TOP PICKS | 14 TOOLS
Cool Math Games for Middle School
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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.
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
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 Free with optional paid upgrades. Premium membership costs $8.95 per month or $59.88 per year.
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.
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
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
Questimate! - Pro
Build solid estimation skills through a fabulous math game
Bottom line: A great-looking, fully engaging math experience, from question to answer.
Grades: 4–7
Price: $5.99 For educators, access to all the Motion Math games is $6 per student per year; access to all Motion Math games plus the teacher dashboard is $9 per student per year.
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
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
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 Offers in-app purchases.
FAKTR
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 with Amplify account Requires Amplify account (packages start at $7 per student)
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
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
Divide by Sheep
Extremely addictive puzzle game has dark, slightly gory play
Bottom line: A great game for math problem-solving, but be careful choosing your audience.
Grades: 6–12
Price: 2.99
