When I first received an iPad, one of the things I was most struck by was that it wasn't just touch sensitive but responded to motion as well. The app Math Motion HD ($1.99) is fun and fractions at its finest. Actually, its fun, fractions, decimals, percentages, and visual representations. Out of all of my math apps, this one is my favorite to introduce along with the fraction unit in Everyday Mathematics. Yes, there are Everyday Math apps, but every so often they are available for FREE so I would wait if you don't have them yet. Math Motion HD is worth having to reinforce fraction concepts and parts of a whole.
The focal point of Math Motion HD is a solid fraction stick (on the game it is referred to as a number line, but it greatly resembles the fraction stick concept in Everyday Math). The object is to direct a "falling star" onto the number line in the correct place for the given fraction. Instead of touching the screen to manipulate the app, you must tilt the entire iPad (or iPod touch) in the correct direction. You have to estimate where the star should drop to represent the presented fraction. If you are incorrect, different levels of hints are given to show were the fraction is on the number line. On the first incorrect response, an arrow will point in the direction you should tilt the iPad. The second time, the number line breaks into units (such as fourths or eights). The third time, three random fractions appear on the number line along with the units. I like this because it allows the students to correct themselves instead of just being wrong and moving on. The visual respresentation is great!
As you move through the 24 levels (it is a fast moving game, thank goodness!), the numbers you are trying to represent on the fraction line evolve to decimals, percentages, improper fractions, and a combination of both. The number line eventually respresents more than just "one" to make it more challenging. At one level, the number line represents negative integers, but does so in a way that students could figure it out without being confused (it's actually a great way to introduce the concept!). There is a beginner, medium, and hard version of the game so you can adjust it to meet your students' needs. Even the score is shown as a fraction :)
This app will make your students think and keep them focused on fractions while having a blast! To find out more, visit the link below to get in motion for math!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motion-math/id392489333?mt=8
The focal point of Math Motion HD is a solid fraction stick (on the game it is referred to as a number line, but it greatly resembles the fraction stick concept in Everyday Math). The object is to direct a "falling star" onto the number line in the correct place for the given fraction. Instead of touching the screen to manipulate the app, you must tilt the entire iPad (or iPod touch) in the correct direction. You have to estimate where the star should drop to represent the presented fraction. If you are incorrect, different levels of hints are given to show were the fraction is on the number line. On the first incorrect response, an arrow will point in the direction you should tilt the iPad. The second time, the number line breaks into units (such as fourths or eights). The third time, three random fractions appear on the number line along with the units. I like this because it allows the students to correct themselves instead of just being wrong and moving on. The visual respresentation is great!
As you move through the 24 levels (it is a fast moving game, thank goodness!), the numbers you are trying to represent on the fraction line evolve to decimals, percentages, improper fractions, and a combination of both. The number line eventually respresents more than just "one" to make it more challenging. At one level, the number line represents negative integers, but does so in a way that students could figure it out without being confused (it's actually a great way to introduce the concept!). There is a beginner, medium, and hard version of the game so you can adjust it to meet your students' needs. Even the score is shown as a fraction :)
This app will make your students think and keep them focused on fractions while having a blast! To find out more, visit the link below to get in motion for math!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motion-math/id392489333?mt=8
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