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Math is known to be one of the most boring subjects in kids’ eyes. So, how can teachers make learning math more interactive and more fun? True, teachers can make up games to teach a math concept that involves every student. But, when teachers need to help students in small groups or one-on-one, how can they make sure that other students are actively practicing math skills?
One of the great aspects of having iPads in the classroom is the availability educational apps. With these apps, students can individually learn, practice, and have fun with different subjects and concepts. Luckily, there are many good, quality math apps for students of all ages.
#1 Prodigy Game – This app is free for teachers and aligns with math curriculum for grades 1-8. It contains over 1,200 crucial math skills, keeps track of student learning and statistics, has virtual manipulatives, and animated avatars.
#2 Math Evolve – For younger students, this app has a sense of Space Invaders to it. There is a “Story Mode” and a “Practice Mode” to choose from. Students learn, practice, and improve skills in multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction.
#3 Mathboard – Designed like a chalkboard, Mathboard focuses on encouraging students to figure out math problems themselves, rather than trying to guess the answer. It comes with numerous modes, such as multiple choice and a mode where students can work out the problems by hand.
#4 MathPentagon – Aptly named, MathPentagon is a group of apps that focus on five different math curriculums: ratios, geometry, trigonometry, algebra, and statistics. There are even more extensions that focus solely on the Common Core math standards for each grade.
#5 Addition and Multiplication Math Bubbles – Based on the Chinese Multiplication Table, this game has two modes. In the timed mode, students try to get as many points as possible in the limited time. In survival mode, if students make a certain number of mistakes, the game is over.
#6 Free Graphing Calculator PocketCAS lite – A perfect app for any grade, this app saves students and teachers the money of having to buy individual graphing calculators. Not only does it have the same functions as a graphing calculator, but it also has a 3-D plot option.
#7 Chance Lab – Created for elementary grades, Chance Lab helps students explore probability. They can flip a virtual coin, spin a spinner, or roll a die any amount of times and examine the results in numerous formats.
#8 Math Reference – With over 1,400 formulas and equations, this referential app helps students work on not only math problems but also physics and chemistry projects. It even includes numerous tools such as a unit converter, mathematical terminology definitions, and diagrams.
#9 SAT Math Trainer – This app is perfect for students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. With numerous questions that emulate SAT Math questions, students can practice for this major test during free time they have in their math class.
#10 ABC Mouse – ABC Mouse is a wonderful tool not only for math teachers but all elementary school teachers. This educational app that covers all the basic core subjects from preschool to 2nd grade has won numerous awards for the way it helps to teach young students.
#11 Jungle Time – Featured by the New York Times, Jungle Time includes a multi-lingual talking clock and animal faces to help young children learn to tell time. It includes face clocks, digital clocks, even Roman numeral clocks.
#12 Motion Math – Created for grades K-6, Motion Math helps students master some of Common Core’s most challenging mathematical standards. There are many visual, adaptive games to help build math fluency, conceptual understanding, and love for math.
#13 Operation Math – This app has a mystery story line to it; students are spies who need to defeat the evil Dr. Odd by completing different mathematical missions. Students can create their own spy avatar and many of the missions are timed.
#14 Team Umizoomi Math: Zoom into Numbers – Based off the popular Nick Jr. show, this app helps young children (ages 3-5) count, identify numbers, compare numbers, add, and subtract.
#15 Mathemagics – Metal Math Tricks – This math app helps students learn tips and tricks to doing math more easily in their head. It even includes practice sessions. This is perfect for older students who are worried about time on standardized tests.
#16 Quick Math Pack – Quick Math is a multi-app bundle, including individual apps focusing on mental arithmetic, times tables, fractions, and telling time. These apps are all timed, helping students to be quicker in solving math problems.
#17 Math Vs Zombies – Reminiscent of the popular app, Plants vs Zombies, Math vs Zombies allows students to fight virtual zombies from taking over the world by using simple math skills. This is a fun game that also helps students master elementary math skills.
#18 Wolfram Alpha – Wolfram Alpha is not just for the math classroom but any classroom at any grade level. This comprehensive resource has guides, tools, and references to help students master any curriculum.
#19 Mathspace – This app replaces a hardback math textbook. With over 30, 000 interactive questions, Mathspace covers the Common Core from grades 6-12, as well as other nationalities’ math curriculums (Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong).
#20 Apollonius – Created for Geometry classes, Apollonius allows students to create geometric constructions that they would have otherwise created with rulers and compasses.
Although some of these math apps are free, many aren’t. However, they are all very affordable—the majority are under $5. But, the price is worth the success of students mastering math skills while having fun.
