Fizz and Martina

What is the tool? Fizz and Martina (Tom Snyder Productions) is an educational software program that allows students to solve problems by fuguring out which data is relevant, performing appropriate calculations, and presenting their solutions.

How can it be USED? This amazing software can be used in groups of four(recommended by the production company). The program presents a problem to the students. The students then work collaboratively with their group to try and find a solution to the problem. Students have to work through the 4 step (draw, write, explain, predict)problem solving process. When students are working with their groups each student has a 'job'. One student will write, one will draw, one will explain, and one student will predict. You can watch a video of this learning taking place at http://www.tomsnyder.com/tour/tours_math.asp#.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of this tool? The disadvantages of this tool are few because this is such an amazing program. I would have to say that having to purchase this software for $340 for one computer is very expensive. If your school was interested in this software for the entire school or an unlimited site license to the software that would cost $4,125. This is expensive, but I believe it would be worth the money spent. The advantages of this software are endless! The five titles in this series are perfect for a one-computer classroom. Each software package combines computer-based video, easy navigation, and handouts and other resources as scaffolds. It is also accessible to students with physical disabilities because it can run on one computer; students do not have to actually perform the mouse clicks to run the software themselves. This software includes a lot of language, focuses on cooperation and collaboration in teams, and promotes critical thinking as part of problem solving. Equally important it helps students to communicate mathematical ideas orally and in writing.

Who is the AUDIENCE for this tool? The audience for this tool would elementary students. THis program is for students who are learning to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and also learning problem solving skills.

Where can you learn more about this tool? You can learn more about this tool at http://www.tomsnyder.com/products/product.asp?SKU=FIZFIZ&Subject=Math This website is great because it is easy to navigate, and it follows standards for math.

My OPINION! I would recommend this tool to anyone because it is helpful to students learning. The software comes with many useful tools to share with students. This software is great for ELL students, and students with disabilties. I believe anytime a program provides options for every student it should be used. I hope to have this program in my classroom one day!