Title: Fizz and Martina's Math Adventures Publisher: Richard Abrams Date Published: 1998 Content Area: Math

Range of Grade Levels: 3-4

Content Description: Fizz and Martina's Math Adventures software encourages students to communicate their mathematical ideas, increases comprehension, and expands listening and writing skills. In groups, students watch and listen to the video. While watching they take good notes on important numbers and information. At the end of the video the students are given a math problem. For example, one of the problems asks, how much money does Martina owe the club if the club dues are $3 a week and she goes for 6 weeks? Next, the students work together within their group to complete the problem and answer questions on their Team Questions Worksheet. The first question they are asked is to solve the problem. Secondly, explain how they found the solution (without using any numbers). Thirdly, describe consequences for specific characters. After they have collaborated in groups the teacher picks a group randomly, and then chooses a student from the group to answer the question. If they are correct, the teacher gives an award card to each member of the group. It typically takes one class period of 40 minutes for each of the four episodes (not including follow up activities).

Instructional Type: Problem Solving

Strengths and Weaknesses: The software was very easy to follow throughout each section. A strength of Fizz and Martina's Math Adventures is that it not only works students through computation, but it encourages mathematics in a form of communication. It supports cooperative work, discussion of mathematics, and writing about mathematics. The only weakness of the software is the graphics. A lot of recent software and technology have incredible graphics that stimulate visual learners. Fizz and Martina's Math Adventures is colorful, but lacks graphic detail. That is not what's important, but some kids might compare it to other software they have seen.

I would use this software to add to my mathematical lessons in class because it might spark some student's interest in the material. Also, using technology in the classroom is imperative and what a better way to enhance a mathematical lesson than by using computers.
Rating:  I have two ratings for Fizz and Martina’s Math Adventures.  First, I give it a 10 on the content and how it puts emphases on interactive learning.  Then, I give it a 6 on graphics.
 

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