TAKE TEN MINUTES TO SHARPEN MATH SKILLS WITH

NEW SOFTWARE SERIES

East Dorset, Vermont.  August 26, 2002 -   Educational software can never replace lessons delivered by teachers, but it can supplement and reinforce important skills taught in the classroom.  The Ten Minute series was created to do just that.  Five CD-ROMs focus on key math topics, and provide students with fun and quick ways to practice and test their skills in areas such as addition and subtraction, place value, multiplication and division, and fractions.  Each activity and test is designed to take just ten minutes, making the software ideal for times when individual students finish their work ahead of the rest of the class, or for students who need additional reinforcement in math.  Bright, engaging graphics and clever themes capture kids’ attention, entertaining them even while keeping them on task. 

Ten Minute Tasks: Addition and Subtraction

Students complete short, focused addition and subtraction activities as they participate in events such as Lucky Dip , Smashing Plates, and Duck Doubles at the School Fair.  The interactive nature of the activities motivates students to hone mental calculation skills as they accumulate points.  Students working alone or in pairs can choose 3 levels of difficulty for each activity.  The “What to do” and “Show me” balloons on each screen provide helpful hints and strategies for working through the activities.  A facility that monitors and records results allows teachers to track each student’s progress.  Designed with students in grades 1-4 in mind, this program will also support special education students.

Ten Minute Tasks: Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division come alive in a garden full of insects.  The caterpillar number line helps students multiply ants in one activity.  A ladybug hops on the caterpillar to demonstrate multiplication as repeated addition.  In another activity, students figure out which number is missing in an equation to save bugs from falling into a puddle. The short, focused tasks can be completed at 3 levels of difficulty, and teachers can monitor their students’ progress using the tracking facility.  On-screen help and easy-to-follow strategies are always available as students work on their 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 times tables.

Ten Minute Tasks: Fractions

Sort gladiator shields, string necklaces with beads, weave on a loom, and throw the javelin as you practice working with fractions and decimals. Travel to Ancient Greece to learn about proper, improper, and equivalent fractions, practice using mixed numbers, and explore decimals.  In one activity, you set bags of goods on the scale to balance equivalent fractions.  A wise Greek elder provides a quick, clear lesson before each activity, and can be called upon for help at any time.  In addition to 3 levels of difficulty and teacher monitoring facilities, this program includes activity sheets that can be copied and used for classroom or homework activities. 

Ten Minute Numeracy Tests 1 & 2

Ages 7-9 and Ages 9-11

With over 1, 250 short, focused tests and 5 levels of difficulty in each of these 2 CD-ROMS, it is likely that students will never take the same test twice, unless they choose to retake a particular test and try for a higher score.  Each test provides 10 questions focused around topics such as place value, fractions, division, multiplication, and multiples.  Fifteen colorful screens offer animated rewards as students answer each question.  Watch as a dirt bike jumps over obstacles or as a roller coaster tugs up a hill.  When you choose your mode of transportation, you also choose a level of difficulty.  In Ten Minute Numeracy Tests 2, click on the magic carpet for an “easy ride”, the mountain bike for a “bumpy ride”, the moon buggy for a “wacky ride”, the roller blades for a “wild ride”, or the monster truck for a “white knuckle ride” and get ready to move!

Teachers can also customize both programs for individual students by targeting objectives and even by creating their own questions and tests.  There is also a timing feature that teachers can enable if they would like to challenge their students to complete each test before a set time interval runs out. 

Minimum System Requirements

Win: Pentium 133, Win. 95+, 16 Mb RAM.

Mac: System 7.1, 68040, 8 Mb RAM

To Order

Single unit price per title is $69.95

10 Minute Series- 5 CD Set is $249.95

Multi-pack and site license pricing available. 

Order online using our secure ecommerce engine by clicking on the product links in the press release.
To order toll free from the US or Canada call (800) 220-8386
Fax your order to (802) 375-6860
Email your order to orders@toolfactory.com

Printable order forms are available at www.toolfactory.com

About Tool Factory

Tool Factory conducted an exhaustive search for unique educational software in various markets around the globe. Their flagship product line consists of 26 educational software tools, which were hand-picked for their innovative contribution to computer-based learning. To complement the tools and applications, Tool Factory is also distributing an extensive range of curriculum titles throughout North America. Their second catalog launches with 127 CD-ROM products, many of which are new releases in North America.

For press inquiries, please call Kendra Ericson at (802) 375-6549 or email kendra@toolfactory.com