Galaxy of Education has produced Math Galaxy-a family of twelve different computer-based math products that have provided excellent and motivating practice in the basics. Although we received all twelve to review, my children primarily used Whole Numbers Fun, while I used the Math Riddler Worksheet generator for additional practice away from the computer.
Each program contains multiple topics, as you can see from the example below.
Each program contains games as well as practice problems, but you must complete the practice problems before having enough robots to play the games. I found many of the game instructions to be confusing, but my children seemed to figure them out right away! As you can see from the above illustration, the graphics are simple and uncluttered but also a bit dated. My kids didn’t seem to mind since they don’t play computer games anyway, but they might not appeal to more graphic-savvy kids.
My son (10yo) has used the advanced options in the Whole Numbers Fun program to practice fractions, decimals, division, and multiplication. While he may think it is simply fun, he is improving in his time and accuracy—I can see it in his regular math work. He is also improving in his ability to solve multi-step problems.
My daughter (7yo) appreciates the lack of timed exercises, allowing her to work through the steps without the clock ticking away. She has focused on the time, money, and basic operations while using the computer program. She has also really enjoyed the Math Riddler worksheets, which give her a small number of problems to solve based on the parameters I enter. I can select number of digits as well as level of difficulty, allowing her to practice her basic math facts and operations. Once she has solved all the problems, she uses the answers to crack a code and answer a riddle. This has been a life-saver since we finished our basic math curriculum and needed something else to maintain her math skills. It also helps to have something to print out, since all of us share one computer. (The graphic below is from an advanced series, but the idea remains the same.)
Negatives? Other than unclear game instructions for the adults (kids are fine with them), I had a hard time discerning sometimes what level I should direct my children. In the word problems fun program, I clicked on beginner level and received a word problem in multiplication. A chart or other information listing grade level/abilities would be helpful for this program. All the others list approximate grade levels for each.
Each program costs $29.95 and is available as a CD (with free shipping) from their website. You can also purchase ebooks of the Math Riddlers, giving you a sample of the program for $14.95.
When you go to the website, click on Guided Tour to view samples from all the programs and browse which ones will fit your needs. You can view or use portions of all of them. From whole numbers to algebra, this galaxy has something for all levels. We’ll be using these for years to come.
Disclaimer: I received these products for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed here are mine only. I received no other compensation.
