Going back to ancient times for fun learning experiences is the idea behind free iOS apps from Dig-It! Games. The apps were created by Suzi Wilczynski, a former archaeologist, and now a middle school teacher and President of Dig-It! Games. Let's take a look at two of the apps, “3 Digits” and “Roman Town.”
In “3 Digits: Translate Maya Numerals and Think Differently about Math!,” the app challenges players' critical thinking and math skills while teaching the ancient Mayan's revolutionary number system. 3 Digits turns math skills-building into a fun, fast-paced learning game that encourages players to think outside the box using addition, subtraction and multiplication.
First, learn about the glyphs, or symbols, that represent the three Maya digits: a shell for zero, a dot for 1 and a line for 5. Put a dot above a line and you have the number 6. Next, understand that the Maya number system is a base-20 system – an ordinary decimal system is base-10. Then pick a level to start playing. At the easiest level, players only receive numbers up to 20. At the most challenging level, the numbers will reach 150,000. In either timed or untimed mode, players are presented with randomly generated numbers to convert into ancient Mayan glyphs.
When you're finished with math, try some social studies. In the “Roman Town” game, players are guided through the ruins of the archaeological site of Pompeii to play challenging mini-games, discover clues and explore the ancient Roman culture.
The interactive game engages students, ages 10-15 years old, in ancient Roman civilization through conversations with characters, and exploration of the ruins and artifacts woven into its mini-games. The 11 interactive mini-games, include Knucklebones and Calculi, which are based on real games the ancient Romans played. Realistic graphics transport players to Pompeii, a Roman city that was destroyed in the eruption of the volcano, Mount Vesuvius, in 79 AD.
Go to www.dig-itgames.com to see more free iOS apps for download including “Artifact Snatch,” “Loot Pursuit: Pompeii,” “Loot Pursuit: Tulum,” “Mayan Mysteries” and “Can U Dig It!”
