Math Applet/Apps Review

Math Applet: Equivalent Fractions 
http://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=3510

In this math applet students have to create two other fractions that are equivalent to the given fraction. There are two boxes, blue and green that students can use to fill in to make a fraction. Students have to make two fractions that have different denominators. The fraction that the students create move along a number line so students can visually see where the fraction they make relate to the fraction the computer gives.

I like this applet because it is interactive and visually appealing. I like that students can see that 1/2 looks the same as 2/4 and 3/6. Students can see this because students fill in boxes as they can see on the number line that the fractions go in the same place. Students who struggle with equivalent fractions I believe would benefit from this. Teachers can use this applet on the smart board so that students can see it and interact with it. Students can also do this on the computer if the teacher doesn't have a smart board.

Math App: Fractions by Brainingcamp
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fractions-by-brainingcamp/id471353363?mt=8

This app allows students to work with fractions. There is narrated lessons, virtual manipulatives, fraction activities, practice questions, and interactive challenges. The topics the app covers are fractions introduction, equivalent fractions, common denominators, comparing and ordering fractions, adding and subtraction fractions, multiplying fractions, and dividing fractions. The app is free on the iTunes store. The app has visual models with audio narration. There is questions to practice what has been learned. It is very hands-on because there is manipulatives. Students can apply there understanding through the challenges. It even aligns with the common core.

I think this is a great app! It has everything a student needs to practice fractions. I like that it is very interactive and hands-on. It also allows students to apply their understanding of their learning through challenges. This app would be great to have on iPads for students in the classroom. The app can be downloaded for free which is another bonus of the app. The students can start using the app when fractions are introduced and then continue to use the app when new topics are introduced. Student could use this app in their free time or after they are introduced a lesson.

Math App: 5th Grade Splash Math
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/splash-math-grade-5/id504807361?mt=8

This app is an innovative and fun way to practice math. There is 9 chapters that cover endless supply of lessons. It is the 2011 "Best Elementary App" winner. There is interactive content, personalized learning, weekly email reports (to track your students learning), and a scratch pad for students to use for their rough work. The topics covered include, place value, number sense, algebra expressions, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, measurement, and geometry.

I like this app because it contains topics the students will be practicing throughout the whole year. It is interactive which students love. I also really like that it has weekly email reports so that the teacher can track the student learning. The teachers can see if the students are understanding the topics in class. This would be very valuable. This app is free so it wouldn't cost anything to download. Students could practice what they learn in class on their iPads. The app fits in with the common core state standards which is also very good.