When kids first start learning math, a lot of the learning is to remember math facts. However, memorizing math facts is not enough to be good at math. Kids have to fully understand the number system structure and number relationships to gain real fluency in math computation. How to help them gain real number sense and improve computational fluency? The free app Door24 is just designed for this purpose.
Door24 is a free math app designed for kids in grade 4 to grade 8. The story behind all the math games is to fix Victor the robot’s circuits with math operations that lead to number 24. When the player solved enough problems, he/she can open the Door 24.
There are 6 levels of math games in the app, starting with Level C for 3rd graders or 4th graders who need some reinforcement. Each level has 4 sets with increased difficulties: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Challenge. Within each set, there are over 30 or more problems.
With each problem, kids are asked to build an equation with given numbers that equals to 24. In the easy sets, kids may just see plus and minus operations. As the level and difficulties progress, there will be multiplications, divisions, factors and multiples, parentheses, negative numbers, and integer exponents. At the more advanced levels, kids not only have to choose the numbers, but also the operations, to make the equations work.
At Easy to Hard levels, kids can use the tutor if they need help on the math concept used in the problem. All they need do is to tap on the little person’s head at the top right corner of the screen.
How this app help kids gain computation fluency? It helps in three areas:
Accuracy: Students use number facts, order of operations, and number relationships to create expressions that are equivalent to 24
Efficiency: Students learn to use strategies that are easily practiced such as making tens, recognizing factors of 24, thinking of an expression as a single quantity, understanding relationships between operations, and more.
Flexibility: The Challenge set in every level requires students to find as many expressions as possible that are equivalent to 24 given a particular number set. Students also need to be flexible in choosing an appropriate strategy or strategies based on the problem at hand.
To learn more about the design thinking of the app and how it is aligned with common core, you can access the Parents and Teachers section.
Door 24 is a fun math app for kids. It is free on Apple App Store.
If you would like to check it out or purchase it, please use the App Store link provided below. The cost is the same to you, but iGameMom gets a small percentage. Thanks for your support! Note: The link works for all countries.
For more math apps helping kids gain deeper understanding on math concepts, please visit our picks of Best Math Learning Tools for Kids
