Smart Tools

Online Math Resources

Here’s an interesting guide to alternative teaching techniques for math.

If you want to research on teaching math

  • The Math Page  - has arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus lessons available on the site
  • Bymath.com – is an online mathematical high school, and has elementary math curriculum with practice tests.
  • Cut the Knot: Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles – even if it features instructional games and puzzles based on a variety of math topics, it also includes serious articles about the language of math and related links.
  • Study Skills Online - an online guide on the best ways to study by Martin Greenhow, Brunel University.
  • Teaching Innovations -a collection of case studies illustrating some innovative practices currently taking place in Higher Education Mathematics Departments across the United Kingdom

If you want to teach students something cool

  • Chisenbop Tutorial - a Korean tradition wherein someone can do basic arithmetic using their fingers
  • Math in Daily Life – a virtual exhibit that looks at the ways people use math every day, from cooking to planning for retirement. This also offers teachers labs and workshops.
  • Teachers' Lab - Patterns in Mathematics – where teachers can explore how patterns occur in numbers and in words in this interactive lab.

If you want to let them play games

  • Coolmath.com – a treasure trove of math puzzles and number problems, fractals, geometry, calculus, algebra, online games, online calculators, and links.
  • Count On - has games, puzzles and competitions for all ages. It also has details of events, an online math museum, newspaper, magazines and other resources for parents and teachers.
  • Online Math Applications – a free stock market game for students to learn how the market works. The site uses real time data from Wall street.

If you want to improve their math skills

  • Math Magic - for motivating students to use computer technology while increasing problem-solving strategies and communications skills. There are four categories where each registered team can pair up with another team and engage in a problem-solving dialog.
  • Mathematics Experiences Through Image Processing (METIP) - promotes digital image processing as a means of motivating students in mathematics and to teach mathematical concepts.
  • Problem of the Week – constantly updated creative and challenging math problems appropriate for high school students

If you want a math project

  • Canadian Mathematical Society - Math Projects for Science Fairs – features ideas on various topics such as numbers, time scheduling, games, geometry, and combinatorics.
  • MathWorld Interactive - participating students from all over the world work on open-ended word problems called MathWorld Interactive Challenges. During the challenge, students share ideas, discuss, meet, and ask questions on the MathWorld Interactive Message Boards.
  • NRICH-Online maths club - an online math club for young mathematicians that also publishes a monthly magazine
  • Visual Mathematics - a forum for the dialogue between artists and scientists.

If you want to check out television

  • Keith Devlin - The Math Guy - Devlin is a regular visitor to NPR's Weekend Edition, where he discusses math topics, both popular and theoretical. There are also links segments of this show since 1995.

Sources:

“Math and education resources.” Retrieved November 11, 2009 from
http://www.dmoz.org/Science/Math/Education/
“Top Science and Math sites.” Retrieved November 11, 2009 from
http://www.google.com/Top/Science/Math/Education/Math

(Published 01 December 2009, Smart Communications Inc.)