Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

This site is a non-profit website dedicated to answering the question, "When Will I Use Math?" The site describes the importance of mathematics and many career opportunities available to students who discover mathematics. Although there is a store and social links on the site, it is worth the visit for the information provided. The Careers Using Math link provides an extensive list of careers that use mathematics along with the approximate salary scale. Clicking the title of the Careers in Math leads you to a biography of someone with this career, their education, math required and used in this career, potential employers, and other facts. Other interesting sections of the site include a Blog that offers other math problems and information and Featured Math Tidbits (tidbits and trivia related to math). There is also a link for teachers with other math resources, and information about math competitions.
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tag(s): biographies (94), careers (156), statistics (121)

The goal of this site is to demonstrate the beauty of mathematics. The creator also wants to show the wonder and intellectual playfulness of math. Included on the site are many videos and essays exploring higher level mathematics. Titles include "How to Think Like a School Math Genius", "A Cute Finger Trick for Trigonometry", and "What is Zero to the Zeroth Power?". Most video titles are approximately 10 minutes in length. Also available on the site are two free PDF downloads: Guide to Everything Quadratic and Guide to Fractions. Be aware: parts of this site require some navigation (a few clicks) to get to your destination. But the "clicks" are well worth the time. At the time of this review, the link to "Curriculum Tidbits" was not active, but the Think Curriculum tab works. Although the author's books are available for sale on the site, there is plenty of free material available making the site worth exploring.
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tag(s): critical thinking (127), fractions (160), gifted (66), prime numbers (26), probability (99), puzzles (149), video (266)

Math Video Tutorials offers 5,000 free math videos organized by course and topic. And the offerings are constantly growing. Videos are hosted on YouTube and SchoolTube and are all 10 minutes or less in length. Content includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, business calculus, and calculus. Each main topic includes links to the videos organized by more specific topics - for example, algebra videos are sorted by an introduction to algebra, rational expressions, equations and functions, equations and percentages, exponential and logarithmic functions, graphing, linear equations, and more. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

tag(s): area (53), business (52), charts and graphs (171), equations (119), factoring (25), functions (52), integers (21), measurement (122), operations (72), order of operations (29), percent (59), place value (34), prime numbers (26), ratios (47), test prep (69), tutorials (52), volume (33)

This site is perfect for anyone learning or teaching Algebra 1 concepts. The Math Dude approaches a different concept for each episode and explains it in easy to understand terms through highly entertaining videos. There are 30 videos - created to coincide with Algebra 1 instruction. A new video is meant to be used each week. Each Flash video is approximately 5 minutes in length and is available for download to computers as a Quick Time file as well as through ITunes as a podcast.

tag(s): equations (119), factors (29), polynomials (20), test prep (69)

This site offers help for students in Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics. Help is available in several forms - there are video tutorials, collections of lessons from textbooks, live online chat, and a message board for posting questions. Textbook lessons, divided into subjects, also have specific components of the lesson and include a written explanation with examples and images. The videos are portions of DVD's that aren't free, however, the video links are free and assessable to all. Caution: The online chat or message board needs monitoring when students post questions.
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tag(s): OER (43), statistics (121), test prep (69), tutorials (52), video (266)

The main idea of the site is that one needs to understand math; it is not just learned or memorized, and the explanations form the basis of understanding. Topics include Mental Math shortcuts, discovering pi, different bases, and much more. The founder of this site stated: "I want to share hard-won "a ha!" moments in clear and simple language. Even Math shortcuts are fun, I promise." Many of the explanations aren't quite as "clear and simple" as students may like; however, there are a great number of topics explored on the site and they are worth the time to break apart and discuss as a class. Not finding your topic? I know, this is a long list of links. Use the search bar; for example, type in pi and find well over two dozen links for pi.

tag(s): exponents (35), mental math (19), number sense (69), pi (29), problem solving (233), pythagorean theorem (19), square roots (15), statistics (121), vectors (16)

Curriki is a nonprofit organization that encourages teachers and learners' to collaborate in developing quality educational materials in a global community. Click What We Do from the top menu and slide to CurikiStudio, and click Creators to create a free account and find resources like questions, photos/images, multimedia, and more for interactive lesson creation. Next under Solutions is CurrikiGo, where you will publish your lessons, etc. Last on the dropdown list is the CurrikiLibrary, where you can search by subject area, grade level, or resource type (interactive, video, or podcast). For a thorough summary of Curriki click the Explore a CurrikiStudio Activity. Join different groups for a more involved way to explore new areas in online learning, subject area interests, or focus questions. Create collections of your resources to keep private or share with others. This site focuses on providing free access to teachers, schools, students, or parents to many new creative ideas for in-class learning, digital learning, and hybrid or blended learning in a global community. Free membership includes monthly newsletters. Follow Curriki on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or blogs.
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tag(s): graphic organizers (48), literacy (122), OER (43), operations (72), resources (83), rubrics (37), Teacher Utilities (198)

TuLyn Video Clips on YouTube provides over 2000 math video tutorial clips for grades 1 through 12. Available items can be viewed by searching by topic, grade level, or school level. After choosing a topic there is a short explanation, definitions, and links to available resources by format. Choices include video tutorials, worksheets, word problems, discussions, and books. All worksheets are in PDF format for easy saving and printing. Be aware, this site has many advertisements. You may want to peruse the site and get the video (or other activity) prepared ahead of time, to avoid the advertisements.
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tag(s): problem solving (233), tutorials (52), video (266), worksheets (69)

Studyladder offers a sequential learning program with videos, interactive activities, worksheets and assessments for reporting to teachers and to parents. Activities are highly engaging and motivating. You can create classes, have unlimited access to all features on the site, and students can access homework features from home. Topics included on the site are Math, Literacy, Numeracy, Spelling Bee, and Interactive Whiteboard activities. Each section provides many activities categorized in several ways such as topic, type of activity, grade levels, and extras. Registration also allows access to progress reports on school and homework results, 2000 printable worksheets, and student rewards such as certificates, special avatars, and access to reward rooms. The site is free for teachers and for limited homework use with one student after registration. However, there is also a paid portion of the site if desired.
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tag(s): factoring (25), fractions (160), homework (29), iwb (31), literacy (122), negative numbers (13), number sense (69), numbers (120), prime numbers (26)

This site contains more than 4,800 (at the time of this review) math problems for students pre-kindergarten to high school. There are activities/math problems learning to count, write numbers, understand place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, prime numbers, composite numbers, least common multiples, greatest common factors, factoring whole numbers, fractions and lots more. The site is divided into topics such as word problems, geometry, telling time, and others. Each portion contains a section on tips and tricks section that explains the concept including vocabulary and illustrations. Be sure to also check out the resources section for printable graph paper, number lines, and an assignment measure graph for keeping track of student progress. This site has some interactive activities and many printable pages.
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tag(s): charts and graphs (171), data (151), division (98), factoring (25), fractions (160), multiplication (122), operations (72), prime numbers (26), problem solving (233), time (91), worksheets (69)

Mr. P offers a site loaded with Math humor, facts, problems, songs, videos, quotes, puzzles, games, poems, and lesson plans. Especially helpful are the math videos (which require QuickTime). The Math Poems and Songs are great for your more auditory learners. The problem of the month is offered with the solution provided at the end of the month; however, previous problems, with their solutions, are archived and available to use.

tag(s): equations (119), humor (15), polynomials (20), puzzles (149)

Use this fun and easy flashcard site to learn information and concepts. Create flashcards easily or use the search function to find existing sets that can be used for study. Play the "Challenge" feature to compete with friends for high scores. Play a variety of games for review of the flashcard set. The variety of options keeps the learning experience fresh.

tag(s): flash cards (44), game based learning (205), grammar (137), operations (72), verbs (26)

"I decided to put together Mathstory.com to keep students smiling and engaged as they mastered mathematical concepts," is Mr. R's explanation for this site that includes many resources for elementary teachers along with a few lessons for Jr High and High School teachers. Be sure to check out the Math Videos page which includes 20 homemade videos created for learning strategies for counting and multiplying (the page may be slow to load because of the number of videos included). The Math Story link currently leads you to the online book, Fourth Grade and the Evil Wizard of Math. Each chapter contains math problems. There are many math lessons included for all grade levels. Don't miss the interesting math poems to learn geometric shapes. There is A LOT here to explore!
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tag(s): geometric shapes (134), interactive stories (22), poetry (193), video (266)

New Orleans Math Teacher, Jerome White, has created this site to share his classroom productions with others. He has produced videos fashioned after popular songs with Math themes. Examples are Super Geek sung to the tune of Super Freak, I Solved for X to the tune of I Kissed a Girl, and many more. Videos are presented through YouTube and most are also linked to an original posting with an explanation of the contents. Be sure to also check out his Math Nerdiness page which features his Mathematical explanation of Parallel Parking, Sine Cradle, Rational Functions explanations, and other "Nerdiness." Other linked portions of the site are for more mature students, such as the tattoo designs done by calculus students. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.

tag(s): angles (52), geometric shapes (134), humor (15), quadratics (27)

Mathebook.net has Online Tutorials as well as Downloadable pdf tutorials which you can save on a computer and use later. It can be used by teachers for home work purpose. The pdf is editable and students can e-mail the homework tutorials by e-mail back to teachers. To begin using the site, you simple choose from kindergarten, elementary, middle school, or high school levels. Within each of those sections is a list of topics, and then a choice of virtual or ebook. Virtual activities are those done on the computer and cannot be saved. These are items such as fact practice where feedback will be given as to the correctness of answers. eWorkbook items are PDF documents that can be printed and used as worksheets. You can either print and use them, or the answers can be inputted online, saved, then emailed to the instructor. The site also includes a math dictionary, video tutorials, and downloadable worksheets.
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tag(s): addition (129), decimals (85), division (98), factors (29), fractions (160), measurement (122), multiplication (122), number sense (69), subtraction (110), time (91), video (266), worksheets (69)

If you are looking for puzzles, this site offers hundreds of choices in many different forms. Try solving weight puzzles, color sum puzzles, or pyramid puzzles. If unsure, puzzles are also sorted by easy, medium, or hard levels. Solutions are available for all puzzles.

tag(s): logic (161), puzzles (149)

This site offers practice in secondary mathematics topics using fun activities such as games, and Math With the Movies, and a cool activity called "MathCaching." "MathCaching" uses the internet to find hidden boxes to reveal clues to the games. Your success at "MathCaching" is dependent upon your skills at solving mathematical problems. Answers to caching activities can only be retrieved through email - teachers must email the site administrator from an educational email address, parents need to register on the site then email the administrators. Explanations for all activities are available onsite. Junior Math Resources has a section with free samples for teacher use. The printables and multimedia materials covers sixth grade math through Pre Algebra with the intent of to energize students' mathematical experiences. And, there is much more to explore!

tag(s): logic (161), problem solving (233), puzzles (149)

ThatQuiz is an online assessment tool for teachers of all subjects and grade levels. Create an account to gain access to record keeping tools. You can make your own tests using questions within the site. Students do not need to register since additional features are only for teachers. After choosing a category, different options are available within each of the quizzes to increase difficulty and add features. Quizzes can be timed or completed at the students' own pace. There is also an option to create a url for an individual quiz that can be linked to Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

tag(s): africa (148), angles (52), asia (116), cells (82), charts and graphs (171), conversions (37), europe (84), exponents (35), factors (29), fractions (160), french (75), geometric shapes (134), german (49), human body (93), inequalities (25), measurement (122), money (113), north america (15), place value (34), probability (99), quiz (67), quizzes (90), spanish (109), time (91)

This excellent site consists of ideas for projects to use in Math fairs; however, there are many other uses for the ideas presented on this site. Titles and subjects such as Juice Box Geometry, Play-Doh Math, and more, are intriguing and sure to capture students' interest. Topics include geometry, estimation, measurement, and probability. Each project contains detailed directions including background knowledge required, materials, and variations to try. General grade level suggestions are also provided (for grades 1-10.) One activity includes a video to help understand the directions. Perhaps most interesting is the section at the end of each project that is composed of links to careers in mathematics that tie-in to the activities.

tag(s): estimation (33), experiments (55), probability (99)

Vi Hart's math videos have become very popular. They have even been featured on various cable shows. She also includes her X (formerly Twitter) information, so you can follow her. In the link, "Math Doodling," are several videos on doodling in the math classroom sure to entertain Math teachers and students alike. Titles include Stop-Motion Silly Band Fight, Sick Number Games, Snakes + Graphs, Stars, Binary Trees, and others. Be sure to also check out the link to Mathematical Food which contains demonstrations of slicing apples into Platonic Solids, slicing a cubic apple to find a regular hexagon, and how to arrange candy corn into Sierpinski's Triangle. Another wonderful resource is the link on balloons. Directions for making tetrahedrons, icosahedrons, and other shapes are all included. If you like Vi Harts Vimeo site, check out her blog here.

tag(s): geometric shapes (134), humor (15)