Monster Squeeze

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 1st
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Number sense
Levels: 1
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app was developed by The McGraw-Hill Companies in order to compliment their Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. Students in classrooms where the series is used may find the app quite familiar.

The object of the game is to guess the secret number that is being represented on the number line. To begin, the first player clicks any number on the number line. At that point, the iPad will say whether that number is too small or too large - making the octopus's arms squeeze the number line to make it smaller. The next player then chooses from the numbers that are left. Play continues until one player guesses the secret number. That player wins the round and receives a point. There are 5 rounds in each game.

The Options tab allows for customization. The number line can be 0 to 10, 5 to 15, 10 to 20, 15 to 25, 20 to 30, or all of the above. This feature increases the difficulty level of the app.

A comprehensive tutorial is also included.

It's my general opinion that the Everyday Mathematics apps are too pricey for the few tasks they contain. But this would make a good addition to iPads that are going to be used with students just learning number sense.