SET

Price: $7.99 (iPad), $2.99 (iPod)
Grade Recommendation: 3rd and up
Subject: N/A
Specific Skill: Critical Thinking
Levels: 2
Players: 1 - 4
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is one of the pricier apps I'll feature, but it's worth every penny you'll spend. Those of you familiar with the visual perception game SET will be able to comprehend this app immediately. Others can visit http://www.setgame.com/set/index.html for an overview.

Users can choose between the basic and advanced decks. Basic uses 3 features (color, symbol, number) and Advanced adds a fourth feature - interior shading. MANY more customization features are included - from the color scheme to displaying the reason an identified set was incorrect.

In a classroom, you'll most likely have a small group of students play SET. However, this app also comes with six solitaire game modes - Classic, Sprint, Marathon, Puzzle, Arcade, and Rediscovery. Individual students are free to explore each of these modes.

An interactive tutorial is also included.

A quick Internet search revealed the traditional card version of SET currently sells for $9.67 - more than the price of the app. But in my opinion, the app version is MUCH better! SET - in either form - is a must have for classrooms that promote critical thinking.