Whole Numbers Fundamentals

Math Galaxy Whole Numbers Fundamentals is a comprehensive tutorial for whole number operations, with explanations, practice, and games that cover addition and multiplication tables, basic operations including alternative algorithms, place value, rounding and estimating, patterns and sequences, word problems, time, money, length, area, volume, pictographs, bar graphs, and probability.

The concepts are presented in bite-size pieces and there is an unlimited number of practice problems, with numbers chosen randomly.

By solving problems students earn robots to use in a maze game called the Labyrinth.
Other number games include Bridge the Swamp and The Money Trail.


Math Galaxy's approach to learning math is based on the philosophy that:

(1) New ideas must be connected to a child's current network of knowledge and experience.

(2) Skills develop along a concrete-to-abstract continuum, with advanced skills developed by generalizing from more concrete experiences.

(3) A child must see a wide range of instances of a concept in order to separate out extraneous material from what is essential.

(4) A child needs to be actively engaged with new ideas and not passively entertained.

(5) Ultimately, students will be using calculators, so the goal of elementary math should not be to add or multiply long columns of numbers but to understand the basic concepts behind the operations.

Unlike most math textbooks, which throw a mass of material at the student, Math Galaxy focuses student attention on concepts sequentially and interactively, based upon the ideas behind math manipulatives (such as counting blocks) and connecting new concepts to familiar experiences. Unlike most math software, it goes beyond simple games, low-level operations or rule memorization to link familiar and concrete experiences to higher-level processes. It goes beyond physical math manipulatives by linking each physical operation to its mathematical counterpart at each step, and by allowing manipulations that are difficult to do with physical manipulatives. It stresses concepts that run throughout all of basic math to provide basic understanding rather than memorized rules.

Our goal is to provide students a foundation for analytical thinking in the modern world and for higher-level math and science.

The key to learning math is consistency. It is best taken in small doses but done consistently. Even ten minutes or ten problems a day will improve your child's understanding of math if done consistently.

"As I explored each area of the program, I became more and more impressed with the mathematical challenges it presented."

"Each of the various areas that your child can work in has several nice functions."

"The first option is how the computer program reviews the concept with the student before they start working problems of their own."

"As the computer program walks them through the problems, there is a heavy use of visual demonstrations and cues that help them to "see" how it works and to get a visual picture of the concept."

"The "answer only" option allowed us to use this as drill practice on reinforcing concepts."

"I do highly recommend Math Galaxy Whole Numbers Fun."