Virtual Manipulatives Links at GST BOCES IDEAS

Using Virtual Manipulatives

"I hear and I forget. I listen and I understand. I do and I remember."

You are probably familiar with the words of that ancient Chinese proverb. Manipulatives (blocks, rods, bean sticks, etc.) have long been used in mathematics classes, but a number of websites have been developed that have created digital, "virtual" versions of some of these manipulatives to help students understand abstract mathematical concepts.

Learning Mathematics with Virtual Manipulatives, an article from the CITEd Research Center, suggests that several studies support that using virtual manipulatives can lead to a "more complex, richer understanding" of concepts.

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Math Playground

Math Playground (http://www.mathplayground.com) has links to math manipulatives for working with Fraction Bars, Equivalent Fractions, Percent Relationships, Function Machine, Circle Graphs, Math Bars, Spinners and Probability, Pattern Blocks, Geometry Board, Measuring Angles, Prime Factorization, and Area and Perimeter.

Note: The manipulatives are created with Flash so they can play directly in the browswer needing no other software to be installed.

Math Playground also has links to other types of Math Games and Puzzles. It is easy to use and kid-friendly.

Visit the Virtual Manipulatives at Math Playground

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National Library of Virtual Manipulatives

The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vLibrary.html) is maintained at Utah State University.

The collection is organized as a grid divided by grade level groups across the top and by topics (Number & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis & Probability). Clicking in any of the cells in the grid will present you with a list of manipulatives that match that topic and are appropriate for the selected grade levels.

Note: The manipulatives at this site require a Java-enabled browser.

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Visual Fractions

The motto of Visual Fractions (http://www.visualfractions.com/) is "Fractions are better understood when seen".

Activities on this site let you identify, rename, compare, add, subtract, multiply, divide and investigate fractions.

The site also provides fraction games, downloadable worksheets, and a program that allows you to make fraction graphics that you can use in other documents.

Note: The manipulatives are created with Flash so they can play directly in the browswer needing no other software to be installed.

Visit http://www.visualfractions.com/

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Interactivate: Project Interactive

The goals of Interactivate (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/) are the creation, collection, evaluation, and dissemination of interactive Java-based courseware for exploration in science and mathematics.

The 149 Activities can be searched by keyword or viewed from lists organized by the following topics: Number and Operations, Geometry, Algebra, Probability, Modeling, Discrete, and Other.

The site also has links to lessons and math tools.

Note: The manipulatives at this site require a Java-enabled browser.

Visit the Activities at http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/

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Math Tools

Math Tools (http://www.mathforum.org/mathtools/), part of the Math Forum at Drexel University is a searchable index of online activities and resources that can be used to enhance instruction in the classroom.

The tools and activities can be searched by Course, Topic, and Sub-topic. They also can be filtered by the type of technology you are looking to use (i.e. Flash, Java applets, Handheld devices, or other software like Mathematica or Sketchpad).

The search interface can also search lesson plans, Problems of the Week, and other support materials.

Search MathTools at http://www.mathforum.org/mathtools/

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Interactive Mathematics

Interactive Math (http://www.intmath.com/) is subtitled "Where you learn Math by playing with it".

It contains interactive lessons on subjects like Algebra, Money, Trigonometry, Graphs, Complex Numbers, Probability, Diffentiation, Integration, and Higher Calculus. Some of the pages require the LiveMath viewer for the interactivity. The site has information on how to download, install, and use the FREE LiveMath viewer and player software.

Note: This site is targeted to high level math students and is best for high school and college-level students.

Visit Interactive Math at http://www.intmath.com/

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© December 2008 GST BOCES IDEAS Team