This app is a really effective introduction to symbolic manipulation in the style of algebraic equations for kids, probably from 4-5 years old up to middle schoolers. It has an ingenious design which makes it really feel like a game to kid, starting with simply moving gamepieces around according to certain rules, while gradually introducing symbols that look more and more like algebra.
I say this is an intro to symbolic manipulation "in the style of" algebra, because this really isn't full-blown algebra in practice. Except for some bonus levels which involve limited arithmetic, it's mostly moving symbols around rather than doing actual "math" (in the sense of manipulating actual quantities) or ever talking about what the symbols represent. This game isn't really made for a high-schooler or adult trying to learn or review algebra, which is why I think some reviewers have been frustrated. (Some adults looking for a game-like slow-paced intro to the kind of "grammar" of how algebra works might find it useful.)
I think the design is amazing, and I think it would be a terrific way to begin introducing algebra to elementary or middle-school kids. However, I do wonder how much kids will really retain from learning symbolic manipulation in this way without connecting it to the rest of math and the meaning of the symbols. So, I would recommend making use of the game with kids at an age where they can already do basic arithmetic, and then beginning to make use of these symbols to show kids how they can actually solve problems.
Without that sort of practical reinforcement, I think the 5- or 6-year-olds playing this game will have an interesting taste of abstract manipulation of symbols, but by the time they actually do algebra 6 or 7 or more years later, they may not remember this random game and what they learned from it. I do think this game teaches interesting logic skills in any case, and perhaps kids will remember some of it -- but I think the claims that this game "teaches algebra" are a little overblown. It teaches a certain kind of abstract rules for moving symbols around. Some people (including many high school teachers) seem to think that's all algebra is about, which is perhaps the reason why so few people ever find it to be a practical math tool to use in everyday life. But real algebra is meant to be applied, and I would encourage parents who find that their kids are fascinated with this game to be sure and make some connections outside the game.
DragonBox Algebra 5+
3.4 | 366 ratings
Price: 5.99
Last update: 12-26-2024
Latest updates
What's new in version 1.3.7- This release improves the general stability of the game and updates translations.
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Product Details
Release Date: 2012
Date first listed on Amazon: August 23, 2012
Developed By: Kahoot DragonBox
ASIN: B008ZCWFEE
Customer reviews:
3.4 out of 5 stars367 customer ratings
3.4 out of 5 stars367 customer ratings
Developer info
- [email protected]
- http://support.dragonboxapp.com
- More apps by this developer
Product features
- learn basic Algebra in two hours playing a game
- for kids from 6 and above
- 20+ supported languages
- 100 puzzles, 5 chapters
- 100 extra equations to really drill the maths
Product description
DragonBox Algebra 5+ - The game that secretly teaches algebraDragonBox Algebra 5+ Is perfect for giving young children a head start in mathematics and algebra. Children as young as five can easily begin to grasp the basic processes involved in solving linear equations without even realising that they are learning. The game is intuitive, engaging and fun, allowing anyone to learn the basics of algebra at his or her own pace.
DragonBox Algebra 5+ covers the following algebraic concepts:
* Addition
* Division
* Multiplication
Suitable from age five and up, DragonBox Algebra 5+ gives young learners the opportunity to get familiar with the basics of equation solving.
DragonBox uses a novel pedagogical method based on discovery and experimentation. Players learn how to solve equations in a playful and colorfull game environment where they are encouraged to experiment and be creative. By manipulating cards and trying to isolate the DragonBox on one side of the game board, the player gradually learns the operations required to isolate X on one side of an equation. Little by little, the cards are replaced with numbers and variables, revealing the addition, division and multiplication operators the player has been learning throughout the game.
Playing does not require supervision, although parents can assist them in transferring learned skills into pen and paper equation solving. It is a great game for parents to play with their kids and can even give them an opportunity to freshen up their own math skills.
DragonBox was developed by former math teacher Jean-Baptiste Huynh and has been heralded as a perfect example of game-based learning. As a result, it is currently forming the basis of an extensive research project by the Center For Game Science at the University of Washington.
Features
* 10 progressive chapters (5 learning, 5 training)
* 200 puzzles
* Learn to solve equations involving addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
* Multiple profiles
* Dedicated graphics and music for each chapter
* supported languages: English, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Portuguese, Danish, German, Russian, ChineseSimplified, ChineseTraditional, Finnish, Dutch, Basque, Estonian, Turkish, Czech, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Japanese
Awards:
Gold Medal
2012 International Serious Play Awards
Best Educational Game
2012 Fun and Serious Games Festival
Best Serious Mobile Game
2012 Serious Games Showcase & Challenge
App of the Year
GullTasten 2012
Children’s App of the Year
GullTasten 2012
Best Serious Game
9th International Mobile Gaming Awards (2012 IMGA)
2013 ON for Learning Award
Common Sense Media
Best Nordic Innovation Award 2013
2013 Nordic Game Awards
Editors choice award
Children’s Technology Review
Media:
DragonBox is making me reconsider all the times I’ve called an educational app "innovative."
GeekDad, Wired
Step aside sudoku, algebra is the primordial puzzle game
Jordan Shapiro, Forbes
Brilliant, kids don't even know that they are doing Math
Jinny Gudmundsen, USA today
These guys are shaping the future of education
Brian Brushwood, TWiT
Awesome integration of algebra and gameplay!
Famigo
My eight year old son immediately sat down and ran through the first two banks of problems without hesitation. It was amazing.
Christopher Wanko, CoolTools
You will be surprised at how much you can learn in a few hours with this app.
Geeks With Juniors
User Data Privacy
Information not provided by the developer.
To learn more, visit the developer’s privacy policy.
Technical details
Size: 42.8MB
Version: 1.3.7
Developed By: Kahoot DragonBox
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Application Permissions:
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- Access information about networks
- Open network sockets
- Read from external storage
- PowerManager WakeLocks to keep processor from sleeping or screen from dimming
- Write to external storage
- Allows an application to receive messages via Google Cloud Messaging
Minimum Operating System: Android 4.1
Approximate Download Time: More than 5 minutes
Top reviews from the United States
AthanasiusFantastic concept, made for children and pre-teens
A Faithful ViewerA neat little app
Edge of Thornesgreat ... until chapter 2, level 13
JJCEO