Math has always been one of my son's favorite subjects...until we got to Geometry. The Digital Packs by Demme Learning's Math-U-See has changed that. I am so thankful for the chance to review the Geometry level of this curriculum, because it has given my son his confidence back to tackle Geometry head on, and he even likes it now!
Whether you are a veteran homeschooling family, or a new homeschooling family, chances are you have heard of Math-U-See. Demme Learning, the creators of Math-U-See, have been around since 1990, so they are definitely not a new company.
What we received:
We received one full year of access to the Geometry Digital Pack for our review. I purchased the Geometry Student Pack to go along with the digital pack.
Choosing which level to start with:
Math-U-See is a complete curriculum and offers levels from the introduction of math to secondary math. It is very simple to order because each level is explained in detail of what it covers and also includes the Scope and Sequence and a sample lesson. For each level there is also a placement test so that you can make sure you are buying the level that will suit your child best. You can also order a physical set to all levels, but it is not needed with the Digital Packs.
Levels offered are as follows:
Primer - A gentle introduction to mathematics
Alpha - Addition and Subtraction for single-digit numbers and other topics
Beta - Addition and subtraction for multiple-digit numbers and other topics
Gamma -Multiplication for single and multiple-digit numbers and other topics
Delta - Division for single and multiple-digit numbers and other topics
Epsilon - Fractions and other topics
Zeta - Decimals, percents, and other topics
Pre-Alegebra - Negative numbers, order of operations, solving for the unknown, and other topics
Algebra 1 - Graphing, simultaneous equations, exponents, polynomials, unit multipliers, and more
Geometry - Points, lines, planes, angles, circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, Pythagorean Theorem, conic sections, proofs, and more
Algebra 2 - Factoring polynomials, quadratic formula, graphing conic sections, and other Algebra 2 topics
PreCalculus - Trigonometry, identities, polar equations, logarithms, sequences, limits and other topics to prepare for Calculus
Calculus - Derivatives, integrals, calculus applications, differential equations, and more
What exactly is a Digital Pack?
How we used the product:
After you get logged in and to the level that you will be working on, you will be at your level's main screen.
To get started, all you have to do is go to the "Select a Lesson" drop down menu, and you will see every lesson there is to offer. The introduction to the entire course is also here.
Drake is in high school now so he's pretty independent. Math-U-See has proven to be perfect for the independent student. When we first received it, I sat down and watched a few videos with him to make sure that he understood what was going on. Before I knew it, he was ready to grade his first test.
He is doing about 2 lessons a week right now. The way he does it is, he watches the videos online, and then opens his workbook to get started on that lesson's worksheets. After completing all worksheets, he takes the test and I grade it. After you've completed everything, if you choose to, you can write the scores down on the course log they provide for you. It's so simple!
The lessons are labeled A, B, C, D, E, and H for the Honors worksheets. Drake likes to not only do the regular work, but he has challenged himself to also do the Honors part of the workbook.
He is doing great right now, and normally finishes all worksheets in one or 2 days. I realize this isn't for everyone, but as long as he is understanding it, and doing good on his tests, I let him progress.
What we thought about it:
We love it! The only suggestion I could make, that would make me love the Digital Packs even more, would be that it was just a bit easier to access. I would love to just be able to bookmark that page and go right to it rather than logging in and going to the dashboard first. It's definitely not a deal breaker though.
I asked Drake what he liked best and this was his list:
- He really enjoyed the teacher because he makes the lessons easy to understand
- He loves that he can pause the video at any time and then rewind it to have the concept explained to him again
- This works on his phone, just as good as it does from his laptop
- He can take this anywhere and not have to be in the living room at home bound by DVDs
- He doesn't feel overloaded with physical work. It's just enough for each lesson.
I can honestly say that we will continue to use this in our homeschool, not only for my oldest son, but for the others as well.
If you are looking for a math that will not only teach your child the concepts well, but also instill a love for learning math, then the Digital Packs from Demme Learning would definitely be an asset to your school!
Be sure to follow Math-U-See on social media!
If you are interested in reading reviews for levels other than Geometry, you can click the link below.
I enjoyed reading a review from a high school level. My daughter will be in 8th grade next year, and I am planning to use Math U See, but I have a hard time finding reviews for the higher levels. Looks like Drake is doing very well with this!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a God send for us with him and Geometry. He's always been so good at math has, but has just really been hung up on Geometry. Math U See is working great for him!
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