An iPod Challenge

I created a math activity for my students using the iPods.  In teams, they played the app, "Math Magic 24!" on the practice mode.  They were given a 2 minute timer, game sheet, and 1 iPod to share.  The first opponent was given 2 minutes to solve an expression using the 4 balloons that equaled 24.  They were allowed to reset as needed within the time frame.  If player 1 failed to solve the expression, player 2 was given 1 chance to steal earning 50 of the 100 points is successful.  The players alternated starts for a total of 10 rounds.  My students were excited to play and felt challenged.  I gave them the opportunity to discuss what worked and want we could do to improve the activity.

What worked included
Like the competition
Helped with basic math facts
iPods made it easy and fun
Provided an understand of PEMDAS (order of operation)
It is challenging and provided 3 levels of difficulty
The timer pushed them to work faster on basic facts.

What we can improve on:
It was difficult to remember the expression because the app did not show the final solution when they solved the equation.
It was suggested that I make a board game to use with the "App" so they can see where they are.
They would like the "App" to provide a hint before given them the solution if they are having difficulty

Overall, my students enjoyed the activity.  At the end, one commented that he enjoyed the activity because we did not have to do math today.  Everyone else quickly reminded him that he did in fact do math but it was fun because of how we did it.

My goal is to recreate this activity and take my student's suggestion of using a game board.   With some adjustments and fine tuning this activity will provided my students with an understanding of PEMDAS.