First In Math

Activities for K-8 fundamental math skills

Overview

First developed in 2002, First in Math is an online math program that covers topics from addition through complex algebra. Content is delivered in different game formats. The program encourages skill practice by deepening motivation and engagement through competitive scoring, and skill-building games provide deep practice with a series of challenges. Computational Thinking skills is a four-step process that strengthens the ability to solve complex problems. A dashboard, with pre- and post- assessments and reports for each student, is available for teachers.

A 2005 study of the program in National School District in San Diego, CA, supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Education found "small but significant effects on California Standards Test (CST) student achievement scores across each grade level."

The program is based on the 24 Game, developed by Robert Sun in 1988, where students use numbered cards and arithmetic operations to arrive at the number 24. The program has been used in competitions throughout the country.