Tric-Trac

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 2nd - 4th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Addition
Levels: 1
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app is yet another developed by The McGraw-Hill Companies; it's meant to compliment their Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. Children in classrooms where the series is used may find this app quite familiar.

This is a sum-matching game that can be quite confusing at first. The object of the game is to be the player with the lowest score by leaving the smaller sum of numbers uncovered. To begin, the first player clicks the dice to 'roll' them. They'll need to add them together to get the sum. They'll then click one or more numbers (1 - 10) to make that sum. For example, if their dice add up to 7, they can click the 5 and the 3 OR the 7 OR the 6 and 1, etc. If their sum is correct, that amount will be subtracted from their score. It's then the next player's turn. Play continues until one player rolls a sum in which no matching sum can be made. The player with the lowest score wins the game.

Players can use the 'Add 1', 'Add 2', or 'Add 3' buttons to increase the sum of the dots on their dice. So an initial roll of a sum of 7 can increase to 8, 9, or 10.

A comprehensive tutorial is included. Also, students can select the 'Guided Play' option for additional support.

This is one of Everyday Mathematics' more challenging and strategy-based apps. Even at this price point, it's still recommended.