Math vs. Aliens is a brand new addition and subtraction game for students determined to save the world's animals from aliens. With a simple bubble popping interface, this app gives kids math practice in a fun way. With simple addition and subtraction facts, this app is a great starter for the young mathematician.
Aliens have invaded Earth and are stealing all of the animals. To stop them, players must solve simple addition and subtraction facts. Problems are given with directions like, "Tap on 7-5 Rabbits". To save the rabbits, the player must solve the problem and pop the correct number of rabbit bubbles from a grid of 20 animal bubbles dropped by an alien. The app has four chapters: Addition, Subtraction, More Addition, and More Subtraction. Each chapter has 30 levels, each of which can be replayed. After quitting the game, the check marks disappear, leaving the levels cleared for your next visit. Young children ages 3-7 will find this app engaging and fun, with the hidden bonus of math practice.
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As both a parent and a teacher, I've found anytime there are bubbles to be popped, students are engaged. I particularly liked that the app isn't number based, it's animal based, so the student must figure out the answer and then pop the correct number of corresponding animal bubbles. It's a unique level of mental math at an early age. Although this app deals with addition and subtraction, I think it would be usable with kids as young as 2-3. I sat with my three year old son this evening and read the addition problems to him. "Pop 3+2 Chickens" is not just an addition problem, it is also an easy counting activity for young kids. I liked the versatility of the app for the younger crowd and the fact that I can easily introduce math calculations so early.
A note to the developer:
There were a few things I'd love to see tweaked in the app. First, this app is great for young kids just beginning math practice, however since the problem isn't read to them, they might not know to pop the giraffes or chickens, resulting in random popping until they figure out which animal they are saving. Perhaps having the problem read aloud, or adding a picture of the animal with the words would make this more accessible to the youngest players. Additionally, if you pop too many bubbles, there is no way to correct your mistake without entering an incorrect answer and retrying. As a teacher, I'd love to see the ability to "unpop" the bubble if a child notices a mistake. Also, if you allow the player to "unpop" students beginning subtraction could have a more concrete model. For instance, given "Pop 7-4 Lions" could have a student pop 7 lions, then unpop 4 to get the correct answer.
Overall, this app is a keeper. I think young students will enjoy the bubble popping and saving the animals of Earth one math problem at a time. The app's graphics are good with a catchy techno theme song. The interface is really user friendly, with no additional directions needed. The math calculations are perfect for kids just starting to learn mental math. If my son is any indicator, this app will quickly become a favorite at our house.
Math vs. Aliens is available for downlaod via the iTunes App Store: Universal App
This app was reviewed by Sarah Emerling, a mom, a special education teacher, and a technology coach. She is a self proclaimed nerd with a passion for incorporating technology into education.
See it in action:
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