Deepen Conceptual Understanding in Math with Virtual Manipulatives (and it’s fun!)

HSE, Math, Pre-HSE, Technology, , , ,
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM) is a website that houses a goldmine of visual models and interactive virtual manipulatives for mathematics instruction.  The library began as a project in 1999 with support from the National Science Foundation and was developed at Utah State University. It has since undergone numerous revisions and additions and presently contains over 100 virtual manipulatives. Continue reading Deepen Conceptual Understanding in Math with Virtual Manipulatives (and it’s fun!) →

Great Activities for Formative Assessment and Problem-Solving in Math

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Mathematics Assessment Project

The Mathematics Assessment Project (MAP) is a joint venture between the University of California, Berkeley, and the Shell Center at the University of Nottingham, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to “design and develop well-engineered assessment tools to support US schools in implementing the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.” To meet this goal, the MAP website covers three major content areas: formative assessment, summative assessment, and professional development. Continue reading Great Activities for Formative Assessment and Problem-Solving in Math →

Developing Students into Deep Mathematical Problem-Solvers

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Inside Mathematics

Inside Mathematics identifies itself as “a professional resource for educators passionate about improving students’ mathematics learning and performance”. The goal of the site is to help educators continue to grow and transform their teaching practice. To accomplish this there are a lot of resources, including  lessons, challenging math problems, videos of classroom instruction, videos of teachers planning lessons, videos of teachers reflecting on lessons they just taught, etc. Continue reading Developing Students into Deep Mathematical Problem-Solvers →

Connecting Environmental Data with Real Life

HSE, Math, Pre-HSE, Science, , , , , , , , ,
Statistics for Action

Statistics for Action aims to help adults understand how to read and interpret data, and shares resources with which to do that in a classroom or community setting.
The site is focused primarily on data about environmental issues, air pollution, toxins in our drinking water or soil, chemicals in our food.  Because of this, it is easy to draw connections from the materials to students’ lived experiences. Continue reading Connecting Environmental Data with Real Life →

Scientific Misconceptions and Wonder in the Everyday

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Veritasium

Veritasium is a YouTube channel of science videos, focused mainly on physics, created by the charismatic Dr. Derek Muller. As of this review, there are 199 incredibly engaging and visual videos, with more being added all the time. One of the things I really like about the Veritasium videos is the way they focus on drawing out and breaking down common misconceptions about science and how the physical world works. Continue reading Scientific Misconceptions and Wonder in the Everyday →