MathTappers vs Teachley Fractions Boost

MathTappers: Fraction Estimation is designed to help learners to build their intuitive understanding of fractions by helping them to relate fractions (both symbols and pictures) to the nearest half (e.g., 0, 1/2 1, 1 1/2, 2, etc.) and then to extend their understanding by challenging them to use fraction estimates in addition and subtraction problems. Learners should be able to master the challenges in this app before moving on to formal operations with fractions. We recommend that this app be used in conjunction with classroom or tutoring activities to support consolidation, mastery and fluency through a series of manageable challenges. The purpose of this app is to support learners as they are developing their understanding of fractions, fraction symbols and fraction operations by emphasizing sense-making through estimation and the use of visual models. Evidence suggests that if learners are taught formulas and procedures before they develop understanding, then they may not be motivated to spend the effort needed to make sense of what they are doing. We want to support sense-making before procedural mastery. This app is not intended to be mastered in one shot – rather levels should be assigned judiciously to support classroom learning activities. After introducing each fraction idea (fraction estimation, and estimation of sums and differences) in a classroom presentation, explanation or discussion this app may be used in small group and individual activities to support exploration, sense-making, consolidation and remediation. Design: Tim Pelton & Leslee Francis Pelton Programming: Mike Anderson, Joshua E. Smith & Garrett Reimer The designers of the MathTappers apps are math educators and researchers seeking to create simple games that will help learners to make sense of mathematics one concept at a time. We have designed MathTappers apps to support students in learning mathematics by providing relevant visual models, focused content linked games and helpful suggestions for parents and educators. Please check out all of our MathTappers apps (links found at MathTappers.com): MathTappers: MultiMatch--a matching app that challenges learners to match sets of cards placed on the table. This is our newest MathTappers app. Although it comes with a deck and you can download others from our website, it was really designed to encourage teachers and students make and share their own matching game decks to capture their understanding and challenge others. Please go to mathtappers.com and check out our instructions on the right to find out how to make your own decks MathTappers: Clock Master--learn to tell time MathTappers: Estimate Fractions--make sense of fraction sums and differences MathTappers: Find Sums--learn basic facts for addition and subtraction MathTappers: Multiples--learn basic facts for multiplication and division MathTappers: Equivalents--equivalent fractions, decimals and percents MathTappers: Numberline--find relative positions of numbers on a numberline, MathTappers: Carbon Choices--help students explore their carbon footprint.

Teachley Fractions Boost is an exciting 3D racing game that helps children in 3rd-5th grades gain conceptual understanding of fractions while learning how to represent them on a number line. Children race through a futuristic world, driving through number line checkpoints and fraction tunnels. This engaging game, designed by teachers, features built-in lessons and powerful scaffolds to deepen children's knowledge of fractions. Teachley Fractions Boost covers all of 3rd grade fractions standards, including comparison and equivalence of fractions. This app will transform the way children learn and understand fractions! "Teaching number sense is really difficult for elementary school students. Teaching fraction number sense can be even harder. My students frequently would "sneak" playing Fractions Boost, and I would pretend not to notice that they were playing extra rounds." - Nick, 4th grade teacher, VT. "Fractions are often such a difficult concept to teach. I'm so thankful that Teachley has made a game that is equally engaging as it is entertaining!” - Heather Holinger, 4th grade teacher, ME. Fractions Boost is aligned with 3rd grade fractions standards, including: 3.NF.A.1, 3.NF.A.2a, 3.NF.A.3b, 3.NF.A.3c, and 3.NF.A.2b Represent a fraction a/b on a number line diagram by marking off a lengths 1/b from 0. Recognize that the resulting interval has size a/b and that its endpoint locates the number a/b on the number line. 3.NF.A.3d Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. 3.NF.A.3a Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line. TEKS - 2.3.A-B, 3.3.A-C, 3.3F-H About Teachley: Teachley is an award-winning edtech company founded by expert teachers with PhDs in cognitive science and funded by the U.S. Department of Education and National Science Foundation. Teachley is transforming teaching and learning by helping schools and districts drive instruction and target interventions with games. Based on cognitive science research, Teachley’s apps focus on teaching important strategies shown to improve learning within fun and engaging games. www.teachley.com *This app was made possible with funding provided by the National Science Foundation.