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As I take a few minutes to reflect on the tools I have been using this year, a few keep coming up as my absolute favorites. Students are asking to see the teacher dashboard, to see their … 
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Scoop.it!
"Calculators have come a long way since the first ones that could add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Now, for a modest cost, it’s possible to purchase a graphing calculator. Or, with your computer, you can put a free one in your browser."
Beth Dichter's insight:
Have you considered a different option? What about a block graphic calculator? This now a common way to teach coding, having students connect blocks together to build code. Blockly has a free online block calculator that provides math (a portion of the options are shown in the image), variables and logic. To the left side of the coding is the graphing calculator. This type of calculator may help visual learners who may more easily create formulas through the use of blocks. Check it out at Blockly.
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Beth Dichter's insight:
Are you looking for good practice and ideas (and pedagogy) in the area of mathematics? If so check out the first newsletter from Great Math Teaching Ideas which you may download as a pdf from this website. This issue provides a range of links including: * Diagnostic questions - a website that provides you with questions to help you identify and address key misconceptions * Visual Patterns - a site that provides you with 116 patterns that your students may work with to help learn how to create equations * Numberphile - a great site to find math videos Additional items are in the pdf.
Melissa Marshall's curator insight,
November 29, 2013 1:05 AM
Here is a great visual containing some good ideas for lower school classes - along with the websites to check out. If you click on the image and load the webpage, the links become clickable. 
Gemma Schormann's curator insight,
December 2, 2013 10:43 PM
I agree! Math really needs to be taught better!
Scoop.it!
Zombies are a popular genre of entertainment, but who knew they could also make excellent teaching tools? Learn how you can use zombies in your STEM lessons.
Beth Dichter's insight:
Texas Instruments (TI) and The Science & Entertainment Exchange (part of the National Academy of Sciences, or NAS) have created free classroom activities that use "TI-Nspire CX™ handhelds, TI-Nspire™ Teacher and Student Software, and TI-Nspire™ Apps for iPad" with a focus on science and math. The activities explore Hollywood themes like zombies, superheroes, space and forensics, providing students opportunities to solve problems. You can access more information on this program and materials at the website STEM behind Hollywood at http://education.ti.com/en/us/stem-hollywood.
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"Try Engineering is a site that hosts lesson plans and games designed to get students interested in engineering. The lesson plans, 114 in all, are arranged according age and engineering topic. The lesson plans can be downloaded as PDFs."
Beth Dichter's insight:
This site has great information on engineering, including 29 games that students may play. The majority of games are geared to students in elementary and middle school (although some would work in high school). With STEM becoming a push in many schools it is great to find sites like this that provide a range of resources.
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The educational technology company uses game concepts to engage students while learning and targeting their weak areas in math.
Beth Dichter's insight:
Students often struggle with algebra. KnowRe is providing a free Algebra 1 game (in beta) that helps students review and learn math. This post provides an overview of KnowRe and states it is a "teaching tool that adapts to students on a personal level. It learns how well each person is understanding the concepts and adapts the curriculum based on that information." You will also find a short video that shows how to use KnowRe and explains the components of the program. To go directly to the KnowRe website, which bills itself as "Personalized math learning designed to help students succeed" go to https://www.knowre.com/. ;
Zhendan (Max) Wang's curator insight,
April 11, 2013 3:05 PM
That's brilliant. if education could be implanted into games. everybody would be so happy to learn. 
Alexis's curator insight,
October 3, 2013 10:17 AM
This game understands students on a personal level. It adapts to their needs and teaches math at their speed. Its a great teaching tool and targets a "trouble area" for each student so they can work on their own pace. I could definitely see myself using this in the classroom.
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Two professors say we've got to stop sending messages to young children — especially girls — that math is something to fear. Humans are actually hardwired to think mathematically, they say.
Beth Dichter's insight:
At what age to learners experience fear of math? This post notes that "common wisdom" said that it not until sixth grade, but current research "demonstrates that children as young as first grade report math anxiety symptoms" and that the anxiety "affects their ability to learn math." Learn more about the negative impacts of math anxiety as well as strategies that may be used to help learners.
Laura Jane's curator insight,
December 16, 2013 2:03 PM
As Ms. Dichter already stated, this article draws an interesting comparison between our belief that math anxiety doesn't start until sixth grade with the overwhelming reality that we're seeing symptoms of anxiety as early as first grade. This SchoolBook article gives an interesting example, a 7-year-old girl named Zoey, who excels in reading, but struggles in math. The pressure that her parents put on her largely contributes to her anxiousness. The article gives a multitude of ideas for how to combat math anxiety, even beginning as young as first grade. Constantly providing reassurance, demonstrating patience, and exhibiting that it's okay to not get something on the first try are all suggestions that I hope to implement in my own classroom.
Scoop.it!
"Math can be made meaningful when connected to students’ experiences. With video clips and interactive games from public media students practice math concepts while exploring real world concepts. Learn how to decorate an intricate cake, play the role of the pharmacist, roof a house and more using PBS LearningMedia resources to measure with math."
Beth Dichter's insight:
PBS has great resources, and this post provides links to five math lessons as well as short descriptions and grade levels. Click through to find links to the following lessons: * Using Recipes for Fractions (Lesson Plan and Video) * Re-roofing Your Uncle's House Interactive Game * Cake Designer Video * Area of Circles with Dive Dog Interactive Game * Dunk Tank: Area of Squares and Rectangles (Video and Interactive Games)
Quishawna Henderson's curator insight,
January 23, 2013 9:48 PM
I use this often in my math classroom now. The most difficult task is to make sure that students understand the meaning behind it! 
Amy Keathley's curator insight,
February 16, 2014 9:41 PM
This is definitely the direction we need to go - many students have such a hard time connect the math they learn in class to the real world and this is a step in the right direction!
Scoop.it!
An infographic from the National Center for Women & Information Technology that provides statistics on how women/girls are represented in information technology. Some of the numbers: * The US Department of Labor estimates that by 2020 there will be more than 1.4 million computing-related job openings. At current rates, however, we can only fill about 30% of those jobs with U.S. computing bachelor's grads. Girls represent a valuable, mostly untapped talent pool. If you would like more detailed information check out the report at: http://www.ncwit.org/sites/default/files/resources/girlsinit_thefacts_fullreport2012.pdf.
Scoop.it!
Understanding fractions are critical to future math and algebra success. What simple things can be done to help young learners today for their success tomorrow? A look at a recent study on how "humans naturally develop numerical concepts" which hypothesized "that an early understanding of fractions could predict how well a student would perform in algebra and general mathematics later on." The post provides four suggestions on how to put this into practice: * Make it visual * Make it reflective * Make it practical * Make it ubiquitous For additional information and some links to other related readings click through to the post.
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Learning doesn't have to come out of a textbook. Take a look at some of the best mobile apps for iPhone-based education. The list comes from Edudemic.com while the infographic was designed by Online Universities. Find mobile apps for brain exercises, quizzes and flashcards, math, science, geography and history, English and literature, reference materials, art and art history, languages and productivity. To access the complete list of apps go to http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-100-best-ios-apps-for-mobile-learning/.
Scoop.it!
The Common Core State Standards may "share many features and concepts with existing standards" but "the new standards also represent a substantial departure from current practice in a number of respects." This post looks at the differences in Mathematics and ELA, providing an explanation with some details for each difference. In Mathematics the differences listed are; * Coherence * Skills, Understanding, and Application * Emphasis on Practices In English Language Arts the differences listed are: * Focus on Evidence * "Staircase" of Text Complexity * Speaking and Listening * Literacy in the Content Area
Scoop.it!
"Rhyme ‘n Learn is math and science taught by mnemonics. A mnemonic is a learning aid. It uses word associations like rhymes so that a term or fact is easier to recall later. An example of a mnemonic is “In fourteen hundred ninety two Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” I learned that in 3rd grade. Thanks Mrs. Erbach. Rhyme ‘n Learn was created by me, Joe Ocando. I’ve taught math and science to students of all ages and discovered that many find it difficult to memorize hundreds of new terms and facts. I also found that rote learning is boring and not very effective for long term retention." Currently there are 14 math raps and 11 science raps available.
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Beth Dichter's insight:
LEGOs. Math. Put the two together and you may have a winning combination. And to make it even easier check out this infographic that provides a range of ideas on how to use LEGOs in math. Make sure to scroll past the infographic. More detailed explanations are provides as well as a template to a LEGO stud dice (with additional ways to teach math with LEGOs).
Autism Daily Newscast's curator insight,
September 10, 2014 4:26 AM
Not an app but close enough - love it. 
Elizabeth Bowden's curator insight,
September 12, 2014 7:52 PM
In addition to using Lego for maths, I've taken my sons (extensive) Lego collection into History and Society & Culture to have the students (high school) demonstrate their understanding of concepts such as globalisation, communism, nationalism, capitalism. Worked really well and classes sooo happy.
Having been broken up into groups and given a concept each, They created cities or environments demonstrating the concept then talked the rest of the class through. 
Ness Crouch's curator insight,
September 13, 2014 4:06 PM
Fantastic ideas for using lego in mathematics. Simple hands on tasks.
Scoop.it!
"Common core aligned math app for K-8 students, a beautiful dashboard to see progress for teachers."
Beth Dichter's insight:
Front Row is a math tool to help your students learn and review math related to Common Core standards Grades K - 8. As a teacher you may sign up for free and register your students. Each student will be asked to take a diagnostic quiz in each domain. This allows the program to adjust to each student. It also will read aloud every problem, so students whom may struggle with reading text will be able to work independently. If you are looking for a program that will allow students to review math and allow you to see how they are progressing this is one to check out.
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Beth Dichter's insight:
This infographic looks at eight instructional practices that will help students meet Common Core standards and provides a look at how to do this in elementary, middle and high school settings. Check it out and see the recommendations for the following areas: * Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them * Reason abstractly and quantitatively * Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others * Model with mathematics * Use appropriate tools strategically * Attend to precision * Look for and make use of structure * Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning For more detailed information click through to the infographic.
Christine Bushong's curator insight,
November 11, 2013 10:27 AM
Beth Dichter's insight:
This infographic looks at eight instructional practices that will help students meet Common Core standards and provides a look at how to do this in elementary, middle and high school settings. Check it out and see the recommendations for the following areas: * Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them * Reason abstractly and quantitatively * Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others * Model with mathematics * Use appropriate tools strategically * Attend to precision * Look for and make use of structure * Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning For more detailed information click through to the infographic.
Scoop.it!
Free educational online games for children. Our games reinforce the skills that are vital to elementary students. We offer many math and reading games.
Beth Dichter's insight:
If you are looking for some games that are free and that reinforce skills then consider checking out RoomRecess. There are about 30 games available for students in K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. Find games "with the goal of reinforcing fundamental learning concepts in math, reading, spelling, language arts, and basic problem solving." All games are free and no sign-up is required.
April Ledesma's curator insight,
October 6, 2014 11:18 PM
Educational games are great ways for learners to have technological interaction in the classroom, plus the students love it!
Scoop.it!
"Knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math STEM_ canbe a key to a successful future. Here's why a STEM education matters and how you can inspire students to pursue STEM careers. 80 % of the fastest growing occupations in the United States depend on mastery of mathematics and scientific knowledge and skills, but students are not currently equipped to satisfy this growing need."
Beth Dichter's insight:
A great infographic that looks as the value of a STEM education...for more on the value of educating students in science, technology, engineering and math click through to the post. You may also download the infographic as a pdf.
Laurie Smith's curator insight,
May 17, 2013 3:27 PM
Great infographic about Why STEM matters.. Source:edutopia 
Rebecca Wilkins's curator insight,
July 31, 2015 10:10 AM
Engineering is the missing piece of STEM. Rarely do you find a focus on STEM that capitalizes on engineering. 
Ellen Dougherty's curator insight,
August 1, 2015 11:42 AM
A great infographic that looks as the value of a STEM education...for more on the value of educating students in science, technology, engineering and math click through to the post. You may also download the infographic as a pdf.
Scoop.it!
"Whether you love it or hate it, if you’ve partaken in the American school system, there’s no doubt that you’ve studied math in a wide range of forms and subjects. From algebra to geometry to the rigor of calculus, math is something that is a part of the average student’s life from kindergarten to college."
Beth Dichter's insight:
This infographic explores math in America. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans is "functionally innumerate"? What does this mean? Sixty-two million Americans cannot do basic math such as adding fractions, working with measurement or doing whole number problems. Learn about how other countries compare to the U.S., how the U.S. compares to Singapore and South Korea in terms of "high achiever", what happens when we "hate" math, and what could be done to help the next generation succeed in math.
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"Getty “Polynomial functions!” “Trig identities!” “How about the properties? Commutative, associative, distributive.” So unfolded a laundry list of what a group of math teachers considered the more painful and less necessary concepts covered in the average high school math curriculum.
Beth Dichter's insight:
This post explores what might happen to math teaching if it were re-visioned. Rather than all math being taught in "math classes" some components would be covered through chemistry, biology or other courses, providing the opportunity for math to be more inquiry based. A goal of this suggested approach is to "streamline a high school student’s general math experience, and empower and encourage them to learn additional math skills to solve real-world problems of their own interest."
Mr. Jordan DHS math's curator insight,
June 11, 2015 9:31 AM
This is an awesome thought provoking article!
Scoop.it!
"You don’t have to be born with math skills; solving problems is a matter of studying and motivation. That may not seem like such a surprise, but it’s become easy to say ‘I just can’t do math.’ While some element of math achievement may be linked to natural inborn intelligence, when it comes to developing skills during high school, motivation and math study habits are much more important than IQ, according to a new study. “It’s not how smart we are; it’s how motivated we are and how effectively we study that determines growth in math achievement over time,” says Kou Murayama..."
Beth Dichter's insight:
This study was done in Germany and looked at students from Grade 5 through Grade 10, and showed that motivation plays a large role in learning new math skills. An important finding was "the findings provide reassuring confirmation that academic success is not governed by a student’s cognitive abilities alone. Instead, students who want to learn math and who work at it may find they make faster gains and learn better than students who are bright but less motivated."
Kaley Hannon's curator insight,
September 16, 2013 2:12 AM
A study done in Germany argues that it's not the children who have the high IQ's that are growing most in their math skills but it is the ones who are most motivated. Through the research conducted they collected evidence that shows that the even though the kids with the higher IQ's started at a higher level when it came to understanding math the children who reported that they were motivated to learn math were the ones who picked up the math skills faster. 
Terri Goldson's curator insight,
February 1, 2014 3:21 PM
Unfortunately the intelligence quotient has always been the standard measure used within education and beyond, that is said to determine our ability to learn. We know through common observation, that premise is not always an indicator of success. Other very important factors play a role in everyone’s ability to navigate through life. Factors such as motivation, determination, perseverance and other intangibles are important influences. Tapping into those essential elements will make learning more meaningful for all learners. Knowledge IS Power! 
Chaeyeon Seo's curator insight,
November 9, 2014 10:00 AM
Motivation is important not only in math but in every part of work
Scoop.it!
This post begins with a quote from President Obama: "“The quality of math and science teachers is the most important single factor influencing whether students will succeed or fail in science, technology, engineering and math.” From this point it veers in a different direction, noting that the issue is that teachers "are not given the freedom to support children in ways that will produce the scientists and innovators our country needs." If we look to our past (and our present) we will find that we are not listening to the advice that "our nation's historic inventors, scientists, and physicists (whom have shared) their advice and experiences." Read the article to learn the experiences of Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Richard Feyman, Michio Kaku (which includes a video where he explains "that exams are crushing curiousity out of the next generation..."), as well as individuals around today such as Aaron Iba and Jack Andraka (the student who at the age of 15 created a test for pancreatic cancer). Perhaps the question we need to ask is how do we change the system to support the necessary learning?
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Refraction is "an online puzzle game for teaching fractions." To be successful you will need a knowledge of fractions. Spaceships with a variety of animals are stuck in space. To rescue them you work with lasers, bending them and using fraction concepts: "equal partitioning, addition, multiplication, mixed numbers, improper fractions, and common denominators."
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Can computers learn to teach students, and respond to cues that students put out that comuters may not recognize? Neil Heffernan has been working on this question since 1995. Back in 1997, two years into a graduate program at Carnegie Mellon Institute, he had "come to believe that the programs did little to assist their users." But his perspective changed when he began to videotaple tutoring sessions of a human tutor. This article explores the issues of computerized tutors and looks at a specific program, ASSISTments (http://www.assistments.org/) that is primarily used to tutor math. To learn how ASSISTments is working in a variety of districts and more about computerized tutoring take the time to read this article.
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Got 13 minutes? Watch this video from Michael Pershan. There has been quite a bit of media about Khan Academy and this post takes a look at how mathematics is taught in other countries. When you compare the teaching of math in Japan to the teaching of math in the U.S. it is very different. The video explores "what the Khan Academy would like like if it came from Japan." Scott McLeod also bring up Dan Meyer (and links to his blog). If you would like to see more of the TIMMS videos (that are referenced in this video) go to http://nces.ed.gov/timss/video.asp.
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Are you considering using blended learning as a component of your classroom? This post suggests three great tools that may help you move forward on this journey.
* FrontRow provides differentiated math instruction for K- 8. It works across platforms and provides a pre-test (to place students correctly). Tutorials, videos, suggestions of students in their classroom to help are some of the many features provided. There is a free version and schools/districts may also choose to pay for access to more robust reports.
* MobyMax provides access to both ELA and Math for students in Grades K-8. There is a free version as well as a version that costs $99 per classroom (and provides additional tools) as well as a cost for a school. Students earn badges throughout this program. For more information click through to the post.
* Skoolbo also provides ELA and Math resources for students in elementary school. They state “our particular favorites are the ones below 8 years of age..” because they see the most improvement in this age group. Currently Skoolbo is providing free registration to schools in the U.S. who register prior to Dec. 31, 2014.
These are all great tools and you may find one that meets your needs. Each is aligned to the Common Core standards.