Equivalent Fractions

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Fractions
Levels: 1
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is another app developed by McGraw-Hill that compliments its Everyday Mathematics series. Students in classrooms that utilize this curriculum will find the fraction cards quite familiar.

Students should already be familiar with basic fractions before attempting the activity found in this app. The object is to match cards that show equivalent fractions - for example, 2/3 and 6/9. The fraction cards use horizontal bars and shading to 'show' the fraction. The numerator and denominator are also written on each card. Students can use a finger to temporarily move the cards in order to compare them side by side.

Points are earned by making a match; users earn even more points by making two or matches in a row (without clicking the Draw Pile to reveal more cards).

This is one of my least favorite types of paid app - one that only addresses one specific skill. However, it's still recommended - especially for classrooms that utilize the Everyday Mathematics series.

Fractions

Price: $0.99
Grade Recommendation: 2nd - 6th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Fractions
Levels: 3 (Easy, Medium, Hard)
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

These app is comprised of two sections - Learn and Test.

In 'Learn', students are exposed to a tutorial that covers basic information (presented with words and pictures) concerning fractions. The app uses foods familiar to kids - pizza and chocolate - to explain this mathematical concept. The tutorial covers vocabulary (numerator and denominator), adding fractions, and comparing fractions.

The 'Test' section comes with three choices - Identify, Equality, and Arithmetic. Each choice is accompanied by 3 levels. Students receive immediate feedback for answers given in this section.

This is a great stand-alone app for introducing or reviewing fractions.