Virtual Manipulatives Help Students Learn
Edmark's Mighty Math Series attempts to teach students the conceptual underpinnings of curriculum-based math subjects from addition and subtraction to algebra and geometry. Students learn key concepts by working with Virtual Manipulatives, an innovative educational technology that helps them connect abstract ideas with concrete examples by letting them manipulate shapes and objects in a Probability machine, on a geoboard, with pattern blocks and more. The first release in this series for K-8 is Mighty Math Carnival Countdown, aimed at ages 5 to 7. Beginning addition, subtraction, pre-multiplication, pre-division, attributes and logic, 2D geometry and place value are all practiced. Set in a fun park alive with graphics, sound and characters, Carnival Countdown includes critical thinking basics such as number comparison, shapes and patterns. Mighty Math Number Her'es, the second release, is targeted at 8- to 10-year-olds. They strengthen their thinking and mathematical skills through action-packed math activities featuring fractions, geometry, chance and probability, multiplication and division, and more. Students, for instance, help the GeoComputer work through geometry challenges and manipulate a Probability machine and predict its results. School versions include a teacher's guide with lessons, activity sheets and more; a lifetime disk warranty; and toll-free technical support. The six-product Mighty Math series is a collaborative effort with Harcourt Brace. Edmark Corp., Redmond, WA, (800) 426-0856, www.edmark.com.
This article originally appeared in the 10/01/1996 issue of THE Journal.