What it is: Buzz Math is not a completely free to use tool, but they do have a free option that makes it worth checking out! Right now, you can subscribe one class for free for the school edition of Buzz Math. Buzz Math is intended for students in Middle School math. All of the activities are directly tied to Common Core Standards. You can assign activities based on a specific standard for the whole class, or just assign the activity to individual students. You get feedback immediately as students complete an activity so that you can plan instruction accordingly. These are not your typical math site activities (online multiple choice). Instead, each activity is a little different, highly engaging, and provides students with great feedback.
Students can choose to do an activity of interest or complete the specific activities assigned by their teacher. When students complete a set number of activities within a topic, a special mission is unlocked that is related to math history. Students are challenged to help mathematicians to recover “lost” knowledge. Students also have access to Buzzlab which connects the theme of the missions to the storyline.
Each activity is made up of 10 pages of practice question that cover a specific concept to help students practice and improve their skills. Activities include both direct practice and interactive components. Students must complete an activity with 100% accuracy (mastery) before they can unlock a mission. The mission that follows is a more challenging problem solving activity. Students can get example problems with each activity to help them solve problems.
I am really impressed with Buzz Math. The entire program is really well thought out, great for students and teachers. This is one I would pay for additional students/classes.
How to integrate Buzz Math into the classroom: Buzz Math is ideal in a one to one or computer lab setting. I love that you can tailor Buzz Math for an individual student. Instead of just giving a whole class an activity/assignment (which you can also do), Buzz Math lets you choose which students to assign a standards based activity to. Duh! I can’t believe more programs aren’t set up this way. It makes sense to use technology to customize learning to the student this way. There is no reason not to!
Buzz Math would be great for in-class practice or for additional home practice. Students can login to their individual account anywhere for anytime learning.
Buzz Math could be used in the one or two computer classroom as a learning center. Students can filter through the computer one at a time throughout the week so that each week each student gets the opportunity to login to their account.
Please leave a comment and share how you are using Buzz Math in your classroom!
