Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of Math Galaxy Apps and eBooks through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
I was really excited when I found out we would be giving Math Galaxy Apps and eBooks a try. Math has always been a struggle in our homeschooling journey. My children passed my mathematical abilities around grade 4. I am always looking for ways to increase my children’s math proficiency, as hands-off for me as possible.
About Math Galaxy
Math Galaxy Apps
I was given the chance to try several of Math Galaxy’s apps- including Add-Sub Balloon Pop, Whole Number Riddles, and Pre-Algebra Fundamentals. We also tried out the 1-3 Digit Addition and Subtraction Riddle eBook.
Math Galaxy has over 20 apps available on the app store for iPhone or iPad including:
- 3rd Grade Math
- Pre-Algebra Fundamentals
- Algebra Fundamentals
- Fraction & Decimal Riddles
- Whole Number Riddles
- Times Tables Balloon Pop
- Add-Sub Balloon Pop
- Word Problems Fun
- Zombie Numbers
- and more.
Math Galaxy has been awarded both the Best of the Best- Best Apps for Kids Award as well as Smart Apps for Kids- Top Apps Pick. The apps are comprehensive in their approach. They start with foundational topics in the 3rd and 4th-grade apps and move to multi-step problem-solving in the higher grades.
The colorful images and engaging music make learning seem like fun. The multiple approaches to learning provided through the apps allow children to grasp concepts in the way they learn best.
Math Galaxy eBooks
Math Galaxy also has a great selection of eBooks to provide additional concept mastery. These titles include:
- Whole Numbers Riddles
- Fraction Riddles
- Decimals, Proportions and Percentage Riddles
- Algebra Riddles
- Whole Numbers Fun
- Fractions Fun
- Decimals, Proportions and Percentage Fun
- Word Problem Fun
- Pre-Algebra Fun
- Algebra Fundamentals
- and more
The Math Galaxy eBooks are a great way to reinforce difficult concepts for children. The fun and colorful illustrations keep the students engaged. Riddles are fun for everyone and these eBooks are full of them.
The younger grades will work with fundamental concepts like addition, subtraction, and word problems. The older students will have practice in pre-algebra and algebraic concepts including coordinates & slopes, factors, and absolute value.
Older students don’t miss out on the fun though, riddles and games are sprinkled throughout the advanced eBooks as well. The blending of important concepts and fun makes these math eBooks a win for parents and students alike.
Our Experience
The Apps:
Add-Sub Balloon Pop
We tried three of Math Galaxy’s apps: Add-Sub Balloon Pop, Whole Number Riddles, and Pre-Algebra Fundamentals. My 8-year-old is currently working at a 3rd grade level in math, so we let him try Add-Sub Balloon Pop and Whole Number Riddles.
The apps were easy to find on the Apps store and they downloaded quickly. The first time we opened up Add-Sub Balloon Pop it immediately crashed. We tried again after restarting his iPad and it loaded just fine.
The balloon pop game consists of an addition or subtraction problem at the top and the objective is to pop the balloon with the correct answer. He seemed to enjoy it and was willing to play it for about 15 minutes without complaint. I feel like that is sufficient time to get good drill practice with these basic math skills.
Whole Numbers Riddles
Then we downloaded the Whole Numbers Riddles app. This one had no problem opening the first time. The Whole Numbers Riddles app works with 1 Digit Whole Numbers, 2 Digit Whole Numbers, Time, Money, and Measurement.
For each category, you can choose 1, 2, or 3 players. My son enjoyed playing the 2 player game with his older sister. They both seemed to enjoy the game, however, my daughter did mention that the game is not completely intuitive. There are several steps to each problem and it takes a little while to figure out the order of the steps.
Overall, I would say my son enjoyed both apps and was willing to play with them anytime I added them to his daily work. I am pleased with the increase in his speed at answering math drill flashcard questions and I think it is in part due to the time he’s spent on these apps.
Pre-Algebra Fundamentals
My daughter is currently working at a Pre-Algebra level, so we let her try the Pre-Algebra Fundamentals. She is a whiz technologically and at first, she thought the app looked a little outdated. After spending some time with it, however, she really started to enjoy how interactive it was.
She has used this app off and on for several weeks and has seen an increase in her understanding of the concepts she is learning in her core Pre-Algebra curriculum. Math has never been easy for her, so anything we can find that helps her feel more confident in her abilities is a win for me.
The eBook:
My son has a morning folder he works through every morning. This folder contains easier, review work from several subjects that he completes to help his brain wake up and prepare for school.
I am always on the lookout for fun additions to his folder, and the 1-3 Digit Addition and Subtraction Riddle eBook was a perfect fit. The pages are perfect for a quick morning drill. The first time I added on to his folder, he was so excited to complete it.
The colorful pages are fun to look at and he is a huge fan of riddles. Prior to starting, we were using black and white drill sheets that I found online, which were not his favorite. Since adding in the Math Galaxy eBook, I hear no more complaints about morning folder time.
What We Loved About Math Galaxy
There are several things we really enjoyed about Math Galaxy apps and eBooks. I love anything that helps my children grow in confidence with their math skills. The apps are colorful and fun, keeping even my wiggly 8-year old engaged for up to 15 minutes at a time.
I love that there is such a variety of apps to choose from, truly something for every student from 3rd grade to upper high school. The fact that my Pre-Algebra student would gladly work on the app is a huge indicator for me that they are not too childish for older students to enjoy.
I love that the eBook has given my son a new enjoyment of his morning folder. I love knowing that those fundamental concepts are being reinforced every day.
What We Didn’t Love About Math Galaxy
We enjoyed our experience with Math Galaxy very much. One issue we had over and over with the Math Galaxy apps was their likelihood to crash in the middle of a game. Multiple times one of my children would be playing a game and the whole app would just shut down. They found this very frustrating.
I do have to say, however, that even though that was frustrating to them, it never changed their desire or willingness to use the apps. I think this speaks volumes about how much they enjoyed them overall.
Pricing for Math Galaxy
Apps: Several of the apps have free trial versions. The full price for the apps is $4.99 each.
eBooks: The eBooks are $9.95 each.
Final Thoughts: My final thoughts are that we enjoyed our time working with Math Galaxy. I feel as if we have another tool in our pocket to help keep our math skills sharp. The fact that the apps we used did have a likelihood to crash is something to keep in mind, but overall I feel that Math Galaxy is a good addition to our homeschool.
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