Dragon Box: a game for students to learn algebra…secretly
What it is: Dragon Box has got to be the most brilliant game for teaching a new concept I have seen in a LONG time. I am SO impressed with this app, I can’t say enough about it! This is a math game that teaches algebra without you really realizing that it is a math game teaching you algebra. It feels more like a logic card game than anything else. There are 200 puzzles that secretly teach kids to solve equations. They unlock each level by figuring out how to balance an equation (you have to isolate the dragon on one side of the board in order for him to emerge). After each level, he grows a little until he is full-grown. Students learn concepts such as elimination, fractions and isolating variables throughout the game. This is the best math app I’ve seen. It is NOT a drill/skill type app. It is actually teaching students to think like mathematicians instead of just asking them to solve a bunch of problems.
How to integrate Dragon Box+ into the classroom: I cannot say enough about this app. The way that it gets kids thinking is completely fantastic. Students learn algebra and how to think like mathematicians without even realizing it. The game gives minimal direction, and invites students to explore and try new things to isolate the dragon. The best way to use this app in this classroom: just let students start playing with it! I love that this app could be played by students as young as six years old successfully, but also used by high school students where they would get those “aha” moments of understanding how algebra works that they may have missed along the way.
Put your students in teams, or let them explore Dragon Box independently. Dragon Box allows for multiple logins, so you could even use it as a classroom center rotation.
Because you can download Dragon Box on multiple device types, you could even use this on a classroom computer connected to an interactive whiteboard or a projector and take turns playing as a class. There are plenty of levels for every child to participate multiple times.
Price: $5.99
Devices: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPod Touch (3rd-5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS4.0 or later
Tips: Dragon Box is also available on the Mac App Store, Google Play, PC shop, Amazon Appstore for Android, and Windows Store. Even if you don’t have iDevices, your students can play with Dragon Box!
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Leave a comment and tell us how you are using Dragon Box in your classroom.