Tools for Math

[Brian Wojcik]

What are some good tools that can serve as tools for Math? Obviously, there is a plethora of calculators out there...but what else could be used?

[Kirsten Haugen]

I use web-based tools all the time, especially National Library of Virtual Manipulatives - it's JAVA based and not completely 'universally designed,' but the ability to work with manipulatives on screen makes a big difference for many students I know - not only is it a more engaging way to learn concepts, but they can try over and over again, and I can differentiate by giving different kinds of challenges. Whenever possible, I provide the physical manipulative as well.

Often the kids differentiate for themselves. Example - kids were building open-ended designs from pattern blocks. I asked them ahead of time to be prepared to tell me what fraction of their design was yellow (the hexagon shape). Some based their design around the challenge and kept their patterns regular and predictable. Others waited until the end and found it much harder to figure out. Still others made one part of a pattern, calculated the fraction, then duplicated the pattern over and over, recognizing that the fraction would remain the same as the pattern expanded. It was very cool.

My other favorite math sites are on my web site, but NLVM is it if I had to choose only one!

[Brian Wojcik]

I too really like NLVM! I am going to need to take time to review the sites on your list...thanks for sharing! Brian

[Kirsten Haugen]

Brian, you're welcome. I'm sure there's more out there, and certainly more tools for math besides web sites. I look forward to hearing from others.
I find I have to review and re-review as sites change. One of the things I'm amazed at though, is how much teachers appreciate the printable pages that they can adapt for design or content. The idea of generating custom format or content right in the classroom is quite amazing (for someone who spent years hanging out over a copier, with scissors and rubber cement in hand...)

[KarenJanowski]

Kirsten,
Great math websites - thanks for sharing that resource. You may also be interested in the Math Playground site.
This is an incredible site with an unbelievable number of math tools. Check out the Math Videos which allow kids who benefit from repetition the opportunity to learn how to better understand a variety of concepts. Thinking Blocks helps kids understand how to do word problems. You will find some of your own favorites.

check it out, Kirsten and Brian! You will be amazed!

[Lynda S. Hartman]

Hi all,

Just found this group from a QIAT posting. This is my first attempt at participating. Loved the Math Playground web site. I added it to a resource document I hand out in workshops. (It is getting tricky keeping it to two pages with all the new stuff coming out on the web all the time.) Am attaching it here. Feel free to share, etc.

Lynda

[KarenJanowski]

Lynda,
Welcome to the ATnetwork ning. You have provided a great math resource! Thanks for sharing!
Feel free to add comments, discussions or even create your own forums. This is a collaborative, connected network of educators!

Karen

[Julie Monahan]

Lynn,

The resources are fantastic. Thank you for sharing.

[Sharon Eilts]

Try

hhttp://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm

The Daily Dose of the Web and then Subject Matter.

Sharon

[Chip Aldrich]

Sharon,
WOW - What a powerful collection of curriculum resources. I briefly scanned the 7th and 8th grade resources, the grades I'm most directly involved with, and found my self saying "Hey I could use that" repeatedly! Thanks.