When I moved to Corvallis in 1995 to take a position as a math consultant it was to assist in creating an online game, teaching algebra in an interactive format. We had a wonderful model, but the software available for developing the game was in its earlier stages, putting inappropriate limits on what we could do. Our vision was ahead of the market, the funding dried up and the project was abandoned. Now I’m seeing the Times Attack game for learning the times tables, and I am reminded of the earlier project that we had begun. The background, with the intriguing walls, blackboard, and other features, takes players to an imaginary world that will surely capture the kids’ imagination. It is amazing to see the progress that has been made in the development of software that supports these endeavors.
Timez Attack: This multiplication practice game is really free, courtesy of BigBrainz, who observe that knowing the times tables is a key to student success. Parents and teachers may download the base version for student practice, entirely free. The kids will love the video environment. The format looks like a real winner. Thanks to Aleta Kandle from Sandy High School for this link.
http://www.bigbrainz.com/index.php
http://www.bigbrainz.com/Download.html
Word Problems for Kids: This site, from St. Francis Xavier University in Canada, provides a wide variety of word problems organized by grade level, grades 5-12.
http://www.stfx.ca/special/mathproblems/welcome.html
Math Nexus: Have you checked out the Problem of the Week? Math Nexus is providing some truly intriguing problems. This week’s is about “Caterpillar Numbers.” Pick a number, if it is even divide by 2, if it is odd, add 1. Continue the pattern and see what happens. Also check out the Statistic of the Week for real statistics that students can explore. The Golden Oldies are another great reference on this site, taking you back to the old tried and true problems. This site is packed with information. Be sure to explore its many links.
http://mathnexus.wwu.edu/problem.asp
Rainforestmaths: Mathletics is now the keeper of Rainforest Maths. These interactive activities for grades K-6 have been available for many years and are well worth investigating. The site comes to us from Australia. Teachers who are not Mathletics subscribers will be provided with FREE access to all the Rainforest Maths resources for their class for 2009. Send an email for details.
rainforestmaths@3plearning.com
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/
Mathletics: I don’t usually feature commercial sites, but since it is the new host for Rainforestmaths, I am including it here. This site is said to be Australia’s most used educational website, with over 300 participating schools worldwide. It covers the full math curriculum, grades k-12. It is a math tutoring, education and math games website. Do explore its many links, especially the “live math.”
Arcademic Skill Builders: Here are games played on the internet, many of them designed to build basic math skills. There are single player games and multiplayer games that allow the students to play one another while on different computers. Can you imagine a homebound student playing these games with a student in the classroom!
http://arcademicskillbuilders.com/
Math is Fun: This website is filled with activities to enhance learning math. It includes the following topics: puzzles, geometry, algebra, money, games. measurement, etc. Its probability line is very well done. In addition, there is an interactive Tower of Hanoi and a marble simulation that explores probability.
Quick-and-Dirty Guide to the TI-83, TI-83+, TI-84, and TI-84+: Kenny Felder has presented this guide for students and teachers learning how to use these graphing calculators. There is an easy to use chart that takes you to the topic of your choice. This website provides valuable support for students learning to use the graphing calculator and more proficient students who encounter problems with more involved situations.
http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/kenny/papers/ti.html
