Math Arena Advanced.Sunburst. c2002. Macintosh/Windows. CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). disk. Teacher's guide. Single user or lab pack of 10, $99.95; network, $699.95. JS Math Arena Advanced is a sequel to Sunburst's Math Arena software. Using a TV game show metaphor for the user interface, it provides a wide range of activities that students can perform against the clock to develop and hone skills in pre-algebra, basic geometry, and algebra algebra, branch of mathematics concerned with operations on sets of numbers or other elements that are often represented by symbols. Algebra is a generalization of arithmetic and gains much of its power from dealing symbolically with elements and operations (such as . The target student audience is primarily middle school students and younger high school students (roughly grades 7-10). There are two types of activities, Time Trials and BuzzIns. Time Trials are activities where the student must use a specific skill to solve a puzzle. For example, in the Slope activity, students adjust the rise, run, and y-intercept of a linear equation to connect pairs of icons on a graph, earning points when the line passed through a matching pair of icons. Another activity has students adjusting the width, height, and depth of a pile of cubes cubes See QQQ. to make up a specified volume. There is an easy and a hard level for each activity, and the timer timer, n radiographic timing device that functions as an automatic exposure timer and a switch to control the current to the high-tension transformer and filament transformer. The face of the timer is calibrated in seconds and fractions of seconds. can be adjusted or turned off (important during practice sessions for those students who have difficulty performing while under tight time constraints In law, time constraints are placed on certain actions and filings in the interest of speedy justice, and additionally to prevent the evasion of the ends of justice by waiting until a matter is moot. ). BuzzIns show pairs of objects or equations that test a specific knowledge area. For example, one BuzzIn shows a geometric shape and a formula for perimeter, area, volume, etc. If the formula is correct, the student "buzzes in" by pressing a key; if the formula is not correct, the student waits and the program displays another formula and object. Once students are proficient pro·fi·cient adj. Having or marked by an advanced degree of competence, as in an art, vocation, profession, or branch of learning. n. An expert; an adept. at several activities, the software supports a Math Triathalon, where students perform three activities and their scores are recorded. Students can compete against each other in different events, or even pick which three events to use. The software also includes a teacher management module that enables a teacher to identify students to the software (so that students can log in) and then tracks the students' progress on the various activities. I found the Time Trials more effective in improving my own skills than the Buzzins. I practiced with the timer off (I'm one of those who is frustrated frus·trate tr.v. frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing, frus·trates 1. a. To prevent from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire; thwart: and distracted dis·tract·ed adj. 1. Having the attention diverted. 2. Suffering conflicting emotions; distraught. dis·tract by the timer while I'm learning an activity) and saw improvement while I played. The Buzzins, however, seemed boring as I watched incorrect pairings go by, waiting for a correct one. If the program covers the specific skills that you wish to reinforce in your students, Math Arena Advanced can be an effective and fun tool. Thomas S. Downey, Teacher, Rivers Sch., Weston, MA |
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