Math: Virtual Manipulatives – Interactive Sites [Top]

I highly recommend the classroom use of the virtual manipulatives available for free at the sites listed below. These excellent sites allow teachers and students to work with pictorial representations of most of the commercially available manipulatives. The teacher can use the site to model the use of the manipulatives as students learn to use the actual concrete materials. Using these sites will help you develop students’ conceptual understanding by engaging them in translating and transforming mathematical concepts across and within representations. After working with the concrete materials, students can also work directly with the applets on the site.

Large collection of virtual manipulatives, K-12
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

Middle School Geometry interactive Web site
http://www.ies.co.jp/math/java/geo/angle.html
Angles and Pararell Lines; Congruent Figures and Triangles; Quadrilaterals and Conservation of Area; Similar Figures; Circles; Pythagorean Theorem; Miscellaneous.

Project Interactive (java applets): Interactive software aligned with manipulatives commonly used to teach a wide variety of concepts. http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/

ExploreMath.com
Interactive math applets, http://www.explorelearning.com/

Calculator: Grade One
Learn online how to use a simple calculator. http://www.hbschool.com/activity/calculator_gr1/
http://www.visualfractions.com/

Dr. Super’s Virtual and Concrete Math Manipulatives, from George Mason University http://www.galaxy.gmu.edu/~devsuper/test8/geojrmain.html

Educational Java Program - http://www.arcytech.org/java/
Enter each program, read the instructions, and play the game. There are Base 10 Blocks, Cuisenaire Rods, Fraction Bars, and Pattern Blocks.

Electronic Examples (from NCTM) http://standards.nctm.org/document/eexamples/index.htm)
This site offers different math related manipulatives online. Make patterns, create triangles on geoboards, make rectangles, play with tangrams, hundreds board, and much more. Includes directions for the teacher.

Shapes - http://math.rice.edu/%7Elanius/Patterns/
Learn about fractions using these shapes and patterns. Click on the "online" link to begin playing. The link called "these shapes" has the shapes to print out. "4 geometric figures" is a mini tutorial on the figures.

Graph Paper - http://id.mind.net/%7Ezona/mmts/graphPaper/graphPaper.html
Click on "Simple Graph Paper" for a graph that you can use on the SMARTboard or print out. "X, Y Scaling" explains how the axes are scaled and labeled.

Base 10 Count - http://www.edbydesign.com/btcount.html
Students can use this interactive Base 10 site to count. NOTE: The site includes ads.

Teaching Math with Base 10 Blocks - http://www.susancanthony.com/Resources/base10ideas.html
Here are some ideas for using Base 10 blocks in the classroom.

Soma - http://users.ids.net/%7Esalberg/soma/Soma.html
Try to make these pieces come together to match the figure.

Bowling for Fractions - http://www.hbschool.com/activity/bowling_for_fractions/
Color sections of the rectangle then write as a fraction.

Cross the River - http://www.hbschool.com/activity/cross_the_river/
Pick the right fraction and cross the river. Here is animated help to practice fractions.

Mighty Math Web Activities - http://www.hbschool.com/activity/mmath/mmath_frac.html
Find the right fraction and lunch fireworks.

Explore the Multiplication Table - http://www.mathcats.com/explore/multiplicationtable.html
Follow the directions at the top to see the multiplication problem solved.

Virtual Manipulative Spinner - http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_186_g_1_t_1.html
This online spinner manipulative can be useful for games and probability. The "Instructions" link tells you what to do, and "Activities" has a few fun ideas. NOTE: Java plug-in is required.

Virtual Manipulative Bar Charts
Change the labels for this virtual chart. The "Instructions" link tells you what to do, and "Activities" has a few fun ideas. NOTE: Java plug-in is required.

Virtual Manipulative Pentominoes
Students can make different pictures by moving the pentominoes. The "Instructions" link tells you what to do, and "Activities" has a few fun ideas. NOTE: Java plug-in is required.

Math: Tessellations
These sites explain how to create tessellations with polygons using rotation and reflection. Also includes information about artist M.C. Escher and examples of his tessellation artwork. There are several interactive games for manipulating patterns online. Includes a link to eThemes resources on pattern blocks and tangrams, shapes, and symmetry.

Math: Pattern Blocks and Tangrams
This is a collection of sites about pattern blocks and tangrams. There are several interactive sites that allow you to manipulate blocks and tangrams online. Also includes hands-on classroom activities that focus on polygons, area, angles, fractions, and patterns. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on geometric shapes.

Recommended Math Sites [Top]

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
This is the largest organization for mathematics educators in the country. I highly recommend joining NCTM for its journals and conferences. They have four major journals: one for elementary teachers, one for middle school teachers, one for high school teachers, and a research-based journal. http://nctm.org. See next link for the best online-resources from NCTM.

Great Math resources from the National Council of Teachers of Math
http://illuminations.nctm.org/

Manipulatives
How to make the most of Manipulatives, Marylyn Burns, articles
http://math.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=math&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fteacher.scholastic.com%2Flessonrepro%2Flessonplans%2Finstructor%2Fburns.htm

• 7 Musts for Using Manipulatives
  
• A Letter to Parents: How to Educate them on the Use of Manipulatives
  
• Answers to Your Questions about Manipulatives
  
• How I Introduced the Geoboard in My Classroom
  
• Pattern Block Activities (Plus Homework Assignments)
  
• The Solution to Marilyn Burns' Pattern Block Puzzler
  
• Hand Made Manipulative Instructions

Online Learning Math Games, from basic to algebra and geometry
http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/math.html

Free Journal: Algebra for all
http://www.nwrel.org/nwreport/2005-03/4-algebra.html

Articles, algebraic thinking
http://www.sedl.org/pubs/sedl-letter/v15n01/5.html

Math picture dictionary for kids
http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/

Math glossary
http://www.hbschool.com/glossary/math2/index_temp.html

Text-based math lessons by topic and grade level
http://www.col-ed.org/cur/math.html ,Columbia Education Center Mathematics Lesson Plans

Multicultural Perspectives for Mathematics Education
http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/DEPT/Multicultural/MathEd.html

Math puzzles by strand
Mega-Math-Site.- http://mathforum.org/library/ The Math Forum @ Drexel
Ask Dr. Math is an Internet project based at Swarthmore College and staffed mainly by Swarthmore students, staff, and faculty where questions about Mathematics from K-12 students and their teachers are answered. http://mathforum.org/dr.math/

Math-Web-Portal: This is a portal to worthwhile mathematics education sites. http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/math.html

Homework help
Algebra, math and other homework help online . Pre-algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Physics. Their FREE tutors create solvers with work shown, write algebra
Lessons help you solve your homework problems. Interactive solvers for algebra word problems. Ask questions on their question board. http://www.algebra.com/

Ethnomathematics on the Web, http://www.rpi.edu/~eglash/isgem.dir/links.htm

Differentiating Instruction [Top]

Overview of differentiated instruction
http://www.teachnet.org/ntol/howto/adjust/
http://www.weac.org/kids/1998-99/march99/differ.htm
http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/differentiating.html

Strategies
http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/differentiatingstrategies.html

Tools/Resources for differentiating instruction
http://www.sde.com/Conferences/Differentiated-Instruction/DIResources.htm
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/di.htm

ASCD’s Model, Strategies
http://www.wall.k12.nj.us/staff_dev/differentiating_instruction.htm

Overview of Layering Units/lessons
http://www.help4teachers.com/articles.htm

Sample Layered Units
http://www.help4teachers.com/samples.htm

Articles
http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/differentiated/front_differentiated.htm#rl
http://www.ascd.org/ed_topics/cu2000win_willis.html

ELL Teaching Resources [Top]

ESL Web-Portal to multiple resources
http://www.migrant.org/links/esl.cfm

ESL strategies/ Resources
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/TRY/activities.shtml

Many ESL resources and tools
http://www.manythings.org/

Audio files / For ESL
http://www.esl-lab.com/

General Principles for Teaching EL Students
http://www.nwrel.org/request/2003may/general.html
Ethnomathematics on the Web, http://www.rpi.edu/~eglash/isgem.dir/links.htm

Dictionaries

English/Spanish with visuals
http://www.migrant.org/assets/math/
http://www.pdictionary.com/
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/Dictionary.html

Math picture dictionary for kids
http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/

Math glossary
http://www.hbschool.com/glossary/math2/index_temp.html

Translation programs
http://ets.freetranslation.com/
http://translation2.paralink.com/
http://world.altavista.com/

Equity [Top]

Selected literature in Mathematics and Equity
http://www.as.wvu.edu/~acad/mathequity.html

Disabilities, Strategies, Resoruces
http://www.as.wvu.edu/~acad/sitemapm.html

Six components of educational equity
http://www.nwrel.org/cnorse/booklets/training/KeyComponents.html

Diversity in education bibliography
http://www.intercultural.org/pdf/diversityed.pdf

Columbia’s Latino Research Clearinghouse
http://www.tc.edu/latinoresearch/

Educating teachers for diversity
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/educatrs/presrvce/pe300.htm

Historic Speeches
http://www.sojust.net/speeches.html

Handouts – Equity, multicultural issues
http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/tools.html

Multicultural / Equity activities
http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/activityarch.html

Multicultural Math Fair
http://mathforum.org/alejandre/mathfair/index.old.html

Great Teaching Resources [Top]

Graphic organizers
http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/

http://www.everythingesl.net/inservices/graphic_organizers.php

http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/specificgos.html
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/graphic-organizers/printable/6293.html

Great online teaching video clips from Annenberg
(k-4) http://www.learner.org/resources/series32.html?pop=yes&vodid=332218&pid=873#
(5-8) http://www.learner.org/resources/series33.html

Great video clips from Lucas foundation
http://www.edutopia.org/php/article.php?id=Art_1405&key=238#

Great video clips from PBS
http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/math.htm

Bloom’s taxonomy resource links with lessons from Georgia Dept of Ed
http://www.glc.k12.ga.us/pandp/critthink/homepg.htm

Free online workshops on multiple intelligences, inquiry based learning, etc.
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html

Teaching Resources, multiple subjects
http://abcteach.com/

Teachers’ Time-Savers [Top]

Calendars: Printable calendars
http://www.dltk-kids.com/type/printable_calendar_pages.htm

Awards: Free Printable Awards/Certificates
http://www.kidscerts.com/free.php
http://dyetub.com/

Forms: Free Forms for Teachers (all types)
http://www.teachertools.org/forms_dynam.asp

Rubric: Build a rubric
http://www.2learn.ca/construct/rubric/tlcrubric.html

The Jig-Saw Approach
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr324.shtml

Questioning Toolkit – Helping kids ask good questions
http://www.fno.org/nov97/toolkit.html

Web-based Projects: Webquest project generator – use to create web-based projects
http://www.instantprojects.org/

Templates
Microsoft Templates for Teachers and Students
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT061993301033.aspx

Lots of printable PDF and downloadable forms, templates, charts, check lists, every subject
http://home.att.net/~teaching/filecab.htm

http://www.abcteach.com/directory/teaching_extras/

http://barry.haines.net/templates.html

Timesaver forms for teachers
http://www.timesaversforteachers.com/

Free Printables: 5000+ free printable pages and worksheets. From word-walls, to book report templates, it has lots of good printable resources that can save teachers time.
http://www.schoolexpress.com/fwsindex.php

Make awards for kids
http://kidbibs.com/awards/card.htm

Forms, awards, timesavers
http://www.suelebeau.com/freetools.htm

Powerpoint presentations/Resources
All subjects
http://www.graves.k12.ky.us/powerpoints/elementary/

Free powerpoint backgrounds
http://free-ppt.com/

Free powerpoint backgrounds, graphics, etc
http://www.brainybetty.com/

Free powerpoint backgrounds
http://free-ppt.com/

First Grade Teacher Templates and Forms
http://www.mrsperkins.com/testing.htm

Clip art: Teacher’s clip art
http://school.discovery.com/clipart/
http://www.theteachersguide.com/Edgraphicscolor.html
http://www.caslt.org/research/clipart.htm
http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/elemweb/sitesweb/clipart.htm
http://www.monroe.k12.la.us/mcs/hot_list/clip_art.html
http://www.teacherfiles.com/clip_themes.htm

Homework online: Places to Post Homework Online
http://www.schoolnotes.com/
http://www.teachersfriend.net/

Learning Essentials for Microsoft® Office
Learning Essentials for Microsoft Office is a desktop application that runs on top of Microsoft Office to give students and teachers a custom Office environment. Learning Essentials includes curriculum-based templates and toolbars for Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office PowerPoint® presentation graphics program, and Microsoft Office Excel® spreadsheet software, plus academic tutorials from leading education publishers. Learning Essentials helps students get started, stay organized, and successfully complete high-quality assignments. And for teachers, Learning Essentials can help them easily create effective instructional resources, complete administrative tasks, and implement new teaching strategies.

http://microsoft.order-5.com/publicsector/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=MSTrialandEval&category%5Fname=Schools&product%5Fid=098%2D103094

Print-Mini-Charts
http://www.tipztime.com/minicharts/freeminichartsandworksheets.html

Bulleting board ideas
http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/bulletin/index.html

Math Education Conferences [Top]

California
CMC, Palm Springs, November -http://www.cmc-math.org/
CMC, Central: Monterey Peninsula, March
LA City Teachers' Mathematics Association, LACTMA, March, http://www.lactma.org/

National conference, one of the largest in the world for math teachers
NCTM, April, http://www.nctm.org

If you want your Math Conference (only with focus on K-12 education) listed here, email us the conference’s title, location, dates and related contact and website information.