TOP PICKS | 16 TOOLS

Cool Math Games for Middle School

Math can be frustrating at times to all students, regardless of ability. Game-based learning can help engage and motivate students when they struggle by going beyond rote memorization to get kids practicing essential skills and making tough choices. The games on this list provide a universal language of play that promotes problem-solving and logic skills whether students are graphing on coordinate planes or solving multi-variable equations.

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Matific

Engaging supplemental resource encourages conceptual understanding

Bottom line: A fun and engaging conceptual supplement for math lessons with easy-to-find standards-aligned activities.

Grades: K–6 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid Teachers can sign up for free. Parents interested in using Matific at home can sign up for a free trial, and then pay $30 per year.

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First in Math

Gamified math practice for all levels of players

Bottom line: Nothing frilly: First in Math is 100% solid math practice through and through.

Grades: K–8 Price: Free to try, Paid Contact the developer for a quote.

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ChessKid

The right combo of learning and play for chess fans at any level

Bottom line: Whether learning, playing, or coaching, ChessKid has it all covered.

Grades: K–12 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid Free account holders have access to free play, beginner lessons, and a limited number of puzzles per day. A Gold membership unlocks unlimited access to all lessons, games, and puzzles (price options include $10 per month, $50 per year, or $105 for 3 years).

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Magnus Kingdom of Chess

Gentle chess puzzle game ideal for young newbies

Bottom line: For kids who are new to chess but want to learn how to play, this fun intro to the game provides a well-done tutorial combined with a light overarching storyline.

Grades: 1–8 Price: Paid $7.99

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Prodigy

Adaptive math practice wrapped in role-playing adventure

Bottom line: Sometimes kids just need some math practice to get things to stick, and Prodigy delivers in a fun format with great teacher support.

Grades: 1–8 Price: Free, Paid Access to all educational content is free; subscriptions ($8.95 per month or $59.88 per year) include exclusive items, customizations, and other extras.

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Mangahigh

Phenomenal adaptive math games with a killer teacher dashboard

Bottom line: Fantastic tool for flipped or blended classrooms, formative assessment, or extra practice in any setting. It's gamification that really works.

Grades: 2–12 Price: Free, Free to try, Paid Free 30-day trial gives 100% access. Following the trial, users can select a basic or subscription account. The free, basic version limits access to 25% of the content. The subscription models vary based on the number of students enrolled, and range from $195/yr (up to 5 students) to $2995/yr (up to 1,000 students). Request a quote for more than 1,000 students.

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DragonBox Elements - Geometry

Innovative game-based approach to teaching geometry

Bottom line: Kids build fundamental geometry skills as they play, but connections to classroom math will require teacher support.

Grades: 3–8 Price: $4.99

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Math Snacks

Satisfying mathematical treats kids will gladly gobble up

Bottom line: Teachers and students will excel with engaging, often funny material; it's a pleasure to explore these extensive resources.

Grades: 3–8 Price: Free

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DragonBox Algebra 5+

Mesmerizing step-by-step puzzler sets the foundation for algebra

Bottom line: This innovative game-changer teaches algebra, changes the way kids learn it, and even changes how they feel about it.

Grades: 4–8 Price: $4.99 $4.99

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GameUp by BrainPop

Grab bag of game goodies creatively explores a variety of subjects

Bottom line: A really nice variety of subject matter and a unique approach get kids actively involved in the learning process.

Grades: 4–8 Price: Free

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TiViTz

Quirky strategy game reinforces math in a novel way

Bottom line: Students should enjoy the board game approach to teaching math -- if it's used as a treat to reinforce concepts already learned.

Grades: 4–8 Price: Free, Paid A Premium version is available for $7.99, which gives additional avatars and access to the 7-TiViTz board (the free one is 5). They also provide discounts for multiple Premium accounts.

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Twelve a Dozen - all access

Engrossing math platformer puts problem-solving skills to the test

Bottom line: This absorbing game challenges kids' math and thinking skills as much as it entertains.

Grades: 4–8 Price: Free, Paid Offers in-app purchases.

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FAKTR - all access

Electro-futuristic prime-factorization game is a total blast

Bottom line: The process of factoring becomes completely intuitive after one playthrough, and that makes it a huge learning success. Plus, it's just plain fun.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free, Paid In-app purchase of $3.99 for complete game.

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Crafty Cut - all access

Gorgeous 2-D and 3-D shapes game offers intellectual play at its best

Bottom line: One of the best ways to explore the relationships between 2-D and 3-D shapes and promote spatial reasoning in a way worksheets can't touch.

Grades: 5–10 Price: Free to try, Paid with $3.99 in-app purchase for the complete game

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DragonBox Algebra 12+

Super fun, cutting-edge approach to learning and practicing algebra

Bottom line: Kids build a strong foundation for algebra by learning the underlying concepts for solving equations with this extremely fun and educational math tool.

Grades: 6–10 Price: Paid $7.99

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