Mathematics Software Programs 

are excellent adjuncts to classroom instruction. They offer appealing interfaces, zany characters and good reviews of basic mathematics.

Another advantage of mathematics software is the opportunity for students to work independently and make discoveries about mathematics on their own. The interactive nature of computer software allows students to test their ideas and transfer information from an example to a general premise.

The following software programs are recommended for students because they cover several of the mathematics strands outlined in the MDE (Michigan Department of Education) Mathematics Content Standards and they are considered to be challenging and fun programs.

Each software program includes a summary of the program, comments by a reviewer, a description of the MDE mathematics strands covered, the manufacturers name and information to purchase the program.

These programs were review for the 1997/98 school year. Software manufactures are continually introducing new software. To get information about the latest educational software parents and teachers can check their local library for a subscription of Children’s Software Revue. Children’s Software Revue also has a Web page at the following address: www.childrenssoftware.com.

Mathematics Software: Math Heads

by Theatrix (Grades 4-8)

Theartix’s Math Heads software uses a music video format to present mental math strategies used for solving problems. The students use an on-screen- remote control to surf between seven television shows while practicing mental math. Each channel presents a different math activity, designed to give students practice in solving word problems, recognizing multiple representations of the same quantity, manipulating fractions, decimals, and percentages, proportional reasoning, basic computation, and estimation.

Math Heads is upbeat and loud with graphics that are continually moving around the screen. This program has a very distinct style that should appeal to high-energy middle school or junior high students.

Comments:

• Two of the games in Math Heads, Go Mental and Dance ‘Til You Drop, are especially good for developing mental math strategies.
• Go Mental on channel 3 is a game show in which a celebrity guest answers a math question, and the student judges the appropriateness of the technique used to solve the problem. This game is a good review of strategies used to interpret complex word problems.
• Dance ‘Til You Drop on channel 5 features a number line estimation game that provides a fast-paced method for students to practice and develop their ability to perform quick mental math calculations.

MDE Content Standard Strands

1. Patterns, Relationships and Functions

4. Number Sense and Numeration
5. Numerical and Algebraic Operations and Analytical Thinking

Manufacturer Theatrix:  (Ages 10-14,Grades 4-8)

Approximate Cost:  $30

Contact Information:  1-800-955-TRIX www.theatrix.com

Mathematics Software: Mighty Math Astro Algebra

by Edmark (Grades 7-9)

Edmark’s Astro Algebra is part of the Mighty Math Series. In Astro Algebra, students travel through the galaxy solving problems covering a wide range of pre-algebra and algebra topics. Astro Algebra introduces and reinforces algebra and pre-algebra concepts including negative integers, equivalent expressions, ratios and proportions, exponential notation, variables, inverse operations, and solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities.

The program contains three stations called Grapher, Cargo Bay and VariaBlox. The student is given a problem (mission ) to solve and then transported to a station to solve the problem. There is also a toolkit available to help the student solve problems. An example of a tool kit item is the calculator that shows the steps of a problem including the order of operations.

Comments:

The strength of this program is that the graphics in the program allow the student to visualize the abstract concepts of algebra. For example, a student can use a number line to perform operations with positive and negative integers, the equation and results are graphed on the number line. Another example is using blocks to represent algebraic expressions and then combining like terms by merging two blocks.

MDE Content Standard Strands

1. Patterns, Relationships and Functions

4. Number Sense and Numeration

5. Numerical and Algebraic Operations and Analytical Thinking

Manufacturer Edmark:  (Ages 12-14, Grades 7-9)

Approximate Cost:  $35

Contact Information: 1-800-362-2890 www.edmark.com