Abby+Ward+-+Geoboards

**What:** Geoboards **Web address:** https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/geoboard-by-math-learning/id519896952?mt=8 **Student’s name:** Abby Ward **Grade levels:** Mainly 2-3 based on CCSS, but could be used K-7 **Content areas:** Math

**Abstract:** Geoboards is an iPad application that is exactly what it would seem to be—a digital geoboard. Students can choose either a 4x4 or 9x14 geoboard to work on. The geoboard is black with silver nails, and has 8 colors of rubber bands to use. There is an option to shade one or more of the shapes created (matching the rubber band color, of course). The purpose of this app is to be used in place, or in addition to, a traditional wooden or plastic geoboard. It could be used individually, with a partner, or in a center, depending on the number of iPads available in the classroom. If an interactive whiteboard is available, a large version of the geoboard could be manipulated by a teacher or student.

**Personal Experience:** Having just discovered this app, I have not used it with students. However, I wish I had it when teaching area and perimeter in 3rd grade. If students have iPads to work on, the digital geoboard is a great tool. Teachers don’t have to store geoboards in their classrooms, or worry about students misusing rubber bands. The app is extremely simple to use and has the shading option to aid with finding area. You can touch the screen without messing up the shape, which is helpful when counting units. Students can also model their discoveries by hooking up an iPad to an interactive whiteboard. I would definitely recommend this app to any teacher who has iPads available and can integrate geoboards into a lesson!