Hands vs Smithsonian

Hands-On Math Graph Cubes simulates the use of a set of cubes to build bar graphs. While using the cubes students are given feedback so that they can see logical relationships. Visualization is an effective way to help students understand mathematical reasoning and logic. A benefit derived from using the Graph Cubes is that the cubes can be easily manipulated and therefore good problem solving strategies spontaneously evolve. The concepts studied in this curriculum are the foundations of mathematical development especially in areas that are a part of the data analysis, probability and discrete mathematics curriculum strand. The app proivdes an interactive Playground where graphs and tables can be created and explored. Student interaction with the device is augmented by the artificially intelligent feedback provided by the software. The instructional approaches that result from creating an open-ended area for free exloration and discovery are exciting. On the Playground students manipulate a supply of virtual cubes to create graphs representing data collected through surveys. When using Graph Cubes simple gestures are used to drag and drop blocks, placing them in columns to build bar graphs. The author and designer coined the term, “artificially intelligent math manipulative” to describe how using the Hands-On Math apps differs from the concrete manipulative devices traditionally used in classrooms. For example, this appprovides intelligent mathematical feedback as the student manipulates the cubes. Immediately associating feedback with a behavior is an effective way to reinforce behavior and facilitate learning. Hands-On Math Graph Cubes focuses on these curriculum areas: Collecting, Organizing, and Describing Data Based on Real-life Situations Students may be expected to demonstrate such skills as: • Analyze and describe data in terms of absolute or relative frequency of occurrence, range (highest/lowest), etc. • Summarize information and relationships revealed by a graph. • Add new data to a given chart, graph, or set of organized data. • Extrapolate from obvious trends revealed by graphs in order to make predictions. Using Graph Cubes students become involved in constructing, reading, and interpreting data in charts, graphs, tables, etc. What students should know and be able to do includes: • Obtain information from a bar graph by reading a graph to accurately to answer a question. • Analyze, interpret, or draw conclusions based on data given in a bar graph. • Match a graph to a described situation • Match a data set to a graph and a graph to a data set (including matching data presented in a table/chart with a corresponding bar graph) • Plot data onto a bar graph when the axes labels and scales have already been provided • Draw a bar graph showing data given in a chart/, table or words Formulating and solving problems that involve the use of data. What students should know and be able to do includes: • Generate questions that can be answered by collecting and analyzing data. • Collect data to answer survey questions. (i.e., What is your favorite sport?) • Solve problems using data from tables and graphs. • Solve problems involving simple deductive reasoning. (e.g., "How many students chose 'dog' as their favorite pet?)

Join us on an exciting voyage through the solar system! Play, touch, read. and learn facts about the 8 planets in our solar system in this new app from The ©Smithsonian and PlayDate Digital. Designed for curious minds, this app features brilliantly illustrated animations which are sure to engage and entertain. Why is Mars called the Red Planet? Which is the brightest Planet? How many moons does Neptune have? What is the Asteroid Belt? Explore Planets, learn facts, and play games as you rocket through the solar system. Your space enthusiast will love learning all about the wonders of space and the universe. The mini games reinforce the learnings and interactive activities will keep kids engaged. Features: • Lots of fascinating facts about our solar system, its planets, and more! • Featuring mini games including Space Winter Rush, Comet Ceasefire, Solar System Sorting, Gas Planets and more! • Over 10 other interactive activities related to your space adventure. • Educational content and animations will entertain and engage while teaching simple astronomy basics. • ‘Read to Me’ text • Collect solar system and planet badges as you complete each level Planets and the Solar System from ©Smithsonian Kids is designed to deliver on these Learning Goals: • STEM: Introduce young learners to astronomy and science methods. • STEM: Expand young learners' curiosity and knowledge of the world around them. • Counting and Quantifying: Identify and organize groups of objects logically. • Visual Discrimination: Distinguish between different shapes, sizes, colors. • Visual Memory: Remembering and recalling visual information. • Color Recognition and Differentiation: Identifying and naming colors. • Shape Recognition and Classification: Identifying objects based on different shapes. ABOUT THE SMITHSONIAN The ©Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, dedicated to public education, national service, and scholarship in the arts, ©Smithsonian sciences, and history. The name of the ©Smithsonian Institution and the sunburst logo are registered trademarks of the ©Smithsonian Institution. For more information, please visit www.si.edu ABOUT PLAYDATE DIGITAL PlayDate Digital Inc. is a publisher of high-quality, interactive, mobile educational software for children. PlayDate Digital's products nurture children's emerging literacy and creativity skills by turning digital screens into engaging experiences. PlayDate Digital content is built in partnership with some of the world's most trusted global brands for kids. Visit us: playdatedigital.com Like us: facebook.com/playdatedigital Follow us: @playdatedigital Watch all our app trailers: youtube.com/PlayDateDigital1 HAVE QUESTIONS? We'd love to hear from you! Your questions suggestions and comments are always welcome. Contact us 24/7 at info@playdatedigital.com