Math Applets/App Review

Candy Factory Educational Game (Grades 6-8) 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/candyfactory-educational-game/id446248045?mt=8 

This app allows middle school aged students to practice partitioning and iterating involving fractions. The main concept is that the player is expected to complete a candy bar order for the customer. However, they will need to split up and copy parts or the candy bar to reach the correct size. The game is timed and and accuracy is monitored, however there is the chance to adjust your answer, considering the tasks become quite difficult to complete correctly on the first try. 

I think that app can be very beneficial to students, especially since fractions tend to be an area where extra practice and deepened understanding is vital. The tasks that are being asked force the students to look at fractions in a way that will help them when using improper fractions as well as multiplying and dividing fractions. The player receives immediate feedback when completing each challenge and is also given a summary of how they came to the correct answer which allows for reflection over the process of solving the problem.

Circle 0 (Grades 3-5)

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_122_g_2_t_1.html?open=instructions&from=grade_g_2.html 

This applet involves solving a puzzle using properties of numbers and operations. The player is given seven circles that are overlapping, so there are three parts in each circle. A few numbers are filled into various parts of the circle which cannot be moved. Then there are the remaining number (no extras) off to the side in which the player uses to fill in the empty spots. Each circle (so three numbers) need to add up to zero using the numbers given (there are positive and negative numbers).
multiple 

This task gets a student thinking about how numbers relate to one another. The challenge lies in the fact that there are only certain numbers available to complete the puzzle and the circles are interconnected so the placement of the numbers is important and causes the students to think ahead and use problem solving skills. Once one circle has reached zero it changes colors so that the player is aware of their progress and the puzzle lends itself to much adjusting and revising which is a good skill to embrace when completing math tasks.

Color Patterns (Grades K-2)

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_184_g_1_t_1.html?from=category_g_1_t_1.html

This applet gives the player practice with patterns by using color. A strand of colored dots appear on the screen, followed by multiple blank dots. There are all the possible colors including ones that are not in the pattern on the side of the screen. The player then clicks the empty circles and then the color that would continue the established pattern. 

Allowing young students to work with patterns involving color prepares them for intricate patterns involving numbers, and eventually formulas and functions. The applet gives the player the ability to check their answer and make corrections if necessary which can activate their problem solving skills. Completing the pattern also stimulates the child's attention to detail in which students need to be proficient when succeeding in furthering their understanding of math concepts.