Figure This!

http://www.figurethis.org/index.html

Common Sense Media says

Complex math concepts presented as real-world examples.

Age

Quality

Learning

Positive messages3
Kids are encouraged to challenge themselves and try additional math problems.
Violence0
Not applicable.
Sex0
Not applicable.
Language0
Not applicable.

Consumerism0
The site is ad-free.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
Not applicable.
Privacy & safety4
The additional resources listed for each item sometimes include links to external sites -- but most are family-friendly math sites.

Expand to see more details

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that kids should enjoy the very visual, real-life examples given in Figure This' math problems. From the probably of two kids at the same school having the same initials to how far a paper airplane can fly, there are over 76 challenges in all. The challenges cover topics from algebra and geometry to statistics and probability. There's no way to interact with other users on the site, so you don't have to worry about your child interacting with strangers.

What kids can learn

Kids can learn how to estimate surface area, compare fractions, and perform other math calculations. The challenges use everyday examples that range from judging how far you can drive on a tank of gas, using mileage-per-gallon estimates, to how distance and angles affect mirror reflections. Problems are listed by subject and by challenge name. Figure This! has several fun problems to help teach kids a variety of math principles, plus resources for parents and teachers.

Subjects and Skills

Subjects

Language & Reading
following directions, using supporting evidence
Math
estimation, probability

Science
Social Studies

Arts
Hobbies

Skills

Thinking & Reasoning
problem solving, thinking critically
Creativity
Self-Direction
academic development, self-assessment

Emotional Development
Communication
Collaboration

Responsibility & Ethics
Tech Skills
Health & Fitness

See more details

What's the story?

What's it about?

Figure This! features engaging math problems that illustrate concepts like projecting salary growth, estimating percentages, and graphing information to analyze trends. However, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics-sponsored site's challenges are much more interesting than cut-and-dry number problems. Each involves a detailed example that kids can relate to, such as the probability of two people at the same school having the same initials.

What's the story?

What's it about?

Is it any good?

Kids who aren't crazy about math may find a little integer, probability, and algebra inspiration on FIGURE THIS! Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (with governmental funding from groups like the National Science Foundation), the site features dozens of math problems that can help kids visualize how principles like fractions and geometric angles work.

The challenges are listed by mathematical topic and by title. Each challenge contains a hint to help kids out, the correct answer (with an explanation), and extra questions and reading suggestions to extend learning. Adding age suggestions would make the site an even stronger learning resource. However, kids can likely gauge which math problems involve concepts they're familiar with -- or figure out new math theories using the site's detailed examples. Additional materials are also available to help teachers and parents with math instruction.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

Families can talk about why math is important -- why should kids learn more than just basic addition and subtraction? (The site has additional materials for parents to help illustrate math's many benefits.)
Learning math also helps kids think logically. They may find some concepts easier to understand with a visual. Ask them if any of the problems on the site seemed more clear once they formed a picture in their head or drew one on paper.
The site offers hints to give extra information about each math problem. Did your child find some problems easier to solve after seeing the additional clue?

More details

Genre:

Educational

This review of Figure This! was written by Erin Brereton

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.

CoolMath

(http://www.coolmath.com)

Info and games designed to boost math's fun factor.

AGE

Learning2

Hotmath

(http://hotmath.com/)

Textbook math problems solved online!

AGE

FactMonster

(http://www.factmonster.com)

Tons of fun info on topics from math to history to sports.

AGE

Learning2

The Common Sense and Common Sense Media names, associated trademarks and logos, including the Decider Slider and Age Ratings Bugs,
are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (FEIN 41-2024986).

New Reviews	In Theaters
Movies on DVD	Games
Apps	Websites
TV	Books
Music

Best movie lists	Best game lists
Best app lists	Best website lists
Best TV lists	Best book lists
Best music lists	Best for learning lists
Creative kids guide	Essential books
Essential apps	Special needs guide
Learning awards

Apps for learning	Games for learning
Websites for learning	All reviews for learning

Advice	Educators
Movies in theaters	Movies on DVD

Reviews

Top Picks

Best for Learning

Videos

Blog

Members

Figure This!

Common Sense Media says

What parents need to know

What kids can learn

Subjects

Skills

What's it about?

What's it about?

Is it any good?

Explore, discuss, enjoy

CoolMath

Hotmath

FactMonster