Links from Webwatch in Mathematics Teaching
Every mathematics teacher seems to have a personal collection of websites they use in the classroom. Would you consider sharing your top free websites for the classroom?
This is a great site with a vast number of interactive programs for ages 11 to 19. I particularly like the solving equations screen where pupils can try out doing various operations to both sides of the equation and see what happens. You drag the sliders at the bottom and as soon as you let go both sides of the equation update. Five different levels of difficulty of equation give lots of options. I also like the dynamic geometry demonstrations, which can be quicker to use than creating your own with software. Enlargements is a typical example.
I use this site a lot with key stage 3 pupils. It contains 12 high quality games and can be used individually by pupils or as a class activity with or without an interactive whiteboard. One favourite is ‘Builder Ted’ for ordering decimals, where the bricks have to be put in the correct order up the ladder - one mistake and they all fall off. Three different levels allow you to include negative numbers and to vary the number of decimal places. Another good one is Fish Tank, where red and green fish have to be dragged into the large tank until the probability of catching a red fish is a certain amount.
Finally the NRICH site is famous as a treasury of puzzles and stimulating material for all ages, but less well-known seems to be the message board where pupils (and sometimes teachers - I’ve used it myself!) can obtain assistance with mathematical problems or homework at any level. It’s well-moderated and staffed with an extremely helpful team of volunteers who are careful not to do the work for you but instead offer support and good suggestions.
<< Tell me about dead, links, or recommend new links
