First in MATH® Online Team

About Us

The 24® Game
In 1988, successful inventor Robert Sun created the 24® game, a unique mathematics teaching tool that kids love. “I wanted to demonstrate that mathematics can be powerful, engaging and most of all, fun,” says Sun. “Knowing the answer is always 24 alleviates a classic brand of math anxiety—getting the right answer—and instead puts the emphasis on the process and patterns, what I like to call the method behind the math.”

That original, Single Digits 24® game has evolved into an entire family of products educators, parents and children have embraced. Sun has seen his creation used in classrooms throughout the United States and abroad, helping a new generation of students become critical thinkers and problem solvers. "Students perceive these activities as fun and exciting 'games,' which helps engage them,” explains Sun. But do not be fooled by the word game—these mathematics exercises strengthen automaticity with basic facts and support any core curriculum.

Suntex International Inc.
Suntex International Inc., the company Robert Sun founded, has become an organization committed to furthering mathematics education. Our goal is to use the innovative 24® game as a tool to make math appealing and accessible—thereby helping students to move on to excel in math, science and related fields.

As one step toward that goal, Suntex began 24 Challenge® Math Program competitions—or “tournaments” as they came to be known—based on the 24® game. First held in 1992, tournaments continue to provide a way to activate entire communities and help involve parents and families in mathematics education. Suntex sponsors and holds officially-sanctioned 24 Challenge® events throughout Pennsylvania, as well as parts of Ohio, California, New York, North Carolina and Delaware. In addition, many schools host their own events to generate excitement among students and faculty. The 24 Challenge® Math Program also extends worldwide—events have been held in Portugal, Belgium, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

First In Math® Online
Always at the forefront of mathematics education, Suntex introduced www.firstinmath.com and the First In Math® Online Team concept in 2002. Students play the 24® game online and improve their math fluency with this easy-to-implement program. The “team” approach is a great way to get children excited about math. More than just a fun activity, First In Math® offers substantive content that supports any core curriculum. Eight Skill Set® groups offer a full range of challenge and tie into national and state standards. Each group is comprised of three 24®game editions, and each game builds upon the skills acquired in previous games. Repeated game play helps students succeed in timed test-taking and helps boost confidence and achievement.

Students progress at their own pace, earning electronic “award stickers” for each level completed, and a record is kept of individual member and team progress. When Teachers log on they can track progress through Assessment Reports. Games can be played on any computer with internet access—including at home—to involve parents and family. Students will advance at different rates, according to their individual skill levels, but ALL players should experience improvement in numerical fluency, and increased speed. Studies show that students who play the 24® game on a regular basis see measurable improvement in math skills. (See Case Studies)

First In Math® Online is a groundbreaking approach to technology education and is committed to constant improvement of the program. Many improvements and additions come directly from suggestions made by educators and students. If you have a comment, constructive criticism or idea that can make First In Math® Online even better we would love to hear from you. Use the Contact Us form to share your thoughts.