This is a list of apps that you can use with students to promote mathematical thinking. Have students create projects, solve word problems and share their thinking. I have students create word problems of their own and add video or images to create their own books. Then they challenge their friends to solve them. I integrate Fine Arts into the Math curriculum with math raps and math movies. Annotation apps such as Explain Everything or Doodle Buddy let students share their learning. Great for inquiry or differentiated instruction.
GarageBand is an easy app to use and allows students to record their voices and add music. They can create anything from podcasts to math raps or create the background audio to add to a slideshow of images or movie clip. Great to use for Fine Arts integration into any subject area, for project-based learning or differentiation.
Paid iPad app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408709785?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid Mac program: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garageband/id408980954?mt=12&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Number is a spreadsheet and graphing app (like Excel). Have students collect data and create either 2-D or 3-D graphs either as part of a math unit or in other subject areas, such as Science, for data collection.
Paid Mac program: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/numbers/id409203825?mt=12&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/numbers/id361304891?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/numbers/id361304891?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Like GarageBand, Audacity allows students to record their voices and add music. Music and audio files can be added and edited and spliced together. Create a math rap explaining any mathematical concept.
Free Mac program: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/
Free Windows program: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/
Book Creator is an app that allows students to create books and publish or share either as a PDF file or ePub book. They can also be exported to the iBooks app and look very professional. I use this app to create word problem books or math based stories. Audio and other media can be added to create multimedia publications.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/book-creator-for-ipad-create/id442378070?mt=8&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/book-creator-free-make-books/id661166101?mt=8&at=10l6SU
Google Chrome app: https://app.bookcreator.com/sign-in
Website: https://bookcreator.com/
Free Windows program: https://app.bookcreator.com/sign-in
Free Mac program: https://app.bookcreator.com/sign-in
You can use this app (which is essentially an interactive whiteboard) to draw, annotate, add video, images, audio and create a variety of presentations. Have a Grade 1 student take a photo of their pattern and explain how it grows. have a grade 7 student explain the steps of solving an algebraic equation. I use this app all the time. Student work can be exported in the camera roll and shared.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id431493086?mt=8&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id431493086?mt=8&at=10l6SU
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explaineverything.explaineverything
Free Android Tablet app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.explaineverything.explaineverything
Google Chrome app: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/explain-everything/abgfnbfplmdnhfnonljpllnfcobfebag
Math Doodles consists of challenges and puzzles that allow children to play with and explore mathematical concepts that will strengthen their math skills. What I like about this app is that the puzzles allow for mutliple answers - so logical thinking and reasoning skils are also strengthened. Great game based app.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-doodles/id526959716?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Scan is a QR code reader. I use QR codes for activities such as a Math Photo Hunt (take a picture of a repeating pattern, for example) or a Math Scavenger Hunt. Students love this type of activity and student engagement during math will increase. Promote inquiry, problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.scan.android.scan
Paid Mac program: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scan-qr-code-barcode-reader/id722364523?mt=12
Doodle Buddy is a drawing app that could be used to create math art (draw a picture with hidden geometric shapes for instance). It could be used to explain a math concept or problem and share with friends.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doodle-buddy-paint-draw-scribble/id313232441?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doodle-buddy-for-ipad-paint/id364201083?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Geoboard app is a tool for creating meaning when teaching perimeter, area, fractions and angles (to name a few). This can be used to replace the geoboards found in schools and the board can expand from 25 to 150 pegs.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geoboard-by-math-learning/id519896952?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geoboard-by-math-learning/id519896952?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Website: http://www.mathlearningcenter.org/web-apps/geoboard/
Google Chrome app: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/geoboard-by-the-math-lear/gaakmmdiopnmcenkojohldanladpajak
This is a great collection of math tools that will support an understanding of numbers and number operations. They include an abacus, dice, counting beads and other activities. This collection is geared towards younger learners (age 3 to 11) and is a great alternative to worksheets.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-tools/id599614966?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This is a fun app that promotes logic, mathematical thinking and problem solving capabilities. And it is as addictive as chocolates. There are over 400 challenges where the player must place the chocolates in the correct place in the chocolate box. The clues are there but logical thinking and problem solving skills are needed as well.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chocolate-fix/id409705623?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chocolate-fix/id409705623?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Create and manipulate a wide range of 3D shapes. Promote mathematical thinking, spatial awareness and an understanidng of volume. I use this with my students and highly recommend it.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/think-3d-free/id463364378?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/think-3d-free/id463364378?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/think-3d/id446608416?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/think-3d/id446608416?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app provides users with a set of fraction bars that can be displayed as fractions, decimals or percentages. This relationship is one my students struggle with year after year and this app provides a set of manipulatives that can be used to explore, learn and reinforce these concepts.
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/virtual-manipulatives!/id471341079?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Mancala is one of the oldest board games in the world and is played all over the planet. It is a favourite of my students during math games. And here is an app. This is a strategic game that will promote problem solving and logic skills.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mancala-fs5-free/id300868307?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mancala-fs5-free/id300868307?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mancala-fs5/id300872373?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mancala-fs5/id300872373?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This is an app that is based on a sliding block game. In this version, the red car needs to exit through the gate. There are 2500 challenges, all of which develop spatial awareness, logic, reasoning and mathematical thinking skills. This game is very popular with my students, my family and puzzle addicts of all ages.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rush-hour/id336542036?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rush-hour/id336542036?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Play 3 dimensional Tic-Tac-Toe and develop spatial awareness, logic, reasoning and mathematical thinking skills. A challenging version of the very popular game we all have played.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/3d-tic-tac-toe/id432330062?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/3d-tic-tac-toe/id432330062?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
The Tower of Hanoi game is a math puzzle the requires the player to move the disks from one peg to another. This game uses books instead of disks and has 400 levels. Encourage your child's problem-solving and reasoning skills with this game.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/book-towers-tower-hanoi-game/id592425401?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/book-towers-tower-hanoi-game/id592425401?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Navigate the Okta from top to bottom using addition, subtraction, multiplication or division. Promotes mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Created by Illuminations - the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pick-a-path/id545185507?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pick-a-path/id545185507?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app provides you with unlimited pattern blocks for use as manipulatives that promote mathematical thinking. Possible uses include fractions, tesselations and patterns. They can be moved, copied or rotated on a triangular or square grid. There is a pen tool for annotations to record notes or explanations.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pattern-blocks-by-brainingcamp/id485065679?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Create geometric shapes and explore and change their properties by resizing, moving, rotating. Plot the shapes on a co-ordinate grid and explore concepts introduced in geometry. This is a great resource for the geometry/measurement units in math and I have used it with my Grade 6 class for studying polygons and my Grade 7s for circles. Transformations can be carried out and this reinforces spatial awareness and understanding of a subject that is difficult to teach with paper and pencil.
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geometry-pad/id517461177?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Created by the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics, this app Work against the Okta to pick cards that will add up to a certain sum. Can be made more difficult to include decimals. Promotes mathematical thinking, fluency and algebraic thinking
Website: http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=207
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deep-sea-duel/id547246887?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/deep-sea-duel/id547246887?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.AndroidPublish
Create 3-D images on the iPad. You can import images, create a design, or use a template. Print, cut and fold into geometric shapes.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/foldify/id527118971?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app allows use to choose a polyhedron and then build cross sections. This is a more advanced math app and would support study of 3-D shapes while promoting spatial awareness.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icrosss/id431653759?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icrosss/id431653759?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app promotes younger children's number sense with 5 activities that teach measurement. Time, weight, and volume are introduced. Students often enter the middle grades without a really good understanding of these measurements and reinforcement of these concepts in earlier grades is a good idea. While I am not a big fan of game-based learning this does support an understanding of measurement concepts for pre-school to Grade 3 aged students.
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/measurement-hd/id452493138?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Allows you to use your camera to measure the distance of objects. Using this app to estimate and then solve distances in real-life situations and settings helps students create mental benchmarks for measurement and develop a deeper understanding of what a distance measurement actually is. This could be used in math to develop understanding of distances and in math and science to collect data, make comparisons and solve problems.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/easymeasure-measure-your-camera!/id349530105?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/easymeasure-measure-your-camera!/id349530105?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app can be used as a level or to measure the slope of objects both inside and out. Support mathematical thinking and measurement skills. This can be connected to a geometry unit on slope and angles and be used to support data collection and analysis of unique environments and ecosystems.
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clinometer-hd-bubble-level/id364877623?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This is a geometry tool that will let you create geometric shapes AND includes a compass. Create angles, angle bisectors, spirals and then have them snap together. This could replace the compasses found in geometry kits but could also be used as an additional tool when teaching about angles.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/isosceles-geometry-sketchpad/id554492532?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/isosceles-geometry-sketchpad/id554492532?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app turns your device into a scrollable ruler that will extend over 1 meter (or four feet). Use for any measurement activities from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ruler-pro-extra-long/id554891517?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ruler-pro-extra-long/id554891517?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app measures angles and converts the measurement to other units. It replaces the ubiquitous plastic protractor from the geometry kit. I like it since the protractor works well and is easy to use. My only concern would be that it doesn't measure past 180˚.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/protractor-1st/id331027151?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Free iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/protractor-1st/id331027151?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app stores and shares the dimensions of objects and areas. it will allow you to take a photo and annotate and store the information - measure with another app and then record and store the dimensions. Use this for teaching areas of polygons or irregular shapes.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-measures-dimensions/id325962257?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-measures-dimensions/id325962257?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This will allow you to measure both the distance and the height of an object or building. Use this app to estimate and then solve distances in real-life situations and settings helps students create mental benchmarks for measurement and develop a deeper understanding of what a distance measurement actually is. This could be used in math to develop understanding of distances and in math and science to collect data, make comparisons and solve problems. Measuring distance and height can also be used to support understanding of angles, triangles and the Pythagorean theorem.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spectaruler/id404900564?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Polymer is a logic or puzzle game where the player has to create shapes and slide them together. Promote your childs' mathematical logic, creativity and problem-solving skills with this challenging game.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/polymer/id499490016?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/polymer/id499490016?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Cardio Buddy measures your heart rate. The app works by measuring the variations of red in your face. It includes a comparison chart and tracks measurements over time. Use this as a data collection tool, as part of a Physical Education activity or in Life Sciences. It would lend itself to inquiry and experimentation with variables.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cardio-buddy-touchless-camera/id554391046?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
An unknown square is a 3 by 3 array where all lines add up to the same value. Promotes mathematical thinking, fluency and algebraic thinking. This is one of the challenges included in Math Doodles.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/unknown-square-math-doodles/id558758079?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This is another app developed by the National Council of the Teachers of Mathematics. Rescue the Oktas and develop counting skills and an understanding of grouping.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/oktas-rescue/id465480278?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Website: http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=219
Free Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.learningtoday.octopusAndroid2
The Graphs App is a guide and workbook to understand types of graphs including Line Graphs, Bar Graphs and Pie Charts. In addition to this, concepts such as Mean, Mode and Median are also explained in simple terms. It is a useful tool for graphing and data collection in elementary and middle school classrooms.
Paid iPad app: http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/graphs-by-tap-to-learn/id415598605?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/in/app/graphs-by-tap-to-learn/id415598605?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
This app teaches and provides practice for algebraic concepts such as the preservation of equality and solving equations. There more than 20 lessons and practice questions (or students can create their own and share with their classmates).
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/algebra-touch/id384354262?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/algebra-touch/id384354262?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
iMovie is a tool for video editing and creation. There are templates available or your child can create their own movies. A good project idea would be to create a 60 second movie of an event or experience. Take 60 photos and set their time frame to one second or edit some video footage into a 60 second chunk.
Paid Mac program: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id408981434?mt=12&at=10l6SU
Paid iPad app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193?mt=8&at=10l6SU
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imovie/id377298193?mt=8&at=10l6SU
This is a panoramic photo app that I really like and have used often. You can take pictures up to 360°. Use in a math unit on circles.
Paid iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pano/id293709029?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Paid Android Phone app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.debaclesoftware.pano
Number Line is an app that allows your students to place fractions, decimals and percentages on a number line in order. It promotes understanding of the concepts of fractions and reinforces number sense. As a Grade 7 teacher I can attest that this is the concept most difficult for my students to understand and master.
Free iPhone app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/number-line/id319589184?mt=8&uo=4&at=10l6SU
Flipsnack is a really great site. Upload a PDF or PDF files and turn it a book - the pages turn and you can hear the swoosh while they do. i love this app for publishing - the final product looks incredible. The book can be shared through a link or if you pay the monthly premium, they can be downloaded and embedded. Make a book of word problems written by students or have students create a book explaining concepts they learned throughout the year.
Website: http://www.flipsnack.com/