Pan Balance - Applet Review

Pan Balance - Numbers
3-5
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=26

Summary:
This is an application that is geared towards grades 3-5 dealing with number operations. In the applet, the students are given a balance with one pan on each side of the balance. A simple problem is entered into the red pan such as 7+3 and it will show the sum of 10. Then in the blue pan the student should enter something that will be it's equivalent such as 5x2 and the answer 10 will appear. The problems with solutions will then appear on the right hand column called the balanced equations area because it was equivalent. If a student does not enter problems that yield the same answer, the equation with the higher number will appear heavier causing the balance to tilt one side; then it will not go into the balanced equations area. Students will be able to type mathematical equations that are equivalent. Students will also be able to recognize the difference between equivalent and non equivalent equations.

Critique:
I think that this application would be an effective use in the classroom to reinforce lessons done in class about equivalent equations. This application could be used for one person or as a two person game. This is good for those who are fluent in numbers because they don't give you any numbers to start of. The student enters their own equations without any prompting from the applet. The weakness of this is that students who need help with numbers and operations may not know where to begin, so extra help would be needed. This could be a good tool for those who are gifted/talented because it would give an extra challenge.






Critique: