Tower Math
© 2014 Freecloud Design, Inc.
This is a multiple-choice math drill combined with a tower defense game that is fast-paced, multileveled and addicting. Here's how it works. There's an approaching army of monsters that you "kill" (or "free the numbers") by placing automated towers that randomly launch various types of projectiles. These give the game a "Plants vs. Zombies" feel to it. The more monsters you stop, the higher your score, and your chance to clear the level. It's worth noting that at no point in the game are shooting, bullets or killing mentioned (numbers are "freed.") The kids will know the difference. The "math" comes in because the only way to build towers is to answer math fact problems along the parade route. Because the monster route varies, the placement and strength of the towers matters. You quickly learn that harder math-fact problems earn you higher and more powerful towers, and to get ahead in the game, it pays to attempt the harder problems. Content includes 20 themed levels and three tower types: Cannon, Lobber and Lightning. There are also two special powers called freeze ray and magic rain, that you can use after successfully answering math problems. You can save up to 5 player profiles, to bookmark the progress. Bronze, silver or gold medals and your scores for accuracy are awarded for each level, and math accuracy is reported at the end of each level. This app is all about math facts; with a bit strategy mixed in. Once you get past the first level, it's easy to get hooked, and wake up a few hours later having solved hundreds of math-fact problems. Correct answers are shown after a wrong attempt. Unique features include giving you the choice of "taking a break", and to clear a level by choosing easier problems, hence giving you some repetitious practice with easier problems that may be overlooked by other math drill programs. Strategic thinking comes into play when you make choices about tower placement and power. Classroom friendly features include the ability to adjust either the music or the background sounds. We liked the zany feel to this app, which was created by Dan Russel-Pinson (see Stack the States). Those who remember Math Blaster will appreciate this refreshing attempt at an age-old pedagogical task: to make math practice fun.
$0.99, iPad, Android, Kindle
Teaches: mental math, basic facts, addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, strategy
CTR Rating: 92%