Educational Insights MathShark

by Educational Insights

Product Features

• Electronic flash cards
• Quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Works as a full - function calculator at the press of a button
• Answers receive immediate feedback, with colorful flashing lights and tones
• The more the kids play, the more they learn

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 6 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000IRMM
• Item model number: 8490
• Manufacturer recommended age: 6 - 12 years
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required.
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,399 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
  • #28 in Toys & Games > Learning & Education > Mathematics & Counting
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (69 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

Educational Insights brings a terrific idea to life in Math Shark, a combination skill-building tool and calculator. The shape, colors, flashing lights, and beeps--all reminiscent of a hand-held electronic game--will appeal to kids who may not otherwise be interested in practicing math. (Parents: the sound is unobtrusive, but can be turned off.) Math Shark offers eight different skill levels and seven skill groupings: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, and percentages. After every question a red or green flashing light and a corresponding beep let you know whether or not you answered correctly. If you get one wrong, the right answer flashes, and the question keeps appearing, along with any others answered incorrectly, until you get it right. After each set an encouraging comment--"You did it!" or "Way to go!"--comes up on the screen. The sets are timed, and your score, based on how long it took to answer all the questions correctly, appears at the end. When practice is done for the day, Math Shark becomes a handy calculator. Requires two AA batteries, not included. --Rachel Radway

Product Description

Kids will want to practice their math on this portable skill-building ELA that turns math into a video game. MathShark quizzes eight different skill levels in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and works as a full-function calculator with the press of a button. Problems are displayed on the LCD screen either vertically or horizontally. Answers receive immediate feedback with colorful flashing lights and tones. Sets are timed, and the elapsed time plus a message appear at the end of each set. As they see their time improve, kids are continually motivated to beat it, just like when they play a video game. The more they play, the more they learn. Requires two "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 10" x 6.1" x 3.9".

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

134 of 139 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect - and fun - for kids, October 27, 2000

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Educational Insights MathShark (Toy)

I bought Math Shark for my 3rd grader. You cannot imagine how quickly her math skills improved! The ability to pick different math functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and different skill levels has allowed her to be successful as she continually challenges herself. The timing feature is especially fun because she sees it as a game and works hard to beat her previous time. With Math Shark, my child has gone from being behind in math, to now being at the top level - and enjoying it!

101 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great help for kids AND math-illiterate adults!, November 14, 1999

By A Customer

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Educational Insights MathShark (Toy)

I am a college student who seems to have gotten by so far without the ability to manage numbers at all. Finally disgusted with myself and needing basic numeracy for jobs and school, I found this toy on sale one day. It allowed me to learn, then practice basic number skills, and teaches all the day-to-day math people need. I still remain shocked and horrified that I got through life thus far without knowing how to do things like calculate percentages in my head etc. but I am glad I decided to learn. I have a friend who is a math teacher and my scores on this toy were actually BETTER than hers, because she needed to rely on pen and paper whereas I was doing it in my head through this method. Only flaw---I wish it had the ability to save high scores, as it is now you must track it yourself...and a headphone plug would be nice. Otherwise though I really recommend this!

104 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great to keep in the minivan...., May 1, 2003

By 

Kim (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Educational Insights MathShark (Toy)

Our 6 yr old is enjoying this product. She needs help with getting quicker at drilling addition and subtraction and this is helping. She likes when the green light lights up to tell her she is correct. The levels are very good since my niece (8 yrs), nephew (10 yrs) and the adults have all tried it. If it's durable enough, it should last her for years as she gets to multiplication etc. She doesn't think it's FUN though - it's just something to do when she is bored. For this reason we keep it in the van. Our plan is working though because she climbs into her seat and immediately turns it on. We had it in our home for awhile but there were too many other FUN things to do besides Math! If your child enjoys challenging math facts, they will think it's fun though - our 8 yr old niece did and so do myself and my husband.