In classrooms, a geoboard is a nifty math manipulative made from wood, evenly spaced nails and rubber bands. The Math Learning Center takes Geoboard virtual in its app for the iPad. Like its real world counterpart, Geoboard is versatile and supportive of countless math concepts. Young children can use it to create shapes and designs. Older students who are studying angles, fractions, area or perimeter can work with Geoboard to explore these more sophisticated mathematics. The app has controls for clearing the board of all bands, filling, unfilling, and deleting shapes. There is a choice of two different size boards. Along with the Geoboard app, there are many interactive geoboards available on the web (National Library of Virtual Manipulatives; Mathplayground). All emulate the physical geoboards regularly used in schools. It begs the question why use a website or app instead of a genuine geoboard? For this reviewer, the app presents another form factor that appeals to many types of learners. It’s also fun to use!
Skills: spatial relationships, math reasoning
Cost: free
Platform: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
Grade(s): Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, middle school
Reviewed by: Marilyn
