App review by Debbie Gorrell, Common Sense Education | Updated December 2014
Calculords
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  • Download on Google Play
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Calculords

Mild violence, frustrating levels distract from math strategy game

Get it now
  • Download on Google Play
  • Download from App Store
Learning rating
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Community rating
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Privacy rating
0%| Fail Expert evaluation by Common Sense
Grades
4–8 This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
Subjects & Skills
Math, Critical Thinking
Price:  $2.99 In-app purchases are available.
Platforms:  Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
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Take a look inside

4 images
The beginning of the game walks kids through the basics of gameplay.
Early levels help kids get the hang of the game.
The game gets more challenging -- and complicated -- as kids progress.
A menu along the left side of the screen makes navigation a snap.

Pros: The arcade style is appealing, and kids will likely enjoy playing with and collecting cards.

Cons: The more advanced levels could easily overwhelm and frustrate kids. Mild violence could be an issue.

Bottom Line: A unique, initially addicting way for kids to put their math skills to the test, but overwhelming advanced levels lack sufficient guidance and distract from learning.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

If the overall theme of killing enemies with weapons is not an issue, Calculords could be used as an enrichment activity for kids to practice their math operations and problem-solving skills. The game is not fast-paced, so kids can work in pairs and strategize together as they complete levels. Create a class leaderboard and keep a record of cards and medals that kids earn. Set aside regular class time to discuss their progress and strategies.

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Standards:

The game is a mixed bag of card-gaming, arcade-style combat, and number puzzlers. Kids are challenged to defeat alien enemies by using calculations to arrive at specific numerical values. Kids do calculations by selecting numbers and operations on a calculator, but once a number is used, it disappears and can't be used again. When they do their calculations correctly, kids can place cards in the battlefield, which consists of three "lanes," to help their armies fight the aliens and navigate dangers like minefields. There are different units involved in the game that ultimately affect the outcome. For example, there are HP and AP values. HP values are hit points, which represent how many hits an army can take before being destroyed. AP values are attack points, which represent the amount of damage the army can do in a turn. Medals are awarded for each enemy commander that kids defeat, and they collect cards for every battle won.

Calculords does a good job of challenging kids to use math while strategizing for maximum play value. Kids learn to use addition, subtraction, and multiplication in order to arrive at specific card values. Oddly, division is not included on the calculator, so kids can't use it to do their calculations. Aside from being defeated by the enemy, kids don't get constructive feedback, so they learn through trial and error. It takes a while to get the hang of the game, and challenges can quickly become overwhelming, which can eventually distract from learning. It’s also important to note that there is a tone of violence in the game, with a focus on killing with guns, tanks, and other weapons. This may be unsuitable in some settings.

Overall Rating
Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Many kids will enjoy the arcade style of the game and its challenges, but moving through the levels can be painfully slow at times.

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

Using various operations to arrive at the same numerical value is a good way for kids to become fluent in math. However, challenges may become overwhelming, and kids don't get hints or helpful feedback.

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

The beginning of the game acts as a basic tutorial. More guidance for advanced levels could help eliminate frustration.

Common Sense reviewer
Debbie Gorrell Educator
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Key Standards Supported

Number And Operations In Base Ten

  • 5.NBT.5

    Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

  • 4.NBT.4

    Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

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