Math Galaxy is another great math software we’ve been given to try out for the Crew.  Math Galaxy is a great supplement to any math curriculum, especially since it has both printable worksheets and computer games/activities involved.  Math Galaxy aims to help the student’s understanding when it comes to doing more than one step in a certain problem.  They aim to help the student link concrete principles to abstract principles, putting two and two together to form a unique learning experience.  Here is what Math Galaxy has to say: Our goal is to provide students a foundation for analytical thinking in the modern world and for higher-level math and science.

I have to say that Math Galaxy doesn’t have a lot of frills, although they are, nonetheless, very colorful and attractive to kids.  They do implement many illustrations of manipulatives to help the child understand the problem he is working on.  In my opinion, as a homeschooling mom who has seen books with either tons of illustrations or no illustrations….with my boys it doesn’t really matter what something looks like.  It matters how they’re learning from it; are they learning, while at the same time enjoying themselves?  It’s not really the frills that have made certain parts of school “fun” for us; it’s how we’ve applied those things to our own style and way of learning.

We received 4 different portions of Math Galaxy’s program to use and review.  Now, since Jacob is so young and only just now getting into multiplication, not really studying fractions yet, we are only able to use a couple of these right now, but I look forward to implementing the fractions software with his studies, when he gets to that point.  Here’s a description of the programs we reviewed:

Math Galaxy Whole Numbers Fun has been the program that is nearest Jacob’s level right now.  This program has exercises for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, place value, basic geometry, time, money, bar graphs, probability, patterns & sequences, word problems, etc.  The student can click on the section he wants to concentrate on, and it will take him to computer led instructions/activities.  There are also games he can play, such as Bridge the Swamp, Riddles, Labyrinth, and Word Jumbles.  For Jacob, the instructions are good, if he pays attention to them; otherwise, he gets lost in the game and doesn’t know what to do.  So the instructions are a must, in my opinion, when working with this program. Whole Numbers Fun can be purchased for $29.95, free shipping.

Math Galaxy Whole Number Riddles goes right along with the Whole Numbers Fun program.  It’s an ebook that is also a worksheet generator.  You can go into the generator and print out worksheets for the particular subject the student is working on that day.  You can print worksheets with or without the answers, making it easier on the teacher.  Some of the topics covered include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rounding, expanded notation, estimating, number patterns, order of operations, time, money, word problems, etc.  This ebook can be purchased for $14.95.

Word Problems Fun is set up like a robot game, in which the student has a robot that he has to go after treasure with. He enters caves as he goes, solving a word problem…and if that answer is correct, he’s able to search for the treasure using different keyboard functions. It’s like a video game, only better, because he can learn at the same time.  Since Jacob has a rough time with word problems, as many students do, this is a great tool to get him thinking on his own without me holding his hand throughout, as he’s motivated by the fun of finding the treasure.  Word Problems Fun can be purchased for $29.95, free shipping.

Math Galaxy Fraction Riddles is an ebook that goes along with the Fractions Fun portion of the program.  A worksheet generator, you can print out worksheets, with or without answers, for different math functions regarding fractions.  Some include adding and subtracting fractions, multiplying and dividing fractions, word problems, fraction pies, comparing fractions, reducing fractions, and improper fractions, etc.  I know that this is going to come in handy when Jacob really delves into the wonderful world of fractions, as it helps to simplify and reinforce concepts that are hard to learn if only staring at a textbook.  Fraction Riddles can be purchased for $14.95.

The great thing about Math Galaxy is that it can be used at a beginner level up to a more advanced level, and they even carry products for Pre-Algebra and Algebra.  Most of the games can be played with a minimum of 1 player up to 3-4 players.  I definitely recommend Math Galaxy for any homeschooling family, as it’d be an excellent, money-saving supplement to any math curriculum. You can read more reviews for Math Galaxy over on the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

(Disclosure: I was provided these Math Galaxy programs, free of charge, by Math Galaxy, in association with the TOS Homeschool Crew.)