Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework all teachers should incorporate into their classroom. UDL is a way teachers can combine pedagogy and technique to meet the needs of all learners. It takes into account multiple means of representation, multiple means of action and expression and multiple means of engagement. Read more about UDL
here! One way to support your students is through the use of applications (apps). This post will present 10 iPad apps that can be integrated into geometry instruction at the elementary level. It is my hope teachers will be able to use these applications to provide students of all ability levels equal opportunities to learn the content successfully.
The standards I focused on from the Iowa Core were for fourth graders, but these apps could be applied to other elementary grades.
4.G.A.1 Draw points, lines, line segments, rays, angles (right, acute, obtuse), and perpendicular and parallel lines. Identify these in two–dimensional figures.
4.G.A.2 Classify two–dimensional figures based on the presence or absence of parallel or perpendicular lines, or the presence or absence of angles of a specified size. Recognize right triangles as a category, and identify right triangles.
4.G.A.3 Recognize a line of symmetry for a two–dimensional figure as a line across the figure such that the figure can be folded along the line into matching parts. Identify line–symmetric figures and draw lines of symmetry.
These apps are not listed in any particular order.
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| Screenshot from: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/math-app-geometry-i/id481766610?mt=8 |
This application will help students understand the fundamental geometric shapes and facts. It includes tests and quizzes are which allows students to check their understanding immediately. Using this app will provide multiple means of representation for the students. Students who are having a hard time grasping the material will be able to view additional images and have additional practice to help comprehend the information. This app could be used in the classroom to help classify two-dimensional figures.
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| Screenshot from: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geometry-pad/id517461177?mt=8 |
With Geometry Pad students are able to create fundamental geometric shapes while exploring and changing their properties. There is also a unique snap-to-grid and snap-to-objects on this app, which allows for precipice construction. The students can also snap to parallel, perpendicular and tangent lines. This will allow the students to have multiple means of action by constructing their own shapes. This app will allow the students to share and express what they know. The students could use this app to construct their own lines, line segments, angles and perpendicular and parallel lines. They could also construct their own two-dimensional figures for their classmates to label!
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| Screenshot from: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geometry-4-kids/id446626897?mt=8 |
This app can be used to explore geometrical concepts. It can be used as additional learning module which allows the students to explore clear instructions with illustrations and narration. There are geometry riddles that can be used to help students identify with the shape. Additionally there is a critical thinking section, which can be used to challenge students who are having an easier time with the concepts. This app will provide the students with authentic learning experiences and multiple representations of the shapes and concepts they are learning. This app will be engaging to the students with the ample amount of activities the students can partake in. A good way to use it is let the students explore this app independently to supplement the material covered in class. Then, allow the students time to present on their favorite aspect of the app to encourage other students to get excited about it!
4. Geoboard, by The Math Learning Center - Free
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| Screenshot from:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geoboard-by-math-learning/id519896952?mt=8 |
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Everyone remembers Geoboards from when they were younger. It was a significant activity when learning geometry in grade school, and now you can use it in your class on your iPad! The students will be able to create line segments and polygons to explore and identify with. This application does a great job of giving students multiple representations. They will be able to manipulate the board and create different sizes and shapes of the two-dimensional objects being studied. This also will keep students engaged and motivated to learn through the fun manipulation of the shapes.
5. Video Geometry Tutor €1.99 ($2.18)
When introducing a new concept to students, it is nice to be able to supply them with multiple ways of learning the information. This is an app that has multiple videos on the topic of geometry that can be used with students who are auditory and visual learners. This is a great way to pull in multiple means of representation into the classroom. This could be at one of your math centers for the students to listen and watch during center time.
6. DragonBox Elements - $4.99
Although this app is a little more expensive, it will give the students an opportunity to explore a deep understanding of geometry while having fun! The players will use shapes and their properties to explore the properties of the geometric shapes. They will also improve logical reasoning skills by solving these geometric puzzles. The students will be able to take the shapes and engage in this activity without realizing they are working on their geometric shapes!
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Screenshot from: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/symmetry-school-learning-geometry/id648579648?mt=87.
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This is a captivating and brain-twisting way to integrate symmetry into the classroom. The app will also give a foundation of spatial reasoning, problem solving and visualization. This could be used as a unique way for the students to express symmetry in a new and exciting way while also talking about the shapes used in the creation. This is a great way to give students another avenue to express what they know in a safe and fun learning environment.
8. Montessori Geometry $1.99
This app covers 6 different families of shapes which help the students practice and memorize the vocabulary. The vocabulary comes with easy to read definitions that the students will be able to explore. It also has 6 different games the students can play and self-correcting activities to help improve the students confidence. This gives the students a new way to navigate their learning and will help them express what they know.
This is a great app that can be used in multiple ways in the classroom. To use it in the classroom for geometry, the students can go around and capture different shapes and angels and then identify them with the editing tool. They can then share this with their classmates and talk about how shapes are all around us. This is a great way for students to express what they know through a different tool. This will also help them connect their learning to the real world.
This application will have the students engaged from the start! There are three different games focused on building geometry, spatial reasoning and problem solving. In one game they must uncover specific shapes to find their friends. This will give the students extra practice on identifying shapes and manipulating them. This would be a great app to use for centers by giving the students more exposure to geometry and the shapes they are learning about.
I hope you find this useful and let me know how the use of any of these apps go!
-Robyn Katheleen
