MathMaker SkillBuilder Tri-Pac

Distributed By:
Creative Learning Media
334 Second Street, Catasauqua, PA 18032
(610) 264-8355

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CONTENTS
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1. Software Review
2. Math Maker - Features
3. Math User - features
4. Installation & Notes
5. How to use Math Maker & Math User
6. Math Maker & Math User Options
MATH MAKER:
ADDITION
SUBTRACTION
MULTIPLICATION
FRACTIONS
DECIMALS, PERCENTS
OTHER
WORD PROBLEMS - TRUE/FALSE & MULTIPLE CHOICE
MATH USER
7. FAQ'S - Frequently Asked Questions
8. WHAT THIS PROGRAM WILL DO FOR YOU
9. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS


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Software Review
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The Softbasics Software Math Maker is a must for any classroom teacher or homeschooling parent. It is a simple tool to create that extra practice sheet in math for any student from first grade up to junior high level. It covers all levels of Math in the areas of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also covers fractions, decimals, percents, word problems, estimating, time, shapes, and area. Math Maker can be used with the first grade student who is just learning those addition and subtraction number facts. It can also be used with the more advanced student in middle school or junior high who is learning or needs to review addition of 4 four digit numbers. All levels between first grade and junior high can also be created.

As a classroom teacher, I often sought extra practice sheets for my students. More often than not, I would spend hours creating them myself. Not to mention, that because of all the different levels that you find in the classroom, you usually have to create several different worksheets for the same concept. Math Maker is able to do all this for you. All you have to do is find the level that you want, and the program creates the worksheet for you. It even creates an answer sheet for you to check those worksheets after they are completed. It will create a worksheet with different problems and answers every time. If you are not sure what level you need, there is a preview option that allows you to see exactly what type of problem will appear on the worksheet that Mathmaker will create. Just click Preview On, choose the area and level, and a sample will appear on the screen.

The worksheets also can be used in the classroom for seatwork projects, or they can be given as a quiz. How many times I would have liked to assess my students' progress, but had no time to create any type of worksheet that would be able to do that for me. This software is very easy to use and creates the worksheets in a very short time. There is no need to give the computer any information other that the type of worksheet you want and how many copies you want made. You can even create a different worksheet for every student in your class.

For the homeschooling student, the Math Maker is an invaluable tool to supplement the curriculum you are using. Worksheets can be created to review any concept that your student has studied to give them the extra practice to develop mastery. One Math Maker can be used for all your students, no matter what level of Math they are using. Since all the worksheets are different, you can use them to review those concepts already studied whether it is during the school year, the summer months, or in the beginning of a new school year. This will ensure you that the concepts have been mastered before going on to new ones. This software is a definite must to add to your library of resources.

The Math User is a wonderful hands-on part of the software that allows the students to practice reading and answering True and False or Multiple Choice reading problems right on the computer. Many, many students struggle in this area. But where can you find any kind of exercises to help them practice this concept? There are three different levels to choose from. This allows the upper elementary and middle school student, as well as the high school student, to use this part of the program. The problems require that the student add, subtract, multiply and divide. A calculator appears on the screen that the student may use to find their answers. They also need to use percentages, time, the calendar, and money. Many problems in the higher levels are multiple step problems. This is often a difficult concept to teach. Unfortunately most curricula do not deal with reading problems to a great extent. Softbasics Software also keeps track of all the scores the student earns on these computer exercises. This will allow your record keeping to become much easier and more efficient.

You must try the Softbasics Software for your students, whether in the school or homeschool classroom.

Betty Ann Davis, M.Ed.



Math Maker - Features

1. Based on Mastery Learning principles - student advances only after mastering current level - and same option can be accessed over and over because problems are always different (hundreds of thousands of random combinations).

2. Activities are sequenced: easy to hard in each category so parent/teacher can use the program options from top to bottom, starting at addition, as a basic curriculum sequence guide.

3. Multiple copies of each option and answer key can be selected (for 2 or more children in groups of similar abilities). Also, unlike workbooks, it is never "used up."

4. The same option can be selected multiple times to provide different excercises and lesson problems at same level for tests etc. - completely eliminates answer copying by students on the same difficulty level.

5. Option Details and Preview Option: parent/teacher can see and read about each option before selecting it to match option level with ability level.

6. Print Directions button: all directions and options are printable for easy reference.

7. Ease of use: no training time needed. Just Point & Click any option immediately.

8. Comprehensive: basic skills are covered Grades1-High School so program can be used every year. Remedial and advanced students are covered. Great for providing make-up work or extra work, as needed.

9. Printable Study Guides: each activity has printable study guides for practice and explanation.

10. One step installation with Math User. Program group and icons created for instant use. Easy to use - a truly user friendly program


Math User - features

1. On-screen solving of multi-level True/False and Multiple Choice questions.

2. Level a - easiest, for younger students. Basic math needed to solve problems.

3. Level b - intermediate, for slightly more advanced students. Some multiple step problems.

4. Level c - hardest, for advanced students. Multiple steps and general knowledge needed.

5. At the highest level, students use basic measurement, time, money etc to solve problems.

6. A built-in calculator is included: students use it to calculate large numbers.

7. Printable results: name, date, scores, averages, time on task to keep track of progress.

8. Same problems as found in Math Maker - can be solved on paper and on-screen.

9. Great preparation for standardized tests. Super for working in pairs to solve and learn.

10. Requires use of the skills developed in Math Maker to apply to real world problems.

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For this and many other fine educational products and programs call:
(800) 685-3357
Creative Learning Media - 334 2nd St. Catasauqua, PA 18032
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Installation & Notes
(Do NOT lose - 2 passwords listed below)
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1. To install: place disk in drive A: (or B:)
2. Click File or Start, Run, then type a:install (and press enter)
3. You will click EXTRACT, then CREATE DIR. (If c:\sbas changed, icon may not work)
4. You will be asked for a PASSWORD; type in: brt3 or brt4 then press Enter.
5. The self-extracting file will create your program group (Softbasics) and ICONS for
(Math Maker & Math User). Path=c:\sbas (icon points to mmake.exe & muser.exe)
6. We strongly recommend you CLICK & DRAG the ICONS onto the DESKTOP in
Win 95 at this point for easy access (especially for younger children).
7. (The directory will be c:\sbas and the group will be Softbasics.)
8. Please record this PASSWORD for free L A Master INPUT/EDIT option: brt10


How to use Math Maker & Math User

In Math Maker's second window, print out directions and options with the PRINT DIR. Button. Just click it and all of the details and selections will be printed for easy reference. Keep it by the computer for reference. (In addition, you may click Option Details in each of the 8 boxes to read about what is available to print in that box). You also may use PREVIEW to see what will print before selecting an option.
Math Maker is super simple to use: just POINT & CLICK at any option you wish to PRINT. You may choose 1 to 35 copies (mostly for teachers) of each print and answer key but only 1 of each will print if you don't change the settings in the Choose # Test Copies option. Normally, you will leave this at one. You may RESET the number of copies with the 3 BLUE OPTION buttons that surround the Choose # button. To select a print, first click OPTION DETAILS in any of the 8 DROP DOWN BOXES. Read your choices and click the one you want to print. We suggest with single sheet printers that you re-use each piece of paper by re-inserting it to print on the other side. This cuts your paper expense in half.
Math User is for solving word problems ON-SCREEN with a built-in calculator. Please take the time to read the HELP screens. It is important to know that all answers and calculations are done with the mouse or pointing device. Also, the calculator is only ACTIVE when there is a word problem on the screen. Use the 3 DROP-DOWN boxes in the lower left to start by selecting an exercise. Then, click NEXT to see the first problem. Only exercises that are completed are recorded. You may change from TRUE/FALSE to MULTIPLE CHOICE at any point. There are 3 levels: a, b, c - easiest to hardest. You may print scores and averages out.


Math Maker & Math User Options

* Math Maker - 8 Major Categories with easy Point & Click choices to print out 1000's of always different sets of math problems to solve.
* Put into effect the power of students SELECTING, TAKING, then SELF-CORRECTING their own work.
* There is great RE-INFORCEMENT of correct answers and the students take responsibility for their own work.
* Math User allows on-screen problem solving of the printable word problems in Math Maker.
* There is a built-in calculator to deal with large numbers.


MATH MAKER ADDITION

Addition facts (user chooses)
Counting up by increments (1 - 9); (ex: 4, 8, 12, 16 etc)
Fill-ins (2, 3, 4 #'s)
Adding by 10, 10's, 100, 1000
Rounding numbers to nearest 10, 100, 1000, 10000, 100000
Adding 3 and 4 single numbers laterally (must be done w/o column)
Adding 10 - 99 plus 1 - 9 (first carrying exercise)
Large # adding 2, 3, and 4 numbers (columns) with choice of maximum size: 2, 3, or 4 digits

SUBTRACTION

Subtraction facts (user chooses)
Counting down by decrements (1 - 9); (ex: 40, 36, 32, 28 etc)
Fill-ins (2, 3 #'s) and Add - Subtract fill-in exercises
Subtracting by 10, 10's, 100, 1000
Subtracting 2 and 3 numbers from fixed starting point
Large # subtracting with maximum size of 2, 3, or 4 digit numbers
Negatives and negatives with number line

MULTIPLICATION

Multiplication facts (user chooses)
Random problems 1 - 6, 1 - 9 (mixed sets)
Fill-in Grid: 1/4; 1/3; 1/2 of multiplication matrix answers missing
Fill-ins of missing numbers in multiplication problems (? x 4 = 20)
Multiplying by 10, 100, 1000
Large number multiplying with maximum size of 2, 3, 4 digits

DIVISION

Division facts (user chooses)
Fill-ins of missing numbers in division problems (24 / ? = 6)
Dividing by 10, 100, 1000
Large number dividing with maximum size of 2, 3, 4 digits (remainders and decimal answers provided)


FRACTIONS

Addition of simple fractions
Subtraction of simple fractions
Multiplication of simple fractions
Division of simple fractions
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing Mixed Fractions
Converting: Mixed to Improper, Improper to Mixed
Drawing Fractions (visual tasks on paper)
Coloring or marking fractions (visual tasks on paper)
Money & fractions (activities)
Ratios (determining the missing # in ratios (2 is to 4 as ? is to 12)


DECIMALS, PERCENTS

Addition (student must line up numbers)
Adding 3 and 4 decimal numbers (student must line up numbers)
Subtracting decimals (student must line up numbers)
Multiplying decimals (student must place decimal point in answer)
Dividing decimals (student must place decimal point in answer)
Finding percent of numbers (what is 33% of 56?)
Finding what percent (33 is what percent of 56?)
Fraction/percent visuals to show connection (1/2 = 50% = .5)

OTHER

Estimating large numbers to 5%, 10%, 20% accuracy
Estimating addition (large numbers); 3 levels
Estimating multiplication (large numbers); 3 levels
Estimating division (large numbers); 3 levels
Telling time (visual clocks displayed with varied times)
Drawing pre-assigned times into blank clocks
Drawing time (blank clocks provided for student/teacher selected times)
Computing time changes (hours) and (hours & minutes)
Geometrics: naming and drawing basic geometric shapes
Determining area using area formulas
Comparing larger and smaller shapes based on area formulas

WORD PROBLEMS - TRUE/FALSE & MULTIPLE CHOICE

True/False word problems Level A (easiest) Sets of 10
True/False word problems Level B (intermediate) Sets of 10
True/False word problems Level C (hardest) Sets of 10
Multiple Choice word problems Level A (easiest) Sets of 10
Multiple Choice word problems Level B (intermediate) Sets of 10
Multiple Choice word problems Level C (hardest) Sets of 10
All math skills tested: time, money, size, area, percents, fractions etc
Perfect for Standardized test question preparation


MATH USER

Select either TRUE/FALSE or MULTIPLE CHOICE problems (same problems as in Math Maker)
Select LEVEL A (easiest), B (intermediate), or C (difficult)
Use calculator to solve problems sequentially
Preview any activity to determine proper level for student
Print scores, averages, date, time on task
Keep hard copies of each session to monitor progress



FAQ'S - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly does Math Maker do?
A: It prints 1000's of math activities with answer keys for ages 5-13.

Q: Is it hard to learn how to use it?
A: No. You just point & click any option and it prints! (up to 35 copies)

Q: Does it have something for every level of ability?
A: Yes. It's designed with a sequence of activities (8 areas with study guides).

Q: How are they sequenced?
A: It starts with addition and progresses through subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometrics and time, and word problems (3 levels of true/false and multiple choice).

Q: What does Math User do?
A: It allows students to solve the word problems ON-SCREEN with a built-in calculator.

Q: Can I see and print the results?
A: Yes. It prints all scores and averages plus the time on task and date.

Q: Do I need a special printer for Math Maker?
A: Any printer is ok but ink or bubble jets & newer lasers are needed for perfect prints.

Q: Do I need a CD ROM for these programs?
A: No. They self-install in 1 step from a 3.5 floppy.


What this program will do for you

* Help all your children with challenging MATH ACTIVITIES materials.
* DIFFERENT LEVELS of math work for different children at the same time.
* Controlled ADVANCED MATH mastery activities measuring progress.
* REMEDIAL MATH work to help students catch up with important skills
* TRACK PROGRESS by retaining the math work your children complete
* Complete guide with proper SEQUENCING of the math your children master
* STUDY GUIDES to help EXPLAIN various math operations (ex: dividing fractions)
* Students MASTER real world WORD PROBLEMS putting their skills to use


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

* Any Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 computer (both programs)
* Math Maker requires INK/BUBBLE JETS or NEWER LASERS for PROPER PRINTOUTS
* DOT MATRIX & OLDER LASERS will work but printing SIZE may be smaller; additionally, some graphical prints will not be perfect
* Takes less than 1 meg on drive and comes on 3.5 floppy
* NO LEARNING TIME REQUIRED: just POINT & CLICK for each printout - 1 printed copy of activity plus answer key
* Up to 35 copies of activity and/or answer key may be SELECTED - it is recommended that a copier be used for multiple copies, where practical



To order call Creative Learning Media at Northeast Educational Warehouse and Services (NEWS)
(800) 685-3357