MathShark

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Average Customer Rating:	4.0
Brand:	Educational Insights
Model:	8490
Weight:	0.9 pounds
Dimensions:	6 inches x 3.87 inches x 9.81 inches [Width x Length x Height]

Product Categories

5 to 7 Years; 8 to 11 Years; 12 to 15 Years; Learning & Education; Math & Counting; Boys; Girls; Unisex; 6 and Up; Math; Gift Wrap Eligible

Product description

Kids will want to practice their math on this portable skill-building ELA that turns math into a video game. MathShark quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, AND works as a full-function calculator with the press of a button. Problems are displayed on the LCD screen either vertically or horizontally. Answers receive immediate feedback with colorful flashing lights and tones. Sets are timed, and the elapsed time plus a message appear at the end of each set.

As they see their time improve, kids are continually motivated to beat it, just like when they play a video game. The more they play, the more they learn. Requires two "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 10" x 6.1" x 3.9".

Educational Insights brings a terrific idea to life in Math Shark, a combination skill-building tool and calculator. The shape, colors, flashing lights, and beeps--all reminiscent of a hand-held electronic game--will appeal to kids who may not otherwise be interested in practicing math. (Parents: the sound is unobtrusive, but can be turned off.) Math Shark offers eight different skill levels and seven skill groupings: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages. After every question a red or green flashing light and a corresponding beep let you know whether or not you answered correctly. If you get one wrong, the right answer flashes, and the question keeps appearing, along with any others answered incorrectly, until you get it right. After each set an encouraging comment--"You did it!" or "Way to go!"--comes up on the screen. The sets are timed, and your score, based on how long it took to answer all the questions correctly, appears at the end. When practice is done for the day, Math Shark becomes a handy calculator. Requires two AA batteries, not included. --Rachel Radway

Features

Electronic flash cards

Quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages

Works as a full - function calculator at the press of a button

Answers receive immediate feedback, with colorful flashing lights and tones

The more the kids play, the more they learn

Customer reviews

« LCD is too hard to read! »

It is a great concept -- but the LCD is just too hard to read, even when the contrast is set to high.

Rating: (2 out of 5) @ 2008-10-27

« Screen Needs a Backlight!!!! »

Not sure why more reviewers didn't mention the fact that the numbers are very difficult to see on the screen. Regardless of the fact that you can adjust the contrast it was still frustrating and requires you to strain your eyes to see the math problems. We love all of the functions but are going to return this product and have already purchased the Math Whiz. It doesn't do all of the functions that the Shark does but it's a good start and you can actually see the math problems on the screen very well!

Rating: (2 out of 5) @ 2008-10-15

« good educational game for car rides »

I have this and 2 LeapFrog game things in a bag we take for car rides. I am just glad my 7 year old son plays with this at all, which he does. The only strange thing is they seem to be Purple now, not Yellow (which was kind of a surprise when I first got it), and the batteries go pretty fast, we use rechargeables anyway but it's another thing to keep up with. and it was a little bit overpriced in my opinion, but the pros outweighed the cons if you have a reluctant kid with math.

Rating: (4 out of 5) @ 2008-08-19

« Math Shark »

I think the product is effective for reinforcing math facts with the various levels. One criticism I would put forth is that you must choose the number you wish to drill (e.g., addends +9) instead of having a random feature that would review all addition facts, for example at a given level. The numbers are sometimes difficult for younger ones to discern given the very rudimentary graphics. Overall, I would recommend the product because it does drill to mprove math skills quite simply, without a lot of fluff.

Rating: (3 out of 5) @ 2008-05-04

« Great product »

This works like advertised. It does a good job of drilling a wide variety of the basic math facts. It has a very wide range of ages that it would be useful for. I did have some issue with the screen seeming a little difficult to get the clearest image on but my daughter (who uses it) says she has no problems. We made a chart for each number and when she can get the addition or subtraction set done within a certain time frame, she can cross it off and stop practicing it. We found this motivated her greatly to practice on her own to get her times down. On to multiplication/division!