Hands-On Equations 1 App for the iPad -
The Fun Way to Learn Algebra
(Now available for download at the App Store for $4.99).
Free Lite version available at the App Store
A Free Interactive iPad App to Teach Algebra
(In-depth description of the lite app by Dr. Henry Borenson)
Overview of the Level 1 App by Dr. Henry Borenson
"Dr. Borenson has devised an ingenious iPad application called Hands-On Equations that not only makes it exceptionally easy to learn algebra, but makes it fun too."
- Dr. Alex Davidovic, founder of Gifted Child Magazine and holder of the International Chess Master title
Description
Teach your children the joys of learning algebra with Hands-On Equations 1 – the algebra app for children as young as eight!
Algebra can be a tricky subject to master but with the help of Hands-On Equations 1, equations like 4x+2=3x+9 become child’s play! The app takes advantage of the iPad’s visual and touch features to demystify complex algebraic concepts.
The original Hands-On Equations program, using physical game pieces, has already helped more than a million students gain confidence with algebra. Now that same, proven method is available virtually in the palm of your hand.
In Lesson 1, the student mentally tries to figure out the value of the pawn that makes both sides balance by using reasoning or a guess-and-check strategy. The game pieces are not intended to be moved in this lesson.
In Lesson 2, the student sets up the equation on the balance scale using the blue pawn to represent the unknown X and number cubes to represent the constants.
Beginning with Lesson 3, the students uses "legal moves" to simplify the equation and solve for the unknown X. The student resets the equation in order to conduct the check.
A video introduction is provided for each lesson. Each video introduction is followed by two examples and ten exercises.
Level I of Hands-On Equations consists of six lessons and one review lesson. The student learns to solve equations such as 8+2x+3-x=2x+1 and 2(2x+1)=3x+8. There are more than 80 equations for the student to enjoy and solve!
Like the physical Hands-On Equations program the linear equations presented involve whole number coefficients and whole number answers.
Hands-On Equations is the ideal first introduction to algebra for elementary and middle school students. Not only will these students have FUN and be fascinated with the program, their sense of self-esteem will be dramatically enhanced as they experience success with sophisticated looking algebraic equations.
Older students who need help with algebra will also benefit from Hands-On Equations. These students may, for the first time, understand key concepts of algebra that have held them back.
Beginning with Version 1.4, the student must do Example B to unlock Example C; solving example C will in turn open up the exercises for that lesson. When the app is used in the classroom, it is recommended that the teacher first verify the students can solve examples B and C, before being allowed to move on to the ten exercises for that lesson.
Beginning with Version 2.0, a multi-user feature has been added so that more than one individual may use the app. The app will keep track of the problems done by each individual.
More information on Hands-On Equations can be found at www.borenson.com and on YouTube.
REVIEWS FOR LEVEL I:
Great app ★★★★★
by Nikhatzop - Version 1.4 - Jul 9, 2012
I have been using the Hands-On equations kit in my classroom for 4 years and I was very happy to see this app for the iPad. I have been "playing" with the app during the last 4 days and feel confident to say that it can be as helpful as the original Hands - On Equations kit. The short video lessons are a great addition and can help the on-level and above-level students work and advance independently. Some below-level students might need some extra support from the teacher in order to build the necessary knowledge needed to use the app and advance independently. Overall this is a great app with a huge potential, because it empowers students to improve their algebraic knowledge working independently, and allows them to build their understanding of new mathematical concepts on previously acquired knowledge.
We're loving math now, thanks to Hands-On Equation!!! ★★★★★
by Dynamite303 - Version 1.3 - May 16, 2012
For our 9y/o math use to be bland and just another forced routine put upon her. She entered a new school about 6 weeks ago and she came home with algebra homework and we googled the name printed on the paper…Hands-On Equations…and she was delighted to see the "see-saw" that she was doing in class online! To say the least, she thinks math is fun now and thanks to Hands-On Equations, she's enjoying every aspect of math now! She has level 1 and 2 of the Hand-On Equations apps on her iPad and loves playing and further learning with them. A million and one THANK YOUs for taking of your time to make this for teachers/parents/students…it's a life changer for sure!!!
Great Interactive Tool - ★★★★★
by StacyJHill - Version 1.3 - Apr 16, 2012
I used the physical version of Hands on Equations with my students (grades 6 - 8 needing remediation in math) prior to using the iPad application and had a lot of success. I was hopeful that the virtual version of the program for the iPad would work just as well. The students were very motivated to use the virtual models and enjoyed the computerized "check" that is included in the iPad version (allowing them to see if their answer is correct even if they have already manually checked themselves - this is kind of a check of their "check"). Spinning the dial to get to the answers seemed to help them see whether their answers were correct quickly as well. The video explanations were clear and easy to understand and the sample problems provided enough practice so that students had a good understanding of the concepts they were going to try before moving on to the independent practice sections. I also like the fact that the practice can be re-set so that more than one student (this is great if you are using the product with more than one child at home) can use the program on the same iPad.
Love it! - ★★★★★
by Jebtcb - Version 1.3 - Apr 16, 2012
My kids love that they can do hands on equations on the iPad!! I love that it is helping them with math!!
Nice app! - ★★★★★
by malloribrat - Version 1.3 - Apr 16, 2012
This app provides students with a different way to do math. They make each side of a balance scale match until they are left with the answer to fairly complicated algebra equations. This way of teaching is easy for younger kids. There are several video lessons with plenty of practice exercises to go with each. The exercises get harder which is nice, your child has a bit of room to think and grow. I do wish the interface for entering the answer was a bit more intuitive. You have to use a scroll wheel and find the answer and then hit enter. We are looking forward to level 2 coming out.
Great! - ★★★★★
by - Version 1.3 - Apr 16, 2012
I am a special education teacher and have been teaching hands on equations the last three years. My students are able to easily use the app! It also really helps students who have difficulty writing down all the steps!
Excellent - ★★★★★
by AlgTeach - Version 1.3 - Apr 16, 2012
Great app for helping students understand basics of equation solving. Just wish You could manipulate all equations.
A Great App!! - ★★★★★
by AProudParent - Version 1.3 - Apr 13, 2012
I purchased this app 3 days ago for my 4th grader, who was struggling to understand. I dropped by his class this morning, and his AGP teacher told me that he is teaching the other students now.... His confidence level shot through the roof. I wish that this was around, back when I was in school.
Great app - ★★★★★
by hmd73 - Version 1.0 - Mar 16, 2012
We love this app! The tutorials and exercises make a great combination. We are anxiously awaiting more levels
LEAP teacher - ★★★★★
by LEAP teacher - Version 1.0 - Mar 7, 2012
I am thrilled that this is available! I have been using this system for about 4 years in my small group enrichment groups and have been able to get our 5th grade math teacher on board using it in all of her classes. The reason this app is so wonderful is that the instructional videos are built right in! If a student is having difficulty, the video is right there to help...especially if the teacher has already given a demonstration and is helping other students. It is very user friendly and I have had no problems. I chose not to show my students the auto-check feature at the beginning. Of course, they found it out on their own eventually, but I wanted them to do the check on their own. I can not wait for the subsequent levels to come out!
Great for on-the-go lessons!! - ★★★★★
by Izymoe - Version 1.0 - Mar 6, 2012
We LOVE this program and are thrilled that "there is an app for that"! We couldn't be happier with the app and will be looking for the other levels. The interactive feature is easy to use and the video tutorials are great. Thanks!!