Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox

App review by Jonathan H. Liu, Common Sense Media
Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Kids learn concepts of algebra in stellar game app.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire Free to try Educational Games
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 7 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

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  • DragonBox Algebra 5+ App: Screenshot #1
  • DragonBox Algebra 5+ App: Screenshot #2
  • DragonBox Algebra 5+ App: Screenshot #3

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox is an innovative educational app that through gameplay teaches kids concepts relating to solving algebraic equations. The app includes links to the developer's website as well as the app store, but does not require a user account or other online access.

Community Reviews

Nice Mommy
Nice Mommy Adult
September 5, 2014
age 5+

Kids "get" the rules quickly and are engaged

Both my 6 and 8 year old were quickly solving for "x" within a few minutes and with minimal guidance from me. I have always maintained that Common Core standards saying that kids should do algebra very young are inappropriate. However, when presented like this, the kids understand the basics. When presented with the real stuff later, playing this game will make it seem less like a foreign language. I think we paid $6 for this and it is worth the money! Try the geometry one too...very addictive!

This title has:

Easy to play/use
BobH
BobH Adult
May 22, 2013
age 18+

Very disappointing

I've read the reviews for the app as well as above and got the app for my daughters. It's unique - and unfortunately not constructive for long term learning - it teaches the mechanics of doing the math - great if you just want your child to go through the motions of doing math, but it doesn't teach the concepts behind the math so the child actually understands what they're doing and why they're doing it. Apparently nice graphics and a unique approach is good enough for people to think something is revolutionary, unfortunately the "new math" approach where the child doesn't know why they're doing something isn't teaching them the skills they can then apply to math and other concepts. Really disappointing that the reviewer and parents who give it positive reviews don't get this - a true waste of $10.
See all 7 parent reviews

What’s It About?

KAHOOT! ALGEBRA BY DRAGONBOX exposes kids to basic algebra concepts by having them drag and drop little "cards" onto two trays on the screen. The goal is to isolate the sparkling box by itself, which is analogous to solving for x, but the algebraic concepts are presented in a way that makes them seem like rules to a game rather than mathematical concepts. It isn't until later that numbers, letters, and mathematical symbols start to appear gradually. As levels are solved, the various "dragons" grow, and players are awarded with stars for solving equations, using the fewest moves possible, and simplifying the equations.

Is It Any Good?

This is an app that is truly educational, rather than one that depends on an existing knowledge of the subject it purports to teach. Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox is not simply an interactive flash card app with multimedia bells and whistles thrown in. Learning the mechanics of the game is actually the act of learning concepts needed to solve algebraic equations, but the child doesn't even have to know that.

The algebra is not explicit at the beginning and can be played even with no understanding of basic arithmetic until the final levels of the game. As far as kids are concerned, they are just learning a new type of puzzle game. The equations become more complex as the game progresses, and by the last level they take the form of standard "solve for x" equations. What is most surprising about the app is that young kids can learn fundamental concepts of algebra in a matter of hours.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Provide similar equations to Kahoot! Algebra by DragonBox and have kids work out the steps on paper, without the app's assistance. Solving equations on paper can be more difficult because errors can creep in.

  • Play the app along with your kids.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
  • Subjects: Math: algebra, equations
  • Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: logic, solving puzzles, strategy
  • Pricing structure: Free to try (7-day trial, then $9.99/mo. or $59.99/year. This subscription includes access to all DragonBox products as well as Poio and Kahoot!.)
  • Release date: December 27, 2021
  • Category: Educational Games
  • Publisher: WeWantToKnow AS
  • Version: 1.3.42
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 11.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up
  • Last updated: January 24, 2022

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