Fraction Apps and Websites M291 Fall 2013

1) Motion Math   (reviewed by Bonnie, $3.99)https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motion-math-hd/id410521340Description: players tilt the I-pad to make a ball land on a continuum in the requested location. This could be used at 2nd grade on easy level, but on medium or hard it is still very appropriate for 5th-6th graders. The continuum starts at 0 to 1 and various fractions fall from the “sky” and students try to make them land on the correct location. If a student lands it too far left or right an arrow will indicate the direction they should go. Then if they miss again, the continuum is broken into equal parts such as 12ths so the student can find the correct location such as 7/12. The game progresses to decimals and percents as well and the continuum changes to include 0 to 2 instead of just 0 to 1.

Mathematics: This app builds number sense incredibly fast as students learn to compare numbers to 0, ½, and 1 very quickly. It uses proper fractions, mixed numbers, improper fractions, decimals, and percent forms of a number. Students are informally graphing numbers on a number line. I find many students follow the algorithm for comparing fractions, but really have no innate sense of the value of the numbers—this app helps build number sense.

2) pizza math    (reviewed by Beth R.) http://www.softschools.com/math/fractions/games/Description: This website has fraction games where you drag pieces of pizza to match the fraction.  It will give you a pizza pie with some pizza eaten, then you have to guess the fraction that is there. This website has grades up to middle school. It also has algebra, language arts, science and social studies. This site builds skills for multiple math areas but also include math worksheets you can print out for the class. I really enjoyed this site!

Mathematics: When clicking on the “math” tab on the top left of the website, you are given a large options table. This table consists of many mathematical areas. Adding, subtracting, multiplication, division. It also consists of algebra, probability, order of operations, integers, prime numbers and percentage. The website reaches children up to fifth grade. These games and worksheets help children reach the content math standards. For example: measurement, operations and geometry are the CCSM standards for third grade, per the CCSSM website. You can choose which area a student needs help with and download worksheets or have them play games based on their individual need.  CCSM WEBSITE: http://www.corestandards.org/Math

3) Fraction Intro-Collect and Survive                     (Reviewed by Jordan F.)Downloaded on iPadDescription: You have 20 chances to collect the survival items by filling in the correct fraction. After you answer the fraction correctly, you test your reflexes by picking the survival items when they are highlighted on the side. Points are awarded based on correctness and tapping the survival items. There are 30 seconds available to answer each each fraction question. You don't get points for the fraction if you get it wrong, however you also don't get help and equivalent fractions don't work. The fraction is based off of how many survival items are shown versus how many are highlighted. The fraction you select is how many survival items are highlighted over how many survival items are shown. This game will work well for third graders or any student who is getting a beginning introduction to fractions, but would be too easy and possibly boring for students with advanced fraction knowledge. Mathematics: It meets the CCSSM standard 3.NF.A.1: Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

4) Fraction’s Kitchen App (Reviewed by Danielle B.)Description:Join Chef Fraction in his goal to create a five-star restaurant. His journey, however, is blocked by mathematical obstacles and his arch-nemesis, La Cucaracha. Help him create his signature recipes while using his unique kitchen gadgets.

Mathematics (grade 4+):When playing this fraction game one gets the chance to not only cut things into parts (equivalent fractions), but it also has you heat things for a certain fraction of a given time.  It is an interactive, entertaining game that requires thinking while keeping your attention with fun and challenging fractions and some additional bug zapping.  This game is played against a timer so you have a certain amount of time to make your fractions.

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2 Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

o CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2a Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

5) Chicken Coop Estimation Game   (reviewed by Katy W.)To find it: It’s an iphone/ipod/ipad app! If you just search the title in the App Store (or even just search ‘fractions’) it should be pretty easy to find.

Description: The goal of this game is to estimate the whole and decimal equivalent for

different fractions- including proper fractions (2/7), proper fractions of numbers (2/4 of 14), improper fractions (7/5), and improper fractions of numbers (25/5 of 9). The hens on either side of the screen are “perfect aims” when it comes to getting the correct whole number equivalent to the fractions. So for example, if the fraction pops up and says “¼”, the player has roughly eight seconds to pick a spot on the number line below (in this case, .25) before the chicken launches it’s egg. In those eight seconds you select a spot on the number line to put the nest so that the egg will land safely in the nest.. and eventually hatch into a chick at the end.

Mathematics: This game requires children to have quick estimation skills. It also requires them to realize equivalencies and I think that is a hard concept for many students. It is so versatile, it can be used in a variety of grades. For example, when fractions are pretty much introduced in the Third Grade, it can help satisfy this CCSSM standard:

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2 Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

o CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2a Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

It can also be used all the way up to fifth grade and beyond to higher grade levels by adjusting the difficulty. Here is an example of a CCSS for fifth grade that this game would satisfy:

CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.A.2 Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers. For example, recognize an incorrect result 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, by observing that 3/7 < 1/2.

Application: This game is so versatile and adjustable in so many ways. First off, in the math itself. A proper fraction such as ⅓ is something that students learn right off the bat when they are first introduced to fractions while improper fractions of numbers like 14/7 of 6 is a much more abstract concept- one that I even had to think about for a minute. There is an easy and hard option for every type of fraction problem. Another way to modify this game is to go into Game Settings. You can make the time allowance for each question longer or shorter (3 to 20 seconds or completely turn off the timing) and you can also adjust the accuracy of the placement of nest (+/- 10% or +/- 7%). So not only is the game adjustable for whole classes but for individual students as well. So if one student says “this is too easy” you can tell him to adjust it to make it harder (or easier). Personally, I really enjoyed playing the game and found myself playing it when it wasn’t really necessary; so I think students would really enjoy it too- plus it’s free!

6) Math Friendzy App. (Reviewed by Kylie M.)I downloaded the app on my iphone.

Description: It has multiple categories to choose from such as add/subtract decimals, add/subtract negatives, add/subtract fractions, and multiply/divide fractions. You start at an easy level where you add or subtract fractions with common denominators. Each level has 10 problems and progressively gets harder. It is a pretty fun game and satisfying when you go up a level. Each level has a different theme such as fish in the ocean or horses and castles which is really cool.

Mathematics : This app is good for kids learning to add/ subtract , multiply/divide fractions. At higher levels in the app you have to deal with improper fractions. It is good practice for older kids. (Probably 4th grade and up).

CCSSM Math content 4.NF.B.3c: add and subtract numbers with like denominators by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fractions and/or by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

7) Fifth Grade Learning Games app       (reviewed by Megan M.)downloaded to my iphone

Description: Multiple categories, such as fractions, order of operations, root words, etc. The order of operations is a car game, where you and three other cars race, and for each “marker” on the road is a question, for a total of about 6. The question is an equation such as 5x6+1-8=? They give you four different answers and you pick the one that you think is correct. At the end of the race, it will tell you if you got 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place. The fractions part is the same idea, but instead of race cars, it correlates with angry birds. There is a fraction problem such as 1/3x2/7=? and you have four options to pick an answer. There are other fraction problems where they set up a number line and there is a dash on it, and your job is to figure out what fraction of the line has the dash on it. For every question you get right, you earn a stone which at the end, you can sling shot into a brick building and earn points for how much of the building you destroy.

Mathematics: This app is good for kids who want to work on fractions by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and seeing how it looks on a number line. It is also good for children learning their order of operations, because even today several kids get mixed up. This app says it is geared towards 5th grade, but I believe 4th graders could use this as well.

CCSSM: This website did correlate with the order of operations, and learning what comes first, second, third, etc. This app is great for 5th graders, and also accelerated 4th grade learners. The standards is to use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions, and to apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division. These equations also were simple, so the kids shouldn’t get too discouraged if they got it wrong. As long as they understand how to do the order of operations, they can break it down in larger equations and get it right. This site also correlates with learning fractions, and being able to multiply, divide, add and subtract.

8) Football Math Game - Adding Fractions    (Reviewed by Emma E.) www.math-play.com/math-fractions-games.html

Description: Players use the mouse to throw the football to another football player within 30 seconds. Once the ball has been successfully caught two fractions pop up and the player is asked to find the sum of the two fractions. For example, 2/21 + 5/14 or 3/64 + ⅝. If the player answers correctly they receive 7 points and return back to throwing the ball with the remaining time. If the answer incorrectly they lose 3 points. After the complete 30 seconds are up and the player has scored enough points  and answered at least 3 questions they will move on to the next level.

Mathematics: This game could be played by any student learning how to add fractions and find common denominators. However it is based towards 4th grade students. Majority of the questions require the player to find the common denominator but no certain amount of time is required to solve the problem in. As I played this game over and over I found that the same questions were repeatedly asked.

CCSSM:CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3 Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b.CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3a Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3b Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Justify decompositions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

9) Math Fraction Tris                                                                (reviewed by Ann U)(Application was downloaded on my iPhone)Description:This game is similar to Tetris. Fractions will drop down from the top of the screen and the player must add a column up to 1 to make the column disappear. The game starts out slow and easy with just ½’s and ¼’s but then gradually the pieces start to move faster and faster while the fractions are getting smaller and smaller. The game does have to cool features, a ? will drop from the top of the screen, this symbol can be dropped on any column so that

the player will know what the column adds up to so the player knows what is left to be put on that particular column. The second symbol is an * that drops down, this special symbol will eliminate a whole column, making it disappear. If a player gets the wrong answer, such as adding ⅓ to ¾ no consequence per se happens, but the * symbol will make that column disappear no matter what, or the ? symbol will tell the player how much past 1 the number is, and the player must try to add again to get a whole other “ONE”.Mathematics:This application will help students make ONE out of multiple different fraction combinations. It makes them think quickly to move the fraction in order to succeed at the game. This game teaches number sense, but is for more advanced students, 4th and 5th graders that understand how to make a “whole” out of many fraction combinations.

CCSSM:CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3 Understand a fraction a/b with a > 1 as a sum of fractions 1/b.CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3a Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.B.3b Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Justify decompositions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

10) Everyday Mathematics: Equivalent Fractions (Reviewed by: Jessica J.)App for an iPad

Description: This game is essentially a fraction version of the game Concentration. It’s a one person game, so when they establish the cards in the set up for the game you have two cards in front of you then across from you are cards that are need matches. You can match a card by clicking on it, then the card should illuminate green around the outside, there were matches for all of the cards in the set, you just have to match them with the cards that have been “unveiled” to you. You receive two cards and then you attempt to find their match,, whether it be the other card that is in the pair at the bottom or the cards that are “across” from you. The whole point of the game is to get rid of the cards that are “across the table from you.” When you do that, you win the game!

Mathematics:This game is a really good resource to use if you are trying to teach equivalent fractions. On the card it will show the fraction and then put that fraction into an illustration using a cup/jar. Say for instance that you are given ½ as your fraction, the cup of water would be half full.

CCSM: CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.A.1 Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n

× a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and

size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

This is a core standard for the 4th grade, this is about equivalent fractions, how this is a key base for when you start to look at fractions that have unlike denominators.

11) Fractions Shoot: Simple Fractions                                (Reviewed by Yukari N)www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/earlymath/fractions_shoot.htm

Description: This game lets kids match a picture that represents a fraction, to the written out representation. For example, the fraction ⅔ will pop up, and the child will be shown a screen of circles, squares, and triangles floating around and constantly moving. The shapes have a variety of shaded in regions representing different simple fractions. Then the child must aim the mouse on the correct representation of the fraction and click on it or “shoot it”. If the child incorrectly shoots the picture, there is no penalization and he or she gets another chance to shoot the correct answer. There is a relaxed version which is an easier difficulty level and a timed version so that kids with a better understanding of equivalent fractions can challenge themselves.

Mathematics:This fraction game is aimed towards children in the third grade level. The game helps kids gain a better understanding of simple fractions and lets them learn the numerical representation for the pictures. It helps them take the next step from use of manipulatives to understanding the equivalent, numerical version.

CCSM:This math game correlates with:

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3 - Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3b- Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions e.g., ½ = 2/4, 4/6=⅔, Explain why the fractions are equivalent by using visual fraction model.

12) * Repeated from #5 Chicken Coop Fractions (Reviewed by Amanda P.)Application downloaded on my Kindle Fire (Free)

About the Game: This fun fraction game tests a child's ability to assess the value of a fraction in decimals. I enjoyed playing this game quite a bit and found it to be a great level for challenging and rewarding. The one thing that I would change about it is to add the

setting of turning the timer on or off.  Some kids might feel they can’t do as well with the pressure of a 10 second timer. This way, they could practice first and then turn on the timer to add a level of difficulty.Other than that, there are some very cute chickens that make some pretty fun noises as they lay “math eggs!” The objective is to move the nest at the bottom of the screen to the right spot on the fraction spectrum so that when the chicken shoots out the egg, it lands in the nest.Mathematics: Students will be challenged to quickly assess the decimal value of a fraction. For example: ¾=0.75. The standards that would and could be met with this itunes application are the following:

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.6 Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100. For example, rewrite 0.62 as 62/100; describe a length as 0.62 meters; locate 0.62 on a number line diagram.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.5 Express a fraction with denominator 10 as an equivalent fraction with denominator 100, and use this technique to add two fractions with respective denominators 10 and 100.2 For example, express 3/10 as 30/100, and add 3/10 + 4/100 = 34/100.

In comparison, I did review another App called “Simply Fraction” but it was rather disappointing, not very challenging, and boring. I think it’s always a good idea to look at a good quality game and a poor quality game.

13) Freddy Fraction (Reviewed by: Ashley M.)App. downloaded from IPhone for Free

Explanation: In this game you start off as  bumblebee in the top left corner of your screen, a honey pot is at the bottom right corner. There are parts of the beehive with fractions on them in between the bumblebee and honeypot. Along the right edge is a list of decimal numbers. In order to make your way to the honey pot, you have to look at the decimal number at the top of the list and match the fraction that is next to the bumblebee. If your answer is correct, you move onto the next decimal/fraction set. If it is wrong it, the fraction will turn red showing you that you’ve picked that answer and its wrong. You are allowed to make 5 incorrect answers on the game before being sent back to level 1. This game provides a fun and creative way to be able to match fractions with the equal decimal. The more they play the game the more strategies they’ll come up with to try and discover the right answer. Such as: if the denominator is 5, they can multiply both the top and bottom by twenty to make the bottom denominator 100. This will allow the child to see how many out of a hundred there are, and make it easier for them to relate it to a decimal. As the game continues, previously seen fractions that they’ve had to make to decimals will be repeated, along with more difficult fractions. After seeing the conversions, it will allow students to be familiarized with the decimals and their equal decimal.

CCSSM: This game would help students that are in 4th grade. Students are learning to make connections of decimals to fractions or from fractions to decimals. This game provides

a fun learning environment where they are both playing and learning. Example from the CCSSM website:     Understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.5 Express a fraction with denominator 10 as an equivalent fraction with denominator 100, and use this technique to add two fractions with respective denominators 10 and 100.2 For example, express 3/10 as 30/100, and add 3/10 + 4/100 = 34/100.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.6 Use decimal notation for fractions with denominators 10 or 100. For example, rewrite 0.62 as 62/100; describe a length as 0.62 meters; locate 0.62 on a number line diagram.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.NF.C.7 Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual model.

14) Basic Fraction (Reviewed by Brynn )

Free downloaded on iPhone

Description: This is more of an app than a game, but can be very educational. There are nine different options on the home screen. You can identify fractions, and say how many parts of the whole are shaded. You can compare fractions and pick which one is greater. Reducing fractions is also an option. Then there is an option where you are given an equation and you have to find the missing part to a fraction equation. You can also, add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. And the last option is random fraction problems are given. The app will give different addition,subtraction, multiplication, and division problems to the player. The nice thing about this app is you can write on the screen to try to find LCM or GCD. This app is not very animated or have lots of color but the students can write on the screen when they are trying to solve a problem. It is very interactive in this way.

Mathematics: This app can help with all sorts of fraction skills and good for any grade over 3rd I think. The CCSSM standards start mentioning fractions in 3rd grade and continue to have some sort of fraction requirement in every grade.

Grade 3- develop understanding of fractions as numbers.    

Grade 4- extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.

Build fractions from unit fractions by applying and extending previous understandings of operations on whole numbers.

Understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions.

Grade 5-

Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions.

15) Fraction Poker (Reviewed by Carly T)               App Download from iTunes for free

Description: I n this app you are dealt a hand of five fractions.  You select the equivalent fractions and then press “deal”.  The game then corrects your selection and gives you a sign that says “ok”.  Once you press okay, the cards that you didn’t select will disappear where new cards will replace them.  If any of the new cards are equivalent fractions to the prior ones you selected, it will give you chips for all of the equivalent fractions.  If you match an incorrect pair of fractions, the correct matches will turn red to signify that you missed some of the equivalent fractions.    

Mathematics: With this app, players are able to deepen their understanding of equivalent fractions, and gives them practice in finding them faster. It uses proper fractions only.  This app will help the students identify and compare fractions, as well as help them understand why certain fractions are considered equivalent.  

CCSSM Numbers and Operations--fractions 4.NF

Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering.

1. Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b)

by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and

size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are

the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent

fractions.

16) Repeat #5 and 12 Chicken Coop Estimation Game- Fractions (Reviewed by Brooke C.)

App Downloaded from iTunes to iPhone for free.

Description:  In this app you pick one of the seven levels available.  They are either easy in difficulty or hard (and the some of the hard levels are pretty challenging.)  A fraction will pop up on your screen and you have to tap on the number line below where you think it belongs. The number line is done in decimal form, so you have to convert your fraction to a decimal. This moves the nest at the bottom of the screen.  If you’re guess is in range the chicken egg will land safely on the nest.  If you’re guess is too far off the egg will break.  I really enjoyed this game and liked that there were different difficulties you could choose from.  One thing that may be frustrating for students is being timed on each problem.  The timer is adjustable, but is not removable.  

Mathematics:  This app increases students’ awareness on fractions and their decimal equivalents.  It uses both proper and improper fractions by themselves and combined with other numbers, like estimating 7/5 or 7/5 of 36.  Children are placing their estimates on a number line that uses whole numbers and decimals.

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2 Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.

o CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.2a Represent a fraction 1/b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the endpoint of the part based at 0 locates the number 1/b on the number line.

*Note:  This app would not work after updating iPhone 4S’s software.