Friday, August 29, 2014

Derivatives 1 lite by WOW math org app

This is a nice little app to be used in Calculus to reinforce and practice derivatives.  There are 9 lessons ranging from differentiating using the basic rule to differentiating with fractional exponent to the product rule.  Each section has a video, a final answer which shows how they got the answer and more practice problems.  This app is great for reinforcing the material taught in class and it provides a nice amount of practice.  I think this app would provide excellent practice for my calc students.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Pre-Calculus Trigonometry

What I like best about this app is that it gives the student a pre-test before they can begin using the app itself because the pre-test is given to help the program decide where to start.  In addition, if you begin a section but close out, you cannot go back in for at least 10 minutes and it tells you that you need to read the material at least three times with a break of 10 min between because that is what research indicates is best for learning. 
I just went through the test choosing whatever answer I wanted.  It began me with terms such as the Pythagorean theorem, Right triangle, Sin all the way to the law of sines and cosines.  The section on the Pythagorean theorem goes into a lovely explanation with diagrams showing how it actually works.  I like some of the explanations they give for various topics.
The app will not let the student take the Post-test for at least two weeks.  There is a review section set up to review terms learned in the learn the terms sections.  I would say this is a nice app for learning the terminology for maximum success and it fits in quite well with a traditional trig program. The way it is set up, you could have the students read a few terms each day and review terms everyday or as you teach certain sections.  Then they could take the post test at the end of the course.  I see this as becoming a part of my trig class.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

5 dice order of operation game.

This is a really nice app for students to practice their order of operations.  Students have the choice of 5games.
1. Addition and Subtraction
2. Multiplication and Division
3. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
4. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division with parenthesis.
5 Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division with parenthesis and exponents.

In this app, you select which game you would like to play.  Once its open you have a target number to aim for.  You can combine dice to make multi-digit numbers with as few or as many operation signs.  The first time I tried this app, I selected addition and subtraction.  I had 5 dice with these numbers 4,4,4,2,1 and the plus or minus signs and a target of 52.  It took me a while to figure out I could combine dice to make numbers so I ended up with 44 + 12 - 4 to get 52.
I see this as a great app to use for grades 4 and up.  In the high school, it can be used to help scaffold student who are weak in using the order of operations.
You can find the app here and it is free.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/5-dice-order-operations-game/id572774867?mt=8


Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Oh No Fractions

Oh no Fractions is a nice app from curious hat people.  This app allows students to practice comparisons, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division  in a limited manner with the free version.  If you desire unlimited practice you need to purchase the full version.  The nice thing about this app is that it relies on the use of manipulatives to show the answer rather than the numerical form.  Students must adjust the column to give the correct answer but there is also a show me choice if a student is unable to figure it out for them selves.  The division choice has the student flipping the fraction before having them work on their answer. 
I like this app due to its covering the five basic operations and it visually allows students to see the fractions so they have more than one way to see fractions expressed. Usually fractions are expressed in circles or small rectangles but this app allows students to see the fractions in a long narrow form.
This is a description of the app with selected screen shots.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oh-no-fractions!-curious-hat/id593418681?mt=8


Monday, August 25, 2014

My script Math Pad

I love this app as it provides so many possibilities for my students. This free app is actually a handwriting LaTeX generator and will take any handwritten mathematical equation into print.  It will allow students to create mathematical terms, expressions, and equations to put in comic strips, presentations, their own work, etc.  It means that many of my students will be able to create the material for anything we do in the ipad including for movies and podcasts.  This app is made by the same people who make my script calculator.
Ideas include
1.  Create a visual poster identifying terms, degree, etc.
2.  Make a movie or podcast using the mathematical expressions.
3.  Have a poster or picture or comic strip with someone showing how to solve the problem.
4.  Type the algebraic measurements for a geometric figure, import them into another picture and then solve.
5.  Can be used to prepare a presentation on keynote or haiku deck.
6. Can be imported to show the equation of a graph.
So this app has so many practical presentations for the math classroom and best of all it is free.