Mathematics is more than arithmetic, geometry or algebra. It is also a language that describes everything in the universe with a precision far beyond what words convey, as well as a system of logical thought.
However, mathematics is not a natural language for many children. They may have difficulty not only understanding mathematical concepts, but also understanding why they should care.
But when children immerse themselves in mathematical games and activities, they learn despite their misgivings. Make your math lessons engaging, exciting and fun with these top math apps and websites, many of which are free or modestly priced.
The best math sites for education
Illustrative Mathematics Curriculum
Founded in 2011 at the University of Arizona, Illustrative Mathematics is a comprehensive set of research-based, standards-aligned K-12 mathematics curricula, including lesson plans, professional learning, and community support. Site visitors can explore lessons without signing in, but to explore the full curriculum, educators must create a free account and verify their identity.
Better explained
Founded by a former Microsoft program manager, Better Explained aims to help students understand mathematical concepts through real-world illustrations, colored text, metaphors, and humor. This site is not just about math, it's also about how people learn. Explore topics like “Learning math? Think like a cartoonist”, “Learning to learn: mathematical abstraction” and many others. Informative and enjoyable.
What if mathematics?
A fascinating free site dedicated to the idea of mathematics as an experimental science and the use of spreadsheets to understand and solve problems. What if Math was created by math educators looking for a better way to teach math concepts. Dozens of spreadsheets cover topics ranging from “Absolute Value Functions” to “What is x?” while the e-book What if… the idea that changed the world? investigates the centuries-old foundation of our current mathematics education and how it no longer applies to our modern world.
math playground
No account is required to “exercise your brain” with this extensive collection of math, logic, skills, and word games for K-6 students. Created by educator Coleen King, Math Playground is kidSAFE/COPPA certified and includes only COPPA certified kid-friendly ads. Do you want to stop having advertising? Consider modestly priced premium plans for teachers, as low as $5 per month for an entire classroom. Shareable on Google Classroom.
Pad Class
A free online math tool that provides a digital “notepad” for solving any math problem, including calculus, geometry, graphing, statistics, and more, Classpad's intuitive and sophisticated workspace is easy to try out without needing to set up a account. Users can also quickly sign in with their Google account. Winner of the tech & Learning Back to School Award. `
math is fun
When I come across an interesting free site that looks like it was last updated in 2000, I dig deeper to make sure that's not the case. Although Math is Fun features an outdated interface, the site is fully functional and up-to-date. Plus, their math games and logic puzzles are fascinating and, in some cases, unique. Well worth investigating. Free, no account required. Bonus: The “Hide Ads” feature will keep ads hidden for 36 hours. Ads may also be blocked by your browser's ad blocker.
ABCYA
Excellent resource for educational games in a wide range of subjects, including mathematics. Games are searchable based on Common Core State Standards as well as Next Generation Science Standards. Completely free for desktop use, premium plan for mobile devices.
funny brain
The aptly named Funbrain offers a great selection of math games and videos for kids from preschool to eighth grade, searchable by grade and topic. Free, no account required.
I know
A comprehensive interactive math practice site for K-5 students, IKnowit's generous 30-day free trial (no credit card required) allows teachers to fully experience the site before purchasing. The $150 annual cost provides access to more than 500 Common Core State Standards-aligned math lessons for one teacher and 25 students, each of whom has their own login. Clear navigation and good design make exploring a pleasure.
Math Games
A variety of fun and imaginative math skills games are offered for free (with blockable ads) or as part of monthly or yearly plans at modest prices for teachers. District level membership is also available. You can search by grade, category, standard and ability.
Math game time
Large selection of free educational math games, videos, and worksheets, searchable by topic and grade. Despite the initial Web 2.0 interface, the site is easy to navigate and loads quickly. No account required.
RoomRecess
Free educational math games, quizzes, and puzzles for grades K-6. No account required.
Zapzapmath
A curriculum-aligned site for K-6 math, with an online teacher dashboard to track student progress and create reports. The free basic account allows a class of up to forty students and provides teacher guides and student reports.
The best math apps for education
Monsters versus fractions iOS
Free Common Core aligned app that helps kids learn fractions through mysteries, monsters, and zombies. 'Nuff said.
Mysterious city of mathematics iOS
An adventure-style math game for kids ages 6 to 12 that covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Students enter a city and try to unlock levels and characters by solving equations and finding variables.
Mathematics and wizardry iOS
An iOS game to learn basic math skills by playing an old school 8-bit style RPG. Free with in-app purchases.
Moose Math – Duck Duck Moose iOS Android
Top-rated multi-level math game that lets kids ages 3 to 7 earn rewards and decorate cities by solving math problems disguised as adventures. Topics include counting, classifying, arithmetic, geometry and more. Common Core aligned for kindergarten and first grade.
prodigy math game iOS Android
Prodigy uses a game-based adaptive learning approach to engage students in grades 1-8 in developing and practicing math skills. Math questions are aligned to state-level curricula, including Common Core and TEKS.
mathematical tax iOS Android
A fast-paced mobile math shooter game for one or two players. Players practice arithmetic while playing five math games. Tournament mode offers additional excitement.
