There are many apps and computer programs that make numbers fun for all ages, and provide the help we need when we’re stuck.
Here are a few suggestions for children young and old(er):
Young Children
Counting Caterpillar
(Bellmon; iOS — $1.99)
Preschoolers and kindergarteners can practice their counting and nurture their inner entomologists with this visually interesting game, which has players figure out how many aphids (small insects) it takes to satisfy a caterpillar. As players progress through different levels, they earn butterflies they can then admire in their own galleries. Not only is it a counting game, it’s a way for kids to appreciate nature.
Marble Math Junior
(Artgig Studio; iOS and Android — $2.99)
Kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade can practice telling time, doing addition and subtraction, working with fractions, and naming shapes while maneuvering a marble through a maze. As the virtual version of the heavy, wooden game kids’ parents used to play, this activity ups the ante by having children answer questions as they attempt to manipulate the marble. And this game doesn’t end when the marble flies out of the maze and rolls under some furniture. (Or gets eaten by the dog).
Crazy Times Tables
(MadeByEducators; iOS — $2.99)
This app lets elementary school kids practice their multiplication tables with various games, and also allows users to upload photos of themselves so that their avatars look exactly like them. This level of personalization helps kids feel more connected to math, and they can upload any photo they want as an avatar. So if they want to see a dog take on the 12 times table, who’s to stop them?
Tweens and Teens
Math Snacks
(New Mexico State University; iOS — Prices Vary)
Math Snacks, a collection of games, short animated films, and apps developed at New Mexico State University, offers a variety of learning materials to help kids with math. Choose from Pearl Diver, Ratio Rumble, and several videos to learn about number lines, fractions, ratios, and proportions.
iTooch Middle School
(eduPad; iOS and Android — Free)
Kids in grades six through eight can now practice math and language arts with the same app. Math exercises align with Common Core standards and cover a range of concepts, including fractions, integers, decimals, percentages, and square roots. A calculator and virtual blackboard are included, so learners never have to leave the app to work out problems.
College Students and Beyond
Wolfram Alpha
(Wolfram Alpha; iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Windows — $2.99)
The ultimate problem-solving website can bail you out no matter whether you’re stuck on simple arithmetic or a complex calculus equation. But the program goes beyond providing answers; it also explains concepts and defines math terms. Users simply input the problem they’re trying to solve, and the likelihood that they’ll stump the site is slim to none. Granted, trying to stump the site can be pretty fun, too.
Mathlab Graphing Calculator
(Mathlap Apps; Android, Nook, and Kindle Fire — $4.99)
Graphing on paper can be a pain, but with this app, you can get a visual on anything from the absolute value of x to sin y, without sharpening a single pencil or setting up x and y value charts. You just input the equation, and you’re done. Never wonder what an infinite limit looks like again!
MathSolver
(Shakti Malik; Android — $1.99)
Another option for when you’re stuck on a homework problem. This app, which specializes in graphing, gives you step-by-step explanations for everything from basic math to vector algebra. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help with word problems.
Related Reading:
How To Prevent The Summer Slide
How To Help Your Child With Their Private School Admissions Essay
How To Improve Your SSAT Quantitative Score
How To Get Your Kids Into Hunter College Elementary And High School
