When I introduced my students to the free FactorMan app, I had no idea how it would impact some of them. It seems this app has really captured some students, so much so, that they are playing it on their own time. And apparently, they are playing it a LOT.
One student was on a FactorMan Mission, and he accomplished it this past weekend. Proudly, he e-mailed me these screenshots to prove that he had defeated FactorMan at every level. I asked him to share some strategies, and here is what Patricio said:
“As for my strategies, just get all of the numbers that have only one other factor at first and remember to take your time. There is a certain strategy for each level but what I use for basically all of them is get all of the odd numbers first or try to get as many as you can. And that’s it!
-Patricio
Ps: whenever you think about putting a number (ex: 21), but it has more factors (7), try multiplying the other factors that is in the way by itself (7 x 7 = 49) because if you already chose the biggest prime number, then 49 will only have 7 as a factor.”
Thanks, Patricio! I crown YOU the next FactorMan!
Hi Cathy,
We are just starting to use the iPads in my math class. We have to share the cart with the whole school, so I can’t use them everyday like you, but I was wondering if you had 3 or 4 math apps that you LOVE. I teach 6th grade math, pre-algebra, 7th grade math and Algebra. I would love to math practice apps and then I see some of the other apps that you do projects with, etc. You are my hero at the moment!!! 🙂
Thanks,
Lauren
Hi Lauren!
You are too sweet! Thanks for stopping by!
Here are a few math apps that I have used with success (note – some of these are for the iPhone, but can be used just fine on an iPad when enlarged):
FactorMan
Number Line
MathTappers Equivalents (there are other MathTappers freebies as well!)
Geoboard
OhNo!Fractions
FillTheCup
Reckonings
5 Dice
Pick-a-Path
Geometry Pad
MathTerms
MyScript Calculator
I have to be honest – while I employ math apps when appropriate, generally I find apps that enable creating content most valuable. It does take extra time to create resources rather than use an app that’s ready to go, but the versatility in using these apps makes them appropriate regardless of the content. My favorites at the moment are Nearpod and Socrative!
Finally, we use an app for our Algebra 1 textbook – the HMH Fuse Common Core Algebra I app. You can download the app for free and check out a sample chapter, but of course this one is a paid app if you want to access all the content. Maybe consider using the free chapter to check it out, especially if you want to pitch it to your district.
Hope that helps!
Cathy 🙂
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