BrainPOP http://www.brainpop.com/ Target Audience: BrainPOP is made with any age of student in mind. It branches of into BrainPOP Jr., BrainPOP Español, BrainPOP ESL (English language learners), BrainPOP teachers, and GameUP. Type of software: Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Engineering and Tech, Health, and Arts and Music tutorials, quizzes, and game activities for studying. Curriculum: Would be a good way to use as a tutorial to interact with students. The games give a variety of examples to help students to better understand the learning task at hand. Possible environment(s): Could be used in a classroom setting as a teaching aide or during individual computer time. Supplements: The website offers many games related to each subject. Software Description: This website is used to relate to students of all ages to teach different kinds of curriculum. It has many tutorial video clips in varies subjects. Each subject has various games for each level of curriculum. There are not only tutorial video clips for many areas in each subject and games to go along with it, but there are also quizzes and activities to see where the students knowledge are on the curriculum being taught. Impressions: This is an easy to use website with a variety of subjects, lessons, quizzes, and tutorials. This site can be used for all students in school, but seems to be more focused on Middle School students. The videos are entertaining and are an excellent way to break down each lesson. The quizzes are interactive, and the games are fun, educational, and reach out to children. The only negative we saw in this page is that there only seems to be one video per lesson (i.e. one video in pre-calculus). After studying the website, we all feel that this would be an excellent source to help in the classroom.
Mini Checklist For Software: Brain Pop Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Did the software crash? Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software The website was very easy to use and the games had many different objectives in which revolved around learning. In most of the games, the characters died. Some just made a buzzard noise, and you kept trying until you got it correct. Scenes would be more appealing for the younger students but older students can still relate. Did you get lost? The software was easy to use. Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? There were some animation but it was simple. Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass This would make an excellent teaching aide. Did Not Pass
Zombie Defender http://www.funtotype.com/game/tommyq Target Audience: Any student learning to type expert typers Type of software: Typing and spelling practice Curriculum: Would be good to use as typing practice or just for fun. Possible environment(s): Could be used in a lab or during individual computer time. Supplements: The website also has other free typing related games. Software Description: The object of this game is to type a word that is above the zombies head before it reaches your character. The character is in the middle of a baseball field hiding on a pole with a pitching machine to escape the zombies. We used the arrow keys to change the direction the baseballs would be thrown. The ball pitching machine throws a ball for each letter of the word that is typed. After the word has been typed correctly, the zombie dies. We continued playing until all the zombies were dead. Impressions: This website is extremely easy to navigate. The pictures are very well done and look very modern. We think this, as well as the zombies, will attract mid-level students. Feedback is immediate. The student has instant gratification for spelling the word correctly when the zombie dies. We find this software very amusing. As the zombies come at the character faster and the words become harder, we had to type fast while making sure the balls were pointed at the zombies. Over all we love this game and plan on playing it in our free time.
Mini Checklist For Software: Zombie Defender Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Did the software crash? Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? We wanted to see where the arrows had to be positioned to hit the zombie. The arrows need to be in line with the legs. The machine will not throw the balls if the arrows are not lined up and do not throw a ball if the word is spelled incorrectly. The letters of the word light up as you type them Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy If yes: Did you like them? Did they get in the way? Were they appropriate? Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Arithmetic Game http://www.coolmath.com Target Audience: 5 th Grade Math Type of software: Online Arithmetic Game Curriculum: Good for prepping students to solve basic algebra problems. Good for practicing mental math. Possible environment(s): Computer lab or Classroom Computers Supplements: Other types of mental math games on the same site Software Description: This program has the student create their own equation to equal the number given. There is a grid of numbers to use to build the equation and operations are already given. Students need to use a trial and error method to find numbers that can fill in the blanks and equal the number that is given. Example is x = 12. Many numbers are factors of 12. Students will learn that there can be more than one answer to an equation. The questions get harder and add more blanks as the game continue. Impressions: This website is very easy to use. There are many different practice activities on this site that the student can use after mastering one level. I like the simplicity of the site. Games are easy to find and easy to follow the directions.
Mini Checklist For Software: Arithmetic Game Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. I answered a question wrong on purpose Did the software crash? It marked it with a red x and let me try to answer it again. Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? It will make the question with a green checkmark and give you a new question to answer. Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy If yes: Did you like them? Did they get in the way? Were they appropriate? Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Ninja Painter http://www.coolmath-games.com Target Audience: 3 rd grade and up Type of software: Logic puzzle Curriculum: Problem Solving Possible environment(s): Computer lab or Classroom Computers Supplements: Other types of puzzle games on the same site Software Description: This program has a ninja painter that needs to paint a certain number of squares marked this x s the designated color. Harder levels have multiple colors and require problem solving to grab the correct color paint brush and maneuver around to the x s that need to be colored. You can move the ninja using the arrows keys. The ninja only moves from one wall to the other, you cannot turn in the middle of the wall. This forces you to form a strategy so that none of the squares will be missed. Impressions: This website is very easy to use. I think it is a lot of fun and the students will enjoy playing it. It s more like a game and less like homework.
Mini Checklist For Software: Ninja Painter Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Went the wrong direction on purpose Did the software crash? If you go out the windows on the right it will end the level Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? When you are finished the exit door will appear Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy If yes: Did you like them? Did they get in the way? Were they appropriate? Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Timernator http://www.coolmath.com Target Audience: 3 rd Grade Math Type of software: Timed Multiplication Game Curriculum: Multiplication Possible environment(s): Computer lab or Classroom Computers Supplements: Other types of math lessons are also on this site. Software Description: This website times the students on how fast they can answer multiplication facts. You start the program by selecting the kinds of math problems you want to practice (addition 0-12, multiplication 0-10, etc). On the left there is a box with math problem at the top and a blank to enter the answer at the bottom. On the right there is a box with a counter that shows how many seconds you have left in the round and at the bottom it shows the number of questions you got right, and the amount you got wrong. After your time is up then it stops you and gives you the results. Impressions: This website is very easy to use. I think the students would enjoy it as a break from lecture time. The only problem I found with it is that you have to type the number but click the enter button (it will not let you use the enter key on the keyboard). It would let the kids work faster if you could just click enter after they have typed in the answer.
Mini Checklist For Software: Timernator Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Did the software crash? Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? Answered incorrectly When you answer a question correctly, it moves to the next question. If you get the question wrong, a box appears that says Oops! The correct answer is and then moves to the next question. Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? I was frustrated I could not use the enter key to enter my answer. Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy If yes: Did you like them? Did they get in the way? Were they appropriate? Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Fraction Manor http://www.mathplayground.com/hauntedfractions/hfgameloader.html Target Audience: 3 rd Grade Math Type of software: Fraction Values Curriculum: Fractions Possible environment(s): Computer lab or Classroom Computers Supplements: Other types of math lessons are also on this site. Software Description: Your character, a cat, wanders through the Fraction Manor. The object of the game is to collect all the puzzle cards while avoiding obstacles in the house. You get bonus points for collecting pumpkins and jumping on a bad guys head. After you have collected all the pieces of the puzzle you are required to put them together to make a true fraction statement. It will give you 7 numbers and boxes that make fractions with < or > signs in between them. You need to arrange the digit cards in the fraction templates to make a true math relationship. Fractions must be less than 1. Click the Check It button to see if you've solved the puzzle correctly. If you answer it incorrectly it says, This is not a true relationship. Try a different set of fractions. Use the fraction pictures to help you. Dr. Fractionstein knows you will solve the puzzle eventually. After you have completed the level you move to the next level. Impressions: I love this game. It has a video game feel the students will love and will still make them solve fractions to move to the next level
Mini Checklist For Software: Fraction Manor Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Did the software crash? Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? Ran into a monster and solved the problem incorrectly. If you run into a monster, you must start the level over again. If you solve the problem incorrectly, it forces you to answer it correctly before moving to the next level. You gain points for getting killing a bad guy or collecting a pumpkin. You get to move to the next level after solving a problem correctly. Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Math Man http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-math-man/index.html Target Audience: 5 th grade and above (or a student that can divide double digits) Type of software: Addition, Subtraction, Division and Multiplication practice as well as keyboarding skills. Curriculum: Would be a good review of basic arithmetic. This game forces the student to solve the question while under pressure. Possible environment(s): Could be used in a lab or during individual computer time. Supplements: The website also has other free math related games. Software Description: This game has the same rules as Pac Man. Your character is a yellow head whose purpose is navigate a maze and eat dots while avoiding ghosts. The twist to this game is that some ghosts are good to eat. At the bottom of the frame there is a division problem that needs to be solved. Here is an example of a game that we played. As we started level one the first task is to eat a question mark. There are two question marks in the maze along with two ghosts with the numbers 38 and 13 on them. You use the arrow keys to have your Math Man eat the dots on the way to the question mark. After you have reached your mark the game will ask a math question. Our first question was 55-42=?. We used the arrows navigate through the maze and eat the ghost with the 13 on it. After we have answered all the questions by eating the ghosts that correspond with each question we were promoted to level 2. The questions get progressively more difficult. Impressions: This website is extremely easy to navigate. There are pictures that correspond with each game and a short description on what the game is about. It would be very easy for a student 5 th grade and above to use. The game screen was small but that can also be a plus because if it is too large it might not fit in the browser window. We did not hear any sound effects because the school computer doesn t have a speaker but that would not be a negative because most school computers do not have sound. All aspects considered, we agree it would be good to use this website in our future classroom.
Mini Checklist For Software: Math Man Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Did the software crash? Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? Ate the ghost with the incorrect answer on it. If you try to eat the ghost with the wrong number on it, your character dies. You gain points for getting the answer correct and are given another math problem to solve. Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy If yes: Did you like them? Did they get in the way? Were they appropriate? Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Lesson Plan Math Man Software Grade Level & Subject Area: 5 th Grade Math Common Core Framework: CC.5.NBT.5 Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths. Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm. Objective: The student will review how to solve basic arithmetic problems. Materials: Computer with internet access. Procedure: Have the students log on to www.coolmath-games.com. Direct them to find Featured Games and select Math Man. Click start then read the directions as a class on how to play. Answer any question the students might have. Allow the students to play for 20 minutes. Assessment: Take note of what level each student has achieved on the game. Total: /10 points
Volcano Lesson http://www.sciencemonster.com Target Audience: 6 th grade Science Type of software: Visual Science Lesson Curriculum: Earth Science: Volcanos Possible environment(s): Computer lab or Classroom Computers Supplements: Other types of science lessons are also on this site. Software Description: This website has great visuals for science. The students can watch a short slide show with animation about volcanos and how they are created. It also teaches them about different kinds of volcanos and how they can form islands. The slide show is easy to view. You click start and read through 7 animated slides about the volcanos. At the end you take a quiz. When you answer a question correctly, the lava in your volcano at the side of your computer starts to rise. If you get the question wrong, the correct answer flashes and moves on to the next question. If you get all 10 questions correct, your volcano erupts. Impressions: This website is very easy to use. I think the students would enjoy it as a break from lecture time. Gives them time to themselves to read the material and think about what they have learned. I like that the quiz gives you instant feedback so you know how much you have learned.
Mini Checklist For Software: Volcano Lesson Question: Yes No Notes Have you played so that you really know every aspect? Did you try doing things that were wrong or things that the software did not expect? Need to see what happens if the user does things that are incorrect or are not the usual responses. Try to make it crash in order to make sure that it does not crash. Did the software crash? Did you get an appropriate Response if you did something Incorrectly? When you did what was expected or correct, was there an appropriate response? i.e., If you answered correctly, did the software let you know? If you tried to get to another part of the program, did you action take you were you wanted? Just by looking at the screens, are they appealing? Answered incorrectly When you answer a question correctly, the lava in your volcano at the side of your computer starts to rise. If you get the question wrong, the correct answer flashes and moves on to the next question Is there something that bothers you when you look at it? When you were navigating through the software Did you get lost? Could you always get where you wanted to go (forward and backward)? Did you like using the software? Did you like the content? Content is clearly related to the curriculum Where there bells and whistles? Nothing fancy If yes: Did you like them? Did they get in the way? Were they appropriate? Does the program convey images of equity Free of prejudice regarding race, sex and religion; content is diverse and is not slated to any cultural group Did you like the software enough to evaluate it more? (Did you like the software enough to use it within an educational setting) Pass Did Not Pass
Lesson Plan Science Monster: Volcanos Grade Level & Subject Area: 6 th Grade Science Common Core Framework: ESS.8.6.5 Diagram and explain how volcanoes work Objective: The student will learn about different kinds of volcanoes, how volcanoes are created and how they create islands. Materials: Computer with internet access. Procedure: Have the students log on to www.sciencemonster.com. Find the Earth Science tab and find the volcanoes lesson. Have the students read the lesson and take the quiz at the end. Assessment: Record each students score from the online quiz. Total: /10 points