Sam could be given quite a surprise!

How might this be integrated into a classroom or home setting?  Applicable2U can envision this educational app set up within a “technology center” for children to use as they work on numbers.  We do wonder how many levels users will experience as we noticed upon exiting and re-entering that games are not saved.  In addition, we noticed that with repeated use that each experience appeared to be the same.  Although repetition is wonderful, would it be possible for users to experience different numbers with each return visit. While at home, Sam Phibian would be a wonderful way to reinforce what is happening in the classroom.  While on the road, in a restaurant or waiting at the doctor’s office, Sam will encourage learning and fun as he hops along with your little one to develop appropriate mathematic and hand eye coordination in order to execute certain tasks.

Overall, Applicable2U gives Sam Phibian a thumbs up.  Regardless of those “wish list” items mentioned above, Sam Phibian would be an excellent addition to your Apple device.  Through wonderful graphics, visual aides and various challenges, various users will find this app appealing.  If you would like to learn more about 3CD, please visit theirwebsite here.  To begin downloading this currently FREE application now, simply click here for your iTunes library.

Reviewers website:  www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Monte-Lingual 1 to 10 by Applicable2U

Monte-Lingual 1 to 10
by Continuous Integration Inc.

According to the Montessori International Index, the Montessori teaching method is one that observes and supports the natural development of children.  This particular educational method builds upon creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills.  Continuous Integration Inc. has developed an app that  utilizes the Montessori method as a way to teach the concept of counting from 1 to 10.  Disguised through a game like format, children will not only learn to count but they will also be developing language and recognition of number words through auditory and visual reinforcements.  Although Applicable2U’s educational background or professional development experiences have not focused on the Montessori method, I was still intrigued to see how Monte-Lingual 1 to 10 might accompany not only  Montessori, but also a public school and homeschool educational setting.

For those that follow a Montessori model, please forgive me if I happen to use the wrong terminology as I explain the educational aspects of Monte-Lingual 1 to 10.  With a very child friendly and clean design, Monte-Lingual 1 to 10 reminds me of the game mancala.  This educational app provides continuous learning for your preschooler or soon to be kindergartener.  Prior to learning, a parent will want to set the educational preferences.  Continuous Integration has thought of many options so as to keep the learning ongoing. For example, there are three modes of playing: Discovery, Match and Quiz.  Regardless of which mode you choose, you can also set your native language and the types of marbles that your child would like to use.  In addition, you can turn the speak, spell and music to either  on or off. If you child happens to like a particular song, you also have the option to customize your playlist.  This customized playlist is a nice added to touch which will further encourage your little one as they begin to learn or reinforce their numbers in a new or native language.

Discovery Mode is the beginning or introductory level.  In this mode, the user is in control of what number is to be explored.  By simply dragging a colored marble from the left hand side to the open space, it will then move on its own to the empty tray.  Each time a new marble is placed, the colors will change.  While discovering, users will be reinforced in several different ways to see a number: hearing the word, seeing the word written out, the actual number, and  through marble and hand representation. At the bottom of the screen is an adorable person like marble.  As you add marbles, his fingers will also represent that number.  Another nice added touch!

Match Mode attempts to challenge the user. Within this mode, the person like marble tells which number the user needs to match.  As the user is dragging and dropping, his speech bubble will explain how many more is necessary to make a match.  Once the match has been met, a user is given verbal reinforcement and can then move on.

Quiz Mode is a reinforcement option of the two earlier levels.  Within this mode, the application will drop marbles into the top tray.  Users must match the visual representation with the actual number.  They will be provided with 4 choices to choose from.  At the completion of level 1, which requires three correct answers, your little one will then unlock a new marble set that they will have access to within the user preferences.  As you move within levels, the necessary number of correct answers will increase.  Keeping the challenge on!!

If you are a part of a Montessori school or not, Monte-Lingual 1 to 1o is a very age and academically appropriate in any educational setting.  We love that it not only teaches number recognition of your own native language, but it also opens up the opportunity to learn another language at a very young age.  If you would like to learn more about Continuous Integration Inc, be sure to visit their website here. Currently, Monte-Lingual 1 to 10 app is 50% off in youriTunes library, begin downloading today!

Reviewers website: www.applicable2u.wordpress.com

Combine 4 App Review by Melinda Waffle

App Title: Combine 4 (previously 24)

Grade Level: Grades 5 and up

Purpose: A

Combine 4 tests the user's knowledge and ability to use the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to combine 4 numbers in a way to equal 24. 

Program Functionality: A

The game is very smooth running (I've never had a crash!), and there are enough number combinations that the user doesn't notice any duplication (there are 1362 combinations).  Sound can easily be turned on and off.  Also, the user can set for it to only use numbers 1-10 as possibilities for the 4 numbers, decreasing the difficulty level.

There are two modes of play.  Free Play allows the user to take as long as they want to solve the problem, but does keep a timer for how long it does take to complete it.  Speed Play starts with a 3:00 count down, adding 10 seconds for correct answers and subtracting 20 seconds for any passed problems.

Overall Educational Value: A

Cost: $1.99 (regular iTunes store price)

Recommendation: 

This is a great game for praciticing order of operations and problem solving using basic operations.  The problems are so diverse that it can be beneficial to any student that has a basic grasp of addition, subtraction, multiplying and dividing. 

iTunes Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/combine-4/id342866191?mt=8

App Website: http://www.combine4.com/

Reviewer Name: Melinda Waffle

Cross-posted on: http://wafflebytes.blogspot.com/

IEAR Site: http://www.iear.org/ 

Hey, check out our Ning (Online Community) devoted to helping teachers utilize these devices to the their fullest.  Please leave a comment if you agree, disagree, or have other creative uses for this app in the classroom, etc.

Tags:  math

Category:  elementary, middle, high

Math Apps with Long Division & Column Addition by iDevBooks

2 Free Math Apps This Friday Only

This week AppFriday from MomsWithApps features Math Apps with great apps developed by iDevBook.  Esa from iDevBooks is featuring two of his math apps: Long Division, and Column Addition. Inspired by his daughter’s need for a math addition app, this Dad developer from Finland utilized his computer science background to develop his own homework helper. Now there is an entire series of math apps from iDev Books on the iTunes App Store – it’s all adding up!

What are your apps about? My collection of 17 math apps can be used to teach and study different pen and paper algorithms.  I have a background in researching, designing and developing visualizations of complex computer science algorithms. I developed my first app, Column Addition, to help our own daughter learn column addition. In addition to algorithm apps I also have a Fraction Math app.

Long Division by iDevBooks

Long division can be a struggle even for adults, but with the Long Division app practicing long division is easy and fun. The app can be used to practice long division with 1 or 2 digit divisors and up to 5 digit dividends with or without decimals. Remainders can be allowed or disallowed. When dividing decimal numbers the app will add zeros to the dividend when needed.

Column Addition by iDevBooks

Column Addition app can be used to practice column addition. There are no penalties for wrong answers and nothing bad happens no matter what the user does. When the user solves an addition problem he or she will get one more piece of a jigsaw puzzle. Every aspect of the app can be customized, including colors of the interface, speed of the animations, difficulty of the problems, etc.

Why are they special? My aim in designing the apps has been to keep things simple. My apps are ready to be used immediately, there are no instructions and none are needed. Wrong answers are never penalized, there are no counters timers or any other distractions, and custom keys – to make inputting even 3 digit numbers a one-tap gesture – have replaced keyboard. There is a speed setting that can be used to make the animations and other transitions as fast or slow as the user wants.

Schools and parents are using the apps to aid teaching algorithms. Some schools use the apps to tutor students who are struggling in math. All of the apps have extensive settings that are always only one tap away and can be used to set the difficulty of the problems, colors of the interface, and other settings.

Long Division & Column Addition by iDevBooks are available in the iTunes Apps Store and free this Friday only.

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