DragonBox Algebra 5+
© 2013 WeWantToKnow AS
Note: See also DragonBox Numbers and DragonBox Algebra 12+. The first part of a two level algebra game, DragonBox Algebra 5+ is an iPad app that turns simple algebra equations into a card game. The idea is to let children discover some of the key concepts behind variables and balancing equations. The game uses a mastery learning scoring mechanism, like Angry Birds, to present a series of progressively more challenging puzzles where you combine cards in order to balance equations. If you mix and match well, you earn more stars. The goal? "to secretly teach algebra." Progress is illustrated with the birth and growth of a dragon for each new chapter. The game was created by Patrick Marchal and Jean-Baptiste Huynh, the latter a high school teacher. You can toggle between 13 languages, and adjust the sound. There are social media links between levels (you can "like" your progress on Facebook). So.. does this app successfully "gameify" algebra? Is there transfer to "real" algebra? These are questions that should and could be formally tested, however, there is no doubt that the app playfully presents a rule-based puzzle game and those rules are very similar to those used when balancing algebraic equations. It is also easy to jump back to a previously mastered level. Concepts include equals sign, isolating variables, manipulating basic equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. More advanced topics in algebra such as parentheses, fractions, and factorization are covered in DragonBox Algebra 12+.
$5.99, iPad, Android, iPhone
Teaches: math, logic, balancing equations, algebra, variables
CTR Rating: 86%