Freefall Time

Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: 2nd - 4th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Time
Levels: 1
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app is acceptable for building skills related to telling time. One, two, or three (depending on your settings) clocks fall from the top of the device. Students have to drag the clock(s) to their digital match before the clock(s) reach the bottom. You can customize the minute increments: 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes.

Another activity is for students to match a digital time in clouds to the clock shown before the clouds reach the bottom of the device.

After accurately matching digital and analog times, students must also set the hands of a clock to the time given.

Overall, this is a sufficient time telling app to have. There are others out there (Telling Time HD and Jungle Time) that do more, however.

Times Tables

Price: $0.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Multiplication
Levels: Multi
Players: 1+
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is the kind of app that's meant to be used over time. It tracks the progress of students as they master multiplication facts. It will save information for more than one student.

After selecting their name (or adding a new player), the app gives 4 choices:

Single Table Quiz
- Choose between tables 1 - 12. All start at level 0, where the questions are asked in order (1x1, 1x2, 1x3, etc.) and students can make up to 4 mistakes. New levels are reached according to accuracy and speed.

Quick Quiz
- It is unlocked only after higher levels are reached on the single table quizzes. Once it's unlocked, users can choose between the following quizzes: 30 questions, 100 questions, 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 1 mistake.

Competition
- This mode is also unlocked only after higher levels are reached on the single table quizzes. Once it's unlocked, users can choose between the following quizzes: 30 questions, 100 questions, 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 1 mistake. These quizzes are meant for 2 - 5 players and can have between 1 - 3 rounds.

Custom Quiz
- Choose between tables 1 - 12 (or a combination) and between 30 questions, 100 questions, 1 minute, 3 minutes, or 1 mistake.

Although this app only focuses on one skill (multiplication), it comes highly recommended. It's customization and ability to track progress make it well worth the small price tag. I also appreciate how it provides instant and ongoing feedback to students.

Baseball Multiplication 1 - 6

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Multiplication
Levels: 1
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is yet another app developed by the McGraw-Hill Companies. It compliments their Everyday Mathematics series; some students may find it quite familiar.

This particular version of the app multiplies numbers 1 - 6. A separate version exists for numbers 1 - 12.

The object is to correctly multiply number pairs in order to score points. The app is set up as a 3-inning baseball game. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.

After choosing a representative color, the first player touches the pitcher. The pitcher 'throws' a multiplication problem. The batter then uses the keypad to input the product. With a correct answer, the batter's 'hit' is based on the product.

1 - 10 = Single
12 - 16 = Double
18 - 20 = Triple
24 - 36 = Home run

An incorrect answer garners a strike; 3 strikes and you're out! But the umpire may also call a batter out or the ball may be caught, also resulting in an out. It's then the next player's turn.

A comprehensive tutorial is included. Students can also choose to turn on the 'Guided Play' option.

In general, I'm not a big fan of the Everyday Mathematics apps. But due to the two-player format and fun task, I do recommend this one.

Name That Number

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

The McGraw-Hill Companies developed this app in conjunction with their Everyday Mathematics program. Students in classrooms where this series is used may find the app familiar.

The object is to make the target number using the 4 operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division) and the given number cards. Students do so by making a numerical expression. They also must keep the order of operations in mind as they make the expression.

Points are earned for making an expression that equals the target number. More points are earned for using more numbers in the expression.

Using 2 cards = 2 points
Using 3 cards = 4 points
Using 4 cards = 8 points
Using 5 cards = 16 points

A comprehensive tutorial is included. Also, students can turn on the 'Guided Play' mode where the app guides them through the task.

This is one of my most recommended apps from the Everyday Mathematics series. Although only one level is available, it lends itself to differentiation because of the choices of operations and the number of cards used to make the target number.

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.

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.

Subtraction Top-It

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 2nd - 5th
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Subtraction
Levels: 1
Players: 2
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app, like several others I've reviewed, was developed by McGraw-Hill as a companion to their Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. Students in classrooms where the series is used may thrive on the familiarity this app brings.

The object of the game is to score more points than the other player by comparing differences of two cards. After being dealt two cards (each with a 2-digit number on it), the first player enters the difference of the two cards. Player 2 does the same. Next, the highlighted player clicks the arrow that points to the largest of the two differences or hits the tie button (if the differences are equal).

A game consists of eight rounds. Players earn 10 points each time they: correctly enter a difference, correctly compare the differences, and/or have the higher difference.

I like how the cards that are dealt automatically rearrange themselves to put the larger number first (always making 93 - 10, never 10 - 93).

A comprehensive tutorial is included. But players will most likely need to use a slate and/or paper and pencil to compute the differences.

This is one of Everyday Mathematics' better apps. Although you can't control the level, students can definitely practice their 2-digit subtraction skills (with and without regrouping) through this app.

Beat the Computer - Multiplication

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

McGraw-Hill developed this app as a companion to its Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. In this app, students need to compute a multiplication fact (0 - 10) before the time runs out (20 seconds). The seconds left on the timer are added to the user's score. There are 20 rounds in each game.

Feedback is given for correct and incorrect answers. A complete tutorial is also included in the app.

This is a very basic app. Students will enjoy the multiplication practice it provides. But parents and teachers will long for more customization options. Skip it (especially at this price point) and instead look for an app that's much more robust.

Divisibility Dash

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

This app is developed by McGraw-Hill and is meant to compliment their Everyday Mathematics series.

This app tackles the skill of divisibility - or multiples of numbers. A divisor (up to 10) is given. Students then have to click on two number globes that will make a multiple of that divisor. For example, for a divisor of 2 they can click on 1 then 8 to make 18.

If students make a number that's not a multiple, the globes they used will lock. Once all the globes reach the top of the box, the game is over.

A comprehensive and helpful 'How to play' component is included.

Overall, I'm disappointed with McGraw-Hill's series of Everyday Mathematics-based apps. At this price point, I'd like to see the apps cover more than one particular skill or even cover one specific skill at multiple levels.

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.

Addition Top It

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

This app is developed by McGraw-Hill and is related to its Everyday Mathematics curriculum series. Students in classrooms that utilize Everyday Mathematics will find this app quite familiar.

Students 'deal' each player two cards from the deck. Then each player adds the two numbers together and compares their sum to the other player's sum by taking turns clicking on the arrow that points to the greater sum (or clicking the 'tie' button). Points are earned for entering correct sums, correctly comparing sums, and having the higher sum.

I find this app too simple to warrant the price tag. It's unusual for an app at this price point to only offer one operation - addition. Also, the highest equation students will encounter is 9 + 9, since they are only adding a one-digit number to a one-digit number. There are many more apps available that do a lot more.

MathBlaster HyperBlast

Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: 1st and up
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app provides the best of both worlds for children - playing a fun and interactive game while also learning! Students travel through a simulated tunnel, blasting targets and dodging obstacles along the way. Every so often, they have to stop to solve a series of mathematical equations in order to continue.

There are 6 mathematical topics to choose from for each game:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Addition/subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
- Multiplication/division

The game is aesthetically-pleasing; the graphics are quite impressive (so is the audio). Users tilt the iPad (or iPod Touch) to steer through the tunnel - making it excellent for the kinesthetic learner. This game is highly recommended!

Math Ninja

Price: $1.99 (free Lite version)
Grade Recommendation: 2nd - 5th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app adequately combines fun and learning! The user is trying to defend their treehouse from a tomato and its army of friends! After hitting so many objects, the user has to solve math problems to move on. Solving the problems correctly 'earns' them money which they can use to buy supplies to enhance their ninja skills.

At the start of each game, you need to choose the Game Mode.

Easy - "Easy mode is great for kids learning math or adults new to games. Math problems are not timed, monster difficulty is easy, and there are unlimited refunds."
Normal - "Normal mode is great for gamers familiar with math. Math problems have a generous time limit, monster difficulty is normal, and there are unlimited refunds."
Ninja - "Ninja mode is great if you are a true Math Ninja! Math problems have a tight time limit, monster difficulty is very hard, and there are no refunds!"

You then need to turn all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) on or off. But you can customize it even further by adjusting the exact number ranges that can appear.

Despite the fact that this app presents more like a game rather than a strictly educational app, I still recommend it - especially at this price point. Encourage your students to select more education-based math apps (like Tic-Tac-Math), but this one is a suitable option for them too.

Coin Math

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: 1st - 4th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Money
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

For the price, this is a very robust app! Students learn to identify coins, find how much money they have, and buy things.

The app actually is comprised of 11 different activities.
- What the Coins Look Like
- Beginning Match the Coins
- Match the Coins
- Count Coins
- Advanced Count Coins
- Shopping
- Intermediate Shopping
- Advanced Shopping
- Make Change
- Intermediate Make Change
- Advanced Make Change

All elementary-aged students should be able to find an activity that is 'just right' for them. The interface is simple and the app even provides audio and written directions.

I highly recommend you install this app for use during mathematics instruction.

Measurement

Price: $1.99 for iPad, $.99 for iPod
Grade Recommendation: PreK - 1st
Subject: Math
Specific Skill: Measurement
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This app was designed to cover very basic measurement skills.

It's comprised of 5 activities:
1. Crazy Clock - Students have to touch and rotate the minute hand of the clock (which automatically moves the hour hand) to show a time announced orally in a sentence. As an example, the app says "I play with my friends at 9 in the morning."
2. Scale Tale - Students choose which object is lighter.
3. Fill Me Up - Students drag and drop items (such as sand) into containers, then select which container holds more or less.
4. Long & Short - Students choose which object is longer or shorter.
5. Action Month - Students drag and drop the letters of each month onto their matching outline.

At this price point, the activities in this app are way too simple. I recommend locating a measurement app that also includes more difficult tasks.

Lattice Multiplication

Price: $3.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 6th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Advanced Multiplication
Levels: N/A
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both (but not native to iPad)

Lattice is one of the 3 methods I teach my third grade students to use when multiplying larger numbers. I first teach them how to draw and use the lattice grid on paper. However, I find this app to be beneficial when it comes to them practicing using this method.

It was originally designed for the iPod Touch; however, it also works on the iPad.

A few options for customization are included. The multiplicand can have between 2 - 5 digits and the multiplier can have between 1 - 3. You can also decide whether or not to show the current operation (multiply or add) and whether or not to highlight the operands. All of these options provide students with just the right amount of scaffolding to experience success.

Overall, this app does an excellent job of illustrating and allowing students to practice this method of multiplication. Despite the price tag, it's worth having if you plan on covering lattice multiplication at least once through the year.

U. S. Quarters

Price: Free!
Grade Recommendation: 1st and up
Subject: Social Studies & Mathematics
Specific Skill: USA, Money
Levels: N/A
Players: N/A
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

This is a fun (and free!) app. Please note that it's quite simple and there's no opportunity for interaction. Students simply flip through large pictures of each quarter from the the States collection. Each picture is accompanied by the state's abbreviation and a brief description of the image depicted on the tails side.

Here's the information for my state's quarter:
Georgia (GA) - Wisdom, Justice, Moderation
T. James Ferrell
1999
Features the peach, a silhouetted outline of the state, live oak sprigs, and the Georgia state motto "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation".

Despite being a free app, advertisements are not included.

Time, Money, and Fractions On-Track

Price: $9.99
Grade Recommendation: 1st - 2nd
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Time, Money, and Fractions
Levels: 1
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

This app is made by School Zone, a well-known educational publishing company. While pricey, it provides first and second grade students with an enjoyable way to practice skills related to time, money, and fractions. There are 10 activities to complete for each of these skills. Written and verbal instructions are provided. The app has a self-checking feature.

Here are some examples of included activities:

Money - "Count the coins and type the amount in the boxes. Is there enough money to pay for each item? Touch yes or no."

Time - "Read the hour hand first. Then read the minute hand. Drag the correct time to the box below each clock."

Fractions - "Drag the fraction to the box for each shaded object."

Several non-educational games are also included to give students a break from learning. My students know how to skip these games, however, when they appear.

The app is highly engaging and provides a tactile experience. However, it lacks the ability to change levels. You can't blame the app though; it's clearly marketed for students in grades one and two.

Jungle Time

Price: $2.99 (iPad), $.99 (iPod Touch)
Grade Recommendation: 1st - 4th
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Time
Levels: 5
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Both

This is another excellent app to practice skills associated with time. It has four components: Tell Time, Set Time, Tell Elapsed, and Set Elapsed.

Tell Time
- The app shows a time on an analog clock. Students need to set the digital clock to match. The app announces the time to which they set the digital clock. They click 'Done' and immediate feedback is provided.

Set Time
- The app 'says' (verbally and written on the screen) a time to which to set the clock. Again, they click 'Done' and immediate feedback is provided.

Tell Elapsed
- Two analog clocks are shown. Depending on the level, the app asks something like, "How far ahead is the second clock?". Students calculate the elapsed time and receive feedback for their answer.

Set Elapsed
- Two analog clocks are shown. The app gives them a task such as, "Set second clock ahead 45 minutes." Students then manipulate the second analog clock with the appropriate time, then receive feedback.

This app is highly customizable! Access to 5 levels is quite beneficial.
Level 1 - One hour intervals
Level 2 - 30 minute intervals
Level 3 - 15 minute intervals
Level 4 - 5 minute intervals
Level 5 - 1 minute intervals

You can also change the style of the clock.
Standard - Hour numbers only
Learning - Hour and minute numbers, with color-coded hands
Classic - Roman numeral hours

It also has a built-in tutorial. The interactive and engaging tutorial (called 'Learn' at the bottom) covers the hour hand, minute hand, telling time, and adding time.

This app features a jungle theme, but it doesn't contribute much to its educational value. Users can select one of the following animals to be featured: lion, tiger, elephant, hippo, panda, or monkey. Luckily, you can turn off the sound effects in the Settings option.

I highly recommend this app for every iPad or iPod Touch in an elementary school!

Make Change

Price: $1.99
Grade Recommendation: K - 3rd
Subject: Mathematics
Specific Skill: Money
Levels: 3
Players: 1
For iPad, iPod, or Both: iPad

The name of this app - Make Change - is misleading. Before purchasing it, I thought the students would be practicing the skill of making change. Like, "Jeff went to the store. He bought a pencil for $1.85. He gave the cashier $2.00. What was his change?" Nope. Instead, the students are given an amount and have to show that amount using the provided coins.

There are 3 difficulty levels - up to 50 cents, up to $1.00, and up to $5.00. Unfortunately, students do not have the option of using dollar bills nor dollar coins (or even half dollars) for amounts greater than $1.00.

This app is quite basic; for that reason, I don't think it's worth the price tag. But it is a suitable option for having students make various amounts of money and receiving feedback for their work.