SciMthds Search vs Numbers

This App uses a very fun and engaging activity involving mixing three primary colors to match a given specimen of unknown mixing. The challenge is to find the combination of primary color intensities that make up the target specimen color in as few test tries as possible. It is a very simple activity; but one that can be made ever more challenging by dialing down the allowable matching error. With the introduction of an error measurement meter and mathematical methods of seeking convergence, this activity also becomes an elegant means of giving students valuable insights and experiences into the application of math to find solutions. Whereas the natural tendency is to try to solve the mixing using trial and error, with this unit students will discover how ineffective guessing is and how much more successful mathematical methods are at efficiently converging to the solutions. The unit is structured and carefully differentiated to work over a wide range of abilities, and can be employed to support many learning standards, so that its use can span classrooms from grades 3 to 12 and/or can be used for learning at home. COLOR THEORY: Introduce students to color theory and how monitors use primary colors to generate a wide gamut of color hues while having fun doing color matching activities that can be stepped up in challenge level. SCIENCE METHODS INCLUDE: Pattern Recognition Information Modeling Accuracy and Error Measurement Systematic Problem Solving Solution Convergence SOLUTION STRATEGIES: Guess Error Measurement Bisection Ratio Gradient APP CONTENT: * Five Computer Simulations of Color Mixing & Problem Solving Methods * 3-Dimensional Information Modeling * Simulation of Three Different Experimental Design Scenarios * Seven classroom activity lessons with objectives * Three hands-on lab plans with material lists, notes * Teacher Lesson Answers and Lab Guidance PROBLEM SOLVING: At its foundation, this App teaches students how math and science can be used to find experimental solutions; it introduces students to the important ideas and methods of Experimental Design. How do you match the color, to repaint a car that has been damaged, when the original color of the car has faded? How do you mix several color dyes together for an accessory when you wish to match the color of a dress? How does an astronomer determine the abundance of a certain heavy metal in the photosphere of a star when the observed spectrum is affected by the temperature, density, and pressure of the star? Experimental Design problems abound in all aspects of life; the question asked often is how much of several known inputs are needed to get the results desired. By doing similar color mixing experiments on the computer, students will discover how much more rapidly they can: do the color mixing tests, investigate solution strategies, and develop pattern recognition. They will experience how computers are used as a tool to study real world problems and learn solution strategies. To enhance connections to the physical world, the App includes write-ups for labs that are easy to put together and use to work the concepts offline as well. Students perform experiments mixing food-coloring dyes, trying to match a color of unknown formulation. These labs help the students grasp the issues and develop an awareness of the difficulties in arriving at an experimental solution; it provides greater insights into how such problems are actually solved in science and industry. Direct links between computer technology, numerical methods, and the lab experiments are established in simulating the same type of experiments on the computer.

Numbers is a fun and interactive math learning app designed for elementary students. With colorful flip cards and hands-on gestures, children can explore essential math concepts through play. The app features 14 learning modes covering a wide range of math topics: Whole Numbers - Explore place value from ones to millions with up to 7 digit cards. See the expanded decomposition form to understand how numbers are built. Decimals - Learn decimal place values from thousands down to thousandths with a visual decimal point overlay. Fractions - Discover fractions with six linked cards showing the fraction, decimal, percentage, name, pie chart, and equivalent fraction. Mixed Fractions - Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers. See pie charts that show whole parts and remainders side by side. Percentages - Calculate percentages of any number. See the equation laid out as cards with a visual bar showing the proportion. Multiplication - Practice times tables from 1 to 12 with dot arrays and skip counting sequences. Money - Count US dollars and British pounds with coins and bills. The total updates automatically as you add or remove. Time - Tell time with both analog and digital clocks. Minutes move in 5 minute steps with hour and AM PM rollover. Rounding - Round any number from 0 to 9999 to the nearest 10, 100, or 1000. A rule card explains the rounding logic. Roman Numerals - See any number from 1 to 3999 as a Roman numeral with a breakdown by thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. Temperature - Convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit with a color changing thermometer that responds to the temperature. Length - Convert between centimeters, meters, kilometers, and miles. Weight - Convert between grams and kilograms. Water Volume - Convert between milliliters and liters. Every card uses a satisfying split flap animation. Swipe up or down to change values, tap to increment, and double tap to decrement. A listen button reads the current content aloud to support auditory learners. Designed for iPad and iPhone with no ads, no in app purchases, and no internet required.