Incorporate reasoning into the classroom.
iSolveIt puzzles provide an engaging way for students to
develop the logical thinking and reasoning skills that are
essential in mathematics.
MathSquared is a series of grid-based puzzles using basic math
operations that help develop logical thinking and reasoning
strategies. Puzzles have different levels of difficulty and
include embedded supports for solving.
MathScaled is based on a balance-scale format. The goal is to
place different shapes with unknown weights on the scale so that
it is balanced. Puzzles have embedded supports to help solve them,
and there are several different levels of difficulty.
Knowing how a student solves a puzzle is as important as the
correct solution. Every action a student takes in solving a puzzle
can be recorded in a database. Plans for iSolveIt include creating
a format for displaying this data to help teachers see how
students solve the puzzles and how their strategies change over
iSolveIt is a mobile digital learning environment that supports
the development of logical thinking and reasoning skills, which
are essential competencies of algebra and mathematics in general.
The environment includes a collection of tablet-based puzzles that
have been designed using the principles of Universal Design for
We selected puzzles because they offer greater flexibility in
terms of entry points and pathways, as well as the kinds of
supports and scaffolds that can be integrated into the experience.
Puzzles provide a natural format for developing reasoning skills.
By teaching algebraic reasoning skills in a context that does not
appear to be math-specific, puzzles address affective barriers to
learning (e.g., math anxiety). Providing different types of
puzzles offers practice across multiple representations, which is
critical for developing the ability to generalize.
How Do I Get
iSolveIt puzzles are currently available for the iPad. Two
iPad-based apps have been created during this first phase of the
project – MathSquared and MathScaled. Both are freely available
through the iTunes store.