This math-based application joins arcade game fun with simple addition and subtraction problems. To play Math Bumpies, you pick your tropical superhero likeness, and then tilt the iPhone/iTouch to navigate your way through the ten destinations on Math Island. Along the way you’ll see math problems; when you see a choice of answers, tap on your character to jump and bump the correct answer to acquire points. The game can be played in three modes (easy, medium, and hard) and is geared for kids age six and up. It appears best suited to children who already have a working knowledge of addition and subtraction and are looking to improve their math proficiency. It truly offers adventure, with challenges including shark infested waters, snow storms, walls of fire, and quicksand. Of all the math apps I’ve experienced, Math Bumpies feels much more like a heart-pounding video game than a means for learning. It’s no doubt this game will appeal to a child’s desire to have fun… and a parent’s ambition to enrich their child’s intelligence.

By Age Range, By App Feature, High School +, Just For Fun, Math, Middle School, Primary School, Reviews

Mathemagics is an application that teaches tricks and strategies for mental math calculation. It’s based on basic math skills and only requires understanding of simple math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). Users are guided step-by-step through each lesson to solve the problem, then there’s the opportunity to use acquired skills in the practice section. The math calculations steps are easy to follow and logically explained. I was stuck a few times while practicing but I found it easy enough to toggle back to the lesson section to refresh my understanding of the calculation. Seriously, I’m the kind of gal who whips out her iPhone calculator to figure out a restaurant tip – it’s staggering that I can do such complex math problems with such ease and enjoyment. This app would likely appeal to teenagers and adults preparing for the math section on standardized tests, or those looking for a geeky good time.

By Age Range, By App Feature, For Parents, High School +, Math, Middle School, Reviews

Popmath combines basic math drills (addition, subtraction, multiplication & division) with a matching game featuring floating bubbles. You match the corresponding math problem with the correct answer and…POP…you eliminate two bubbles. I sometimes struggle to review math applications but I knew this was a winner when I found myself choosing to play this game while pampering myself at the salon. This educational game exemplifies two of the greatest potential app qualities: learning and fun. Seriously, what could be more ideal? The playful twist to learning is fit for kids acquiring new skills and for adults looking to keep a sharp mind. Let your inner-geek rejoice!

By App Feature, Matching, Math, Middle School, Primary School, Reviews

KidCalc is a math app chocked full of features including: a counting puzzle, a counting snowflakes game, math and counting flash cards, an animated calculator and math sets (addition and subtraction). Skills taught include number recognition by sight and sound, understanding of quantities, counting forward, backward and incrementally, and basic addition and subtraction. What makes the KidCalc app so effective is that math problems use icons to represent numbers so learners can “count-it-out” to further understand the meaning of each math problem. Further, the repetitive nature of this technique makes it a forceful learning tool. Buyers should be aware that KidCalc is geared for kids just learning math but it can be customized to be more challenging for more advanced learners. It amazes me how much is offered in this one app – it’s a real deal.

Counting, Math, Preschool, Primary School, Reviews

Sesame Streets’ Grover is a waiter AND cook today and he needs your assistance preparing menu items to serve to his hungry customer. Tilt your iPhone/Touch back and forth to count and catch food items to be used to prepare restaurant entrees. Grover’s Number Special is a unique app that is designed with video clips interspersed between interactive counting and identification activities; it envelopes you and makes you feel like you’re a guest star on an episode of Sesame Street. While many ages can appreciate the entertainment value of this game, it’s geared to preschool-aged children with basic lessons in counting, number recognition, and object identification. Older children might soon tire of the repetitive nature of the game.

Counting, Matching, Math, Preschool, Primary School, Reviews, Toddlers