Why do we have to learn this?

In every math class this question comes up at least once. Students want to know why they have to learn math and if and when they will have to use it in real life. This question can become a stumbling block for some teachers, even searching the internet for answers falls short in this area.  Luckily this question and many more math related questions can be answered with the app Elevated Math.

Elevated Math is a great interactive learning tool that covers numbers and operations, Algebra one and everything in between. There is also a special section for SAT and ACT math review. This app is free to download, unfortunately each lesson costs $1.99. The lessons are aligned with the common core which makes it great for use in the classroom.

Each of the lessons has a fun cartoon introduction to the topic and then walks the student through a problem step by step. There is a white board tool underneath the video portion of the app so that students can take notes or work out the problems. Only word problems are given so that each problem relates to real life situations so students can see how math is used out side of school.

Users can also download career videos which are organized into four categories  numbers and operations applied, measurement,  geometry, and algebra applications. Under each category there are a list of jobs that use that kind of math. For example under the algebra category a skateboard park designer is listed along with six other professions. Each video has a person of that profession talk about how math is used, they even walk the viewer through a few simple math problems that are used in that career field. One of the videos shows how a jazz musician used fractions to write music and create different beats. 

This app can be a get asset to the classroom. Many schools now have ipads for students to use and this is a great way for students review topics and work at their own pase while being entertained.  Elevated math helps answer that ever looming question in math classes: Why do we have to learn this? 

References

Cartoon picture [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from Elevated Math app

Infinity Design [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/elevated-math/id435995971?mt=8