App Review - Tiffany Whitten

 App Review

Alabama 8th Grade Math Course of Study Standard

12. Solve systems of two linear equations in two variables by graphing and substitution.

a. Explain that the solution(s) of systems of two linear equations in two variables corresponds to points of

intersection on their graphs because points of intersection satisfy both equations simultaneously.

b. Interpret and justify the results of systems of two linear equations in two variables (one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions) when applied to real-world and mathematical problems.

Desmos Graphing Calculator: https://www.desmos.com/

https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/desmos

Desmos calculator is a helpful website and application that allows teachers and students to use their calculator, graphing tools, and interactive graphs to graph solutions to systems of equations, analyze solutions, and slope. The cost for Desmos calculator is free for teachers and students on the website and by application on Android and Apple devices. Their calculator is intended for grades six through twelve. The platform is highly regarded by educators for its intuitive interface and student-friendly features. It also integrates with major educational publishers such as Pearson, Savvas, and McGraw Hill, enhancing its credibility and versatility. With consistently strong reviews from teachers and widespread use in classrooms nationwide, Desmos stands out as a trusted and effective resource for math instruction.

GeoGebra: https://www.geogebra.org/

https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/geogebra

GeoGebra is an interactive website and application that enables teachers and students to explore and manipulate equations, functions, and geometric shapes to deepen their understanding of mathematical properties. It also includes tools for basic calculations and graphing, making it a versatile resource for a wide range of math concepts. For systems of equations, students can use the graphing tool and interactive tools to check solutions for infinitely many and no solutions. The cost for GeoGebra is free for teachers and students by website and by application for Android and Apple devices. The calculator and interactive tools are meant for use from grade six through college level math. GeoGebra is widely trusted and reviewed well by math teachers and students. Commonsense.org rates GeoGebra highly in instructional value and alignment with math curriculum. GeoGebra also integrates well with Google Classroom.

Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/

https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/khan-academy

Khan Academy provides interactive lessons and videos that help students and teachers with understanding and practices mathematical concepts. It helps students and teachers with understanding and practicing systems of equations by separating each concept into ways to solve like graphing, substitution, and elimination. It also provides options for real-word application practice for many mathematical concepts. The cost of Khan Academy is free for teachers and student, but they ask for donations. Khan Academy can be used on the website and downloaded for free on Android and Apple devices. The learning platform credited by College Board and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Many educators review it well for help with multiple languages and intervention.

One application that I feel is most helpful for teaching and learning systems of equations is the Desmos Graphing Calculator. Its graphing capabilities and classroom-ready activities make it valuable for helping students visualizing the point of intersection and understanding the meaning behind one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions. Desmos supports inquiry-based learning allowing students to manipulate equations in real time, which deepens conceptual understanding of the types of solutions and relation to slope. Additionally, it integrates well with many instructional platforms to help with ease of access for students. For these reasons, Desmos stands out as the most engaging and instructional tool to support this standard.