Links of the Month
These links are from the October/November, 2007 issue of The Oregon Mathematics Teacher. For internet links from previous issues, see the Bookmark Archives.
You can contact Sonya at richarso@onid.orst.edu.
Fall is a great time to share information about individual tutoring systems that are now available on the internet, either free or for a very nominal cost to the student. Instant messaging and streaming video are both being used in these systems. Here are the best of what I have seen so far.
Ms. Lindquist, The Tutor: This Web-Delivered, Intelligent Tutoring System has been written by Neil Heffernan at Carnegie Mellon University. It is designed for tutoring students in writing expressions for algebra word problems. It uses an instant messaging system. Your students would like that feature! This site was developed with Eisenhower funds and carries top ratings!
Nutshell Math: This online tutor does individual problems from a choice of textbooks. It uses video with a whiteboard and a hand doing problems while the audio gives an explanation. The focus is on Pre-Algebra/Middle School Math, Algebra I & II, and Geometry. Choose your textbook from a list of 32 books, type in your page number and choose the problem you need help with. There is a low monthly fee to students and there are free teacher accounts. There is a free trial offer.
http://www.snappy-products.com/nutshellmath/html/ncc1_parent_landing.htm
Algebra: In Simplest Terms: The Annenberg Foundation Media website presents “Algebra: In Simplest Terms" as one of its complete programs. There are a total of 26 episodes in the series. Topics include linear relations, the ellipse, rational functions, and geometric sequences. The series uses practical examples to illustrate principles and axioms. There is a free online registration form to fill out to view the series.
http://www.learner.org/resources/series66.html
Word Problems for Kids to grade 12: This site comes to us from St. Francis Xavier University in Canada with support from Industry Canada. These are word problems classified into selections for grades 5 to 12. Many problems have been adapted from the Canadian Mathematics Competitions. They have been carefully selected to help students improve problem solving skills. Hints are available. You may find other helpful material in their math resources. Both links are provided.
http://www.stfx.ca/special/mathproblems/welcome.html
http://www.schoolnet.ca/home/e/resources/
TI Calculators: Here is a quick link to Texas Instruments download page for User Guides for its calculators. You may select any of the many calculators from this page. You will also find Calculator Software Applications, StudyCArd sTacks, Games, and other useful information. There is also a link in the top bar to Classroom activities and professional Development.
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/sectionHome/download.html
Great Problems in Math History: The Math Forum at Drexel University is a great place to explore. Here a portion of the history of mathematics is looked at through an investigation of some of the great problems encountered over the ages. Included are problems that are suitable for middle school and high school math students, with links to solutions, as well as links to mathematicians' biographies and other math history sites. A link to additional sites that the Math Forum recommends is included.
http://mathforum.org/isaac/mathhist.html
http://mathforum.org/pow/other.html
Tapping America's Potential ("TAP"): This is a campaign that has been launched by fifteen business organizations to promote math and science reform. Their goal is to improve U.S. math and science talent as a key component of U.S. competitiveness. They represent every part of the U.S. economy. The website provides national and international data, including state-specific information that shows a clear picture of the competitiveness challenges facing our country.
Cut the Knot: This is a great collection of Interactive Mathematics Puzzles and Miscellaneous Stuff! There are over 700 Java Applets to experiment with.
http://www.cut-the-knot.org/index.shtml
