Math Apps!
Educational apps for students grades K-12
Introduction
Desmos
This app can be used in the classroom to save time when a graph needs to be shown or it can be used as an aid to help teach graph translations and transformations. Desmos can also be used outside of the classroom to help complete assignments or even as part of an assignment itself.
An idea for a math 20/30 assignment would be to use Desmos (or a similar graphing app) to use different equations to create an image. This type of assignment would allow students to be creative with their math, while also helping to diversify their knowledge of equations and the graphs that correspond to them.
The image below is a very intricate example of using equations to create an image.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is an app available through many devices; online, itunes, and google play.
This app can be quite useful in the classroom to provide an interesting introduction to a new topic or as a summary to a particularly difficult topic. However, in my opinion the best use of this app would be by students outside of the classroom. Khan Academy allows students to watch through videos and tutorials at their own speed. Between sections it provides practice problem checkpoints to ensure students are understanding the material that was being taught. They can also save their progress!
Below is an example of one of the fascinating math videos provided by Khan Academy.
Wabbitemu
This can be used in the classroom as a calculator, or more realistically will be used outside of the classroom by students who are trying to complete homework assignments but forgot their TI-84.
Symbolab
While this app is not easily translated into the classroom, it can be used by students at home to verify answers to their assignments and homework.
This app should be shown with caution because if students are not educated properly it could easily lead to plagiarism and incomplete knowledge of the topics taught. If Symbolab is going to be used teachers need to be very clear with their students on the consequences of copying the work.
Below is an example of the type of steps it shows to solve a question.
Math Tricks
This app is used to sharpen the mind relating to math operations. The questions asked are related to many different operations and are designed to sharpen your ability to do complex calculations and learn tricks to speed up such calculations. With each wrong answer the app will walk you through tips to speed up your calculations.
This app can be used in the classroom to take a break from "work" and allow your students to socialize while still doing math related things. It can also be used by students on their own time to help better their math skills.
Below is an example of the trick to solve 51 x 31 quickly.