Math, math, and more math. Have I ever mentioned that math is my least favorite subject? And how much of a visual person I am? I like the shiny, modern look. I don't like a product that looks out-dated and is not visually appealing (Stick around, you'll see that phrase a lot. I like that phrase- visually appealing. Visually. Appealing. Yeah.). Math Galaxy is both math and visually unappealing (Visually unappealing, not a word I like. No.). So one would assume that I would not like this product, right?
One would be wrong.
One would be wrong.
Math Galaxy is a software program that helps "tutor" your children in math. It's math practice at the student's pace. With discs covering whole numbers through Algebra, it is designed for grades K-12. Nothing is set at grade levels, but is listed by topic. This makes it perfect for homeschoolers, as grade levels often do not apply as much at home.
It's not pretty. There aren't cute little characters designed by your kids. Yet I like it. I never promised to make sense, I only promised to give you my true and honest opinion. Frequently, there is no logic to be found in my true and honest opinion. We liked Math Galaxy, you may or may not, but I'll let you know why we did. Basically, it boiled down to choice. I've learned from a friend of mine that options are a vital part of life and Math Galaxy gives you the option to work problems in a random fashion or an orderly fashion. It may seem like a little thing but I have also learned in life that little things make all the difference. This little thing made a big difference to me and my kids.
My nine year old really needs to drill her multiplication facts. She understands how to do multiplication but she needs them in her mind, easily accessible. If she's drilling the facts she is more familiar with, fives for instance, she can have them given to her at random. If she needs to cement the nines in her mind, she can work through the problems in order- 1x9, 2x9, and so on. This little bit of choice works for us.
Another bit of choice that works is the ability to drill Algebra. My fourteen year old flew through his Algebra book this year. Assigning him practice work with Math Galaxy was a huge plus. This will help reinforce the concepts and keep things fresh in his mind for Advanced Algebra in the fall. For a simple program, the choices built in are smart.
There are a lot of good math programs out there. Math Galaxy can be added to the list of recommendations. Not much in the way of bells and whistles but it works.
Each Math Galaxy CD sells for $29.95. They currently offer Whole Numbers Fun; Fractions Fun; Decimals, Proportions, % Fun; Word Problems Fun, Pre-Algebra Fun, and Algebra Fundamentals. They also offer worksheet generators to match. These would take this from a drill program to a complete curriculum option. Again, simple but very smart choices.
*Disclosure: I received a download version of the Math Galaxy products at no cost, for review purposes. To see more reviews on this product, check out the TOS Crew site.*
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