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Mathematics Content Resources • Middle & High School |
Updated: April 8, 2002
A Plus Math Games - Grades 4-8 - This is a collection of on-line games suitable for drill or reinforcement of basic math concepts and operations. The site has several different game formats for each basic operation. Each game is available in Java or non-Java versions. The Java versions are self-scoring.
AAA Math - Grades 3-12 - This site offers a collection of interactive drill and practice exercises listed by grade level and topic area. The interactive features are attractive, though the drills simply give users the correct answer if they enter the wrong answer. For those who need the practice, these exercises could be useful.
The Absurd Math Odyssey - Grades 6-8 - OK, it's a little bizarre, but this venerable site offers a highly entertaining math-quest built around a secret agent theme. With different expeditions for for pre-algebra students through upper level math, the site incorporates math into the search process in a way that's sure to keep students' attention. Created by HMVideo.
AIMS Puzzle Corner – Grades 4-8 - AIMS Education Foundation - Puzzles are highly motivational tools that capture the imaginations of students. To infiltrate the classroom with a vibrant brand of problem solving, this site offers a tantalizing educational bait-and-hook in the form of a new puzzle each month. Clearly illustrates puzzles and solutions.
Algebra Problems – Grades 7-12 – Here is one teacher's collection of problems perfect for "problem of the day" or independent study for students who want extra practice.
Algebra Word Problems – Grades 7-12 – This is another collection of problem solving activities great for remediation, independent study, or enrichment. The site also includes links providing the development of the solutions. From the University of Hawaii.
Bamdad's Math Comics - Grades 4-12 - Looking for a discussion starter? Try this international collection of popular cartoons that mention or discuss math. The utility of this material is likely more motivational than instructional, but your students will enjoy knowing that math can be both fun and useful.
Brain Teasers - From the Eduplace site.
A Brief History of Algebra and Computing: An Eclectic Oxonian View – Grades 7-12 - A comprehensive history of algebra and other mathematics functions. Includes a link to biographies of women mathematicians. Created by Oxford University.
Calculus Problem of the Week - Grades 11-12 - This site offers a weekly AP calculus problem designed to challenge advanced students. Great resource if you have students who need still another challenge. From Calculus-help.com
Calculus Resources On-line from the Mathematics Archives - Grades 9-12. This site contains information and links about calculus. A majority of the sites listed are links to other calculus courses taught at the university level. Includes a list of calculus-related software and shareware.
Cast Your Vote! - Grades 6-12 - This is an introduction to statistics from the Annenberg Center's collection of web lessons. Its basis is a look at political polls and their actual meanings. Written at an introductory level, it provides basic discussions of sampling, probability, and reporting error. A good background for any study of statistics or election polling.
The Chance Database - Grades 9-12 - Developed by Dartmouth College and the University of Minnesota with National Science Foundation funding, this site offers coursework, problems, and resources dealing with understanding chance and probability in daily life. There are examples, problems, and extensive literature, as well as a number of study modules.
Classroom Compass - Southwest Consortium for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Teaching- Grades 5-8. This site is an on-line version of Classroom Compass, a quarterly publication. Instructional activities are linked to TIMSS and include excerpts from the National Science Education Standards and the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. A good site for teachers looking for interactive science or math ideas to illustrate abstract concepts. A great source for daily problem solving questions.
Clever Games for Clever People – Grades 6-12 - Megamath & Mathematician John Conway - This site shows how games can be used to describe numbers. Just play these games and try to win. As you understand the games and become expert at playing them, you will be building tools for understanding numbers and becoming an expert at playing with them. You will develop strategy and logic that will carry into all subjects and problem solving.
CollegeBound Math - Grades 11-12 - College-bound students can use this site from Washington State University to see if their math skills are up to par with the requirements of introductory college math. There are study problems, a sample quiz, and other resources for those whose math needs a bit of a brush-up.
Coolmath - Grades 3-8 - Here's a very complete collection of games and drills to reinforce dozens of math concepts. This site includes several simulations that draw on multiple skills and require students to apply their knowledge in "real world" situations. There's much more than drill and practice here.
Dave's Math Tables - Grades 7-12 - Here's a huge collection of math tables, formulas, constants, and other important numbers! Topics are grouped by area - algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc. This site could be used as a reference by students, or as a source for end-of-unit review materials by teachers.
Exploring Geometric Solids - Grades 7-12 - This selection from NCTM's collection offers an interactive tool for manipulating geometric solids on-screen. Users can rotate, scale, and select specific figures to examine. There are, of course, lots of links to additional information, as well as guides for the teacher.
Figure This! - Grades 4-12 - This new but promising site from NCTM offers guidance and "math anxiety" advice for students and parents. The site includes sample problems which students can try, along with convenient explanations showing teachers and parents how the problems apply to real-life situations. This one's worth a look.
A Fractals Unit for Elementary and Middle School Students - Grades 4-8 - Cynthia Lanius, Rice University Math Teacher - This site contains lesson plans centered around Internet researching. It can be used for cross-curricular work in Math, Art, Writing, and History. Fractals use Arithmetic and Geometry also. There are print versions of lesson plans available for classroom use. Very colorful and well designed. User friendly and has seven different awards for math and academic excellence.
The Geometry Center - Grades 9-12 - Developed at the University of Minnesota, this site offers a wide variety of geometry information, illustrations, and resources, including links to other sites. Navigation is not always easy, but the information is useful. A Java-capable browser is a must for this site.
Glossary of Mathematical Terms in Spanish - Grades 6-12 - Here's a site that provides definitions in Spanish for commonly used English mathematical terms. This could be a wonderful resource for bilingual students whose mathematical ability exceeds their command of English. Terms are arranged alphabetically by their English name, with definition/explanation in Spanish.
Graphing Calculator Resources - Grades 9-12 - This site offers programs, utilities, and other resources for Texas Instruments graphing calculators. Items may be downloaded directly.
Algebra I: Graphing linear equations - Grades 8-10 - Tim O'Brien, Bremen High School - This interactive tutorial was created as a graduate project and covers twelve different topics of Algebra I graphing, beginning with basic ordered pairs. Students complete the activities online and are tested as they go along, with instant feedback. There are also quizzes and puzzles to accompany the material. Great for reinforcement and review. Students can also use the program as a "plotter" for their own math problems.
History of Mathematics Archive - Grades 6-12. This archive contains the biographies of more than 1100 mathematicians. They are accessible from either an alphabetical or chronological biographical index. Biographies are suitable for a computer-based presentation.
The Integrator sponsored by Mathematica - for Grades 9-12 allows students to type in their own integral, or view a random sample generated by the computer. The answer is then displayed. Select "History of Integration" for a timeline of math events.
Interactive Mathematics Online is a ThinkQuest Web site entry for student-produced projects in Grades 8-12. The site provides explanations and problems covering Geometry, Algebraic Functions, Chaos, and Stereograms. Site could be used as an example of student work on the Net, or as an extension during class time.
Kids Web - Math from Syracuse University - Grades 4-12 offers a wide range of sites involving General Math, Chaos Theory, Geometry, and Puzzles. Great resource for a math Web-based scavenger hunt.
Life by the Numbers - Grades 6-12 - This web site, from the PBS series of the same name, includes extensive program synopses, as well as lesson plans for each program segment. Many lesson plans include worksheets in Adobe Acrobat format that you can download and print. (You'll need the Adobe Acrobat plug-in for the worksheets. It's available on the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.)
MathMagic on the Web! - K-12 - Alan A. Hodson of El Paso Texas - This site - part of Swarthmore's extensive math resources - provides strong motivation for students to use computer technology while increasing problem-solving strategies and communications skills. MathMagic posts challenges in each of four categories (k-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) to trigger each registered team to pair up with another team and engage in a problem-solving dialog. When an agreement has been reached, one solution is posted for every pair. You need to use the Internet with this site. This site is easy to use and looks like it has many different resources.
Maths Dictionary - Grades 4-12 - This "down under" site is much more than a dictionary. There's a Flash-based definition for each term listed, and most of the definitions include one or more interactive elements to illustrate the concepts in action. The definitions include the most basic math terms, as well as many more advanced words, making this a useful site for almost any grade level.
Mathmania - Schoolnet (Canada) - Grades 6-8 - Though temporarily under construction as they update the site, they expect to be up and running soon. The site is usable to some degree now. It helps young mathematicians explore and research math topics. It also strengthens math skills. It includes lesson plans and activities to help review basic concepts and skills, glossary, and tutorials.
Math Manipulatives Online - Grades 6-12 - This is an outstanding collection created under a grant from the National Science Foundation. There are java-based manipulatives for all grade levels covering half a dozen different concept areas. This site is a work in progress, and the instructions for most of the applets are NOT obvious. If you use this site, plan on explaining how each activity works with your students. Still, it's an excellent resource.
Math Ideas for Science Fair Projects - Grades 6-12 - This section of Swarthmore College's extensive math site offer suggestions for science fair projects which have a focus on mathematics. There are sample projects, collections of ideas, and links to science fair sites from other schools. If your students are "stuck," this site should get them moving.
Math Olympiad Problem Set - Grades 9-12 - This problem set is from an international competition for "students with no post-secondary math training." It's clearly a set of stumpers that will likely challenge even the best high school mathematics students. Teachers may want to try having teams or groups work on specific problems as a long-term assignment. Yes, the answers are available, too.
Mathematics on the Internet from Cal State Hayward - Grades 6-12 lists a huge number of math-related Internet sites. Some sites with a new twist, ranging from knot problems and geometry sites to unsolved mathematics problems. A great resource for unusual math problems and class discussions!
MathPro Online - Grades 6-12 - Here's one for the problem-lovers! This site has thousands of math problems cataloged in searchable form. Enter the type of problem you're looking for (there are several different sets of possible search criteria) and the database returns a customized set of problems for you or your students to solve. Terrific source for students who need extra practice or teachers who need good examples of problems in specific areas.
Math and Science Gateway - from the Cornell Theory Center - Grades 4-12 includes links on a range of topics, from "General Math " to "Geometry" and "Fractals." Subjects suitable to elementary grades can be found under "General Topics." Topics include sites with activities, e-zines, and other background information.
MathWorld - Grades 9-12 - Here's a site for the serious math students from the publishers of Mathematica math software. The content on the site is completely separate from any product information. It includes examples and discussion of more than a dozen mathematics concepts from algebra through calculus, number theory, and even "recreational math." This site is a great reference tool or study aid.
MegaMath from the Los Alamos National Laboratory is intended for use by both students and teachers grades 6-12. Topics range from graphing games to knot theory. Preparation materials are included, as well as online activities for students. The emphasis here is on making math fun.
Multicultural Math Games - Grades 8-12 - This is a collection of mathematical games from various cultures. They include deceptively simple games as well as those which require more complex mathematical skills. All are suitable for student use, but teachers will want to preview the options to be sure they fit into the curriculum. Site created by a student at Germantown Academy outside Philadelphia.
National Math Trail - Grades 6-12 - This site chronicles a national project to get students involved in math using the world around them. School teams participate in a field trip to answer one or more mathematical puzzles or questions. The site has enough examples that you could create your own "trail," or you can learn more about the national project. Neat idea.
NASA CONNECT - Grades 5-8 - NASA CONNECT is an annual series of FREE, 30 minute, standards-based, integrated math, science and technology instructional distance learning programs for students in grades 5-8. NASA CONNECT is broadcast on PBS stations across the United States. Each video program is accompanied by an educator's guide(available in Adobe Acrobat format) describing a hands-on activity, and a web component, both of which both reinforce and extend the instructional objectives and establish a connection between the math, science and technology concepts taught in the classroom and the math, science and technology used everyday by NASA researchers.
Program titles for the 2000-2001 series are :
Measurement, Ratios and Graphing: 3...2...1...Crash!
Geometry and Algebra: Glow with the Flow
Patterns, Functions and Algebra: Wired for Space
Data Analysis and Measurement: Ahead, Above the Clouds
Functions and Statistics: International Space Station: Up to UsOnline Math Applications - Grade 3-8 - Math/Interdisciplinary - Find math applications in music, history, travel, science, and investing with this outstanding student-made site. Participants can complete online activities and quizzes with immediate feedback. This site really puts math in the real world. Thinkquest Junior Winner: first place, math/science, 1998.
Orbifold Pinball - Grades 6-12 is a game in which you roll a ball on a curved playing field. The game board is like ordinary pinball in that it features `bumpers' off which the ball can bounce. Click on "About Orbifold Pinball" to learn the math behind this game.
PBS Mathline - Grades 4-12 - This web site is a companion to the PBS Mathline project, but many of its resources work just fine on their own. There is a regular series of problems based on "real life" themes, showing both how math problems are formulated, and how the answers can help in the real world. Graphically attractive, with content that either students or teachers could use.
Probability Illustrated - Grades 6-8 - This demonstration from the NCTM Illuminations series uses box models to let students experiment with probability and the differences between theoretical and experimental results. It uses two Java applets that simulate drawing cards and flipping a coin. Students can vary the number of tries to see how their results change. Great exercise for data collection and comparison.
Probability - Classic Problems - Grades 6-12- This section of the Cut-the-Knot site offers several neat interactive probability illustrations, along with descriptions of several classic probability problems, each of which illustrates a different aspect of probability. These are great, "Why is it that...?" discussion starters, and well worth a look.
Project SkyMath. This Web Page is designed for middle school mathematics teachers. It contains all of the information needed for teachers to use the 16 classroom activities of SkyMath, including the module itself. The SkyMath Module, "Using the Science and Language of Patterns to Explore Temperature," calls for the development of several mathematical concepts using a single central concept from weather --- temperature. The SkyMath curriculum uses real-time weather data, involves classrooms in hands-on mathematics, elicits higher-level thinking, engages students in purposeful projects, and calls for reflection and communication.
SOS Mathematics - Tables and Formulas - Grades 9-12 - This site's title tells it all: a collection of tables and formulas, primarily for trigonometry, calculus, and advanced algebra. There are also elementary tables for multiplication, prime numbers, and factors.
The Statistics HomePage - Grades 9-12 - This large, complex site offers hundreds of definitions of statistical terms, a collection of interactive and animated illustrations of statistical functions, and even a complete, downloadable statistics text. Much of the content goes well beyond concepts studied at the secondary level, but this site could be useful to science and math teachers interested in providing extended coverage of selected statistical concepts, or as a reference tool for both teachers and students.
Student Activities from Swarthmore's Math Forum - Collections of problems and activities from Swarthmore's extensive mathematics collections. Go to the activities section for a complete overview, or select specific problems of the week below.
Middle School Problem of the Week
Geometry Problem of the Week
Geometry Problem of the MonthTales from the Electronic Frontier - K-12 - This teachers' resource is a collection of experiences and examples dealing with the teaching of math. The tales focus on projects which make math meaningful in specific situations, and the site provides additional links to problem sets and other resources. Good reading for math teachers at any level.
21st Century Problem Solving - K-12 - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics & Suremath Publishing Inc. - Teachers will gain the advantage of a logical, consistent approach to problem solving that applies across the curriculum and at all grade levels. The problem solving methods shown in these pages rely on meaningful use of mathematics that actively engage the student, individually or in groups, directly in the problem solving process. This produces not only reliable problem solving skills but also a genuine appreciation of mathematics. This site helps students discover problem solving – using a step by step process - as an enriching experience. The math problems are separated by type of math, and what equipment you may need (such as a graphing calculator).
Untangling the Mathematics of Knots – Grades 4-8 – Megamathematics - This site provides a variety of activities for exploring knots made from pieces of rope. Students can make and verify observations about knots, classify them, combine them, and find ways to determine if two knots are alike. The activities outlined here can be combined to form a single lesson about mathematical knots, or a larger investigative unit that extends over a longer period of time. The sequence in which the activities are listed is roughly in order of increasing difficulty and challenge. The site contains a vocabulary section, an activities section, and an evaluation section.
Visual Calculus - Grades 9-12- This site from the University of Tennessee offers much more than calculus. There are explanations, Shockwave-enhanced tutorials, and downloadable resources for TI graphing calculators for topics ranging from introductory functions on through advanced calculus. Based on a university professor's teaching notes, the result is a very student-friendly study resource.
Word Problems For Kids - Grade 5 to 12 - St. Francis Xavier University & Canada’s School Net -This Web Site contains word problems for students and teachers. The problems are classified into grade levels from Grade 5 to Grade 12. This is not a test, but a set of carefully selected problems which can help you improve your problem solving skills. It works if you try to carefully think about how you would solve each problem, and once you have found the solution, you make sure that you understand all parts of the solution. You can try any problem you like and if the problem is a little difficult you can get helpful hints by following the hints link. Complete solutions are available to teachers with e-mail addresses upon request. The problems are separated by grade.
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