Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

Have a student stumped by homework? Find exercises and extra help in various subject areas in this kid-friendly site. Navigate through the various resources and friendly graphics to areas of the site such as "Sweet Stuff" which features neat interactives, "Needed Knowledge" with great tips, "Book review" to view video book reviews, and "Getting Historical." Watch informative (don't confuse with boring) videos of various math problems whether it be basic math, solving word problems, or even geometry. Find videos for other subjects such as science, language arts, social studies, health, and art. Review information in various subjects by trying age-appropriate interactives.

tag(s): homework (29), tutorials (52)

This resource contains great review information, test questions, and other materials for several content areas. The materials included for review are a great way to identify the basic material needed for the understanding of Chemistry, Physics, Geometry, Algebra, U.S. and Global History, Earth Science, and the Living Environment.

tag(s): test prep (69)

This site was created by a university-level Math instructor; however, it can be useful for high school Math students and teachers also. Contained within the site are downloadable notes and tutorials for Algebra, Calculus I, 2, and 3, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations. Each set of notes is quite in-depth and includes detailed definitions, examples, and tips. Notes can also be printed in PDF form. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom portion of the site for an Algebra/Trig review, Common Math errors, and advice on how to study Math.

tag(s): functions (52), test prep (69), tutorials (52)

This site offers a simple, basic math dictionary that may be helpful as a quick classroom resource. It contains definitions for virtually all math terms in a quick sentence. All definitions are on one page and words can be found either by clicking the alphabetical links at the top of the page or by scrolling down through the site.
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tag(s): dictionaries (47), vocabulary (238)

12 areas of mathematics are offered on the site from Algebra to Trigonometry. Each has multiple sections and offers help with specific topics. After choosing an area, a brief explanation is available, then further information is provided on performing the operation. Many of the topics include graphics or charts along with explanations. Some topics include a downloadable file containing all information on the topic.

tag(s): angles (52), coordinates (15), equations (119), fractions (160), homework (29), test prep (69)

This site offers many opportunities for math exploration for both teachers and students. Although they have a store and ads on the site, much of the site is free and worth a visit. One especially helpful portion of the site is the link to different types of calculators from basic to graphing to mortgage and loan calculators. Students and parents will find the homework section of the site helpful as it is categorized by different topics, then each topic is further divided into sections. For example, under fractions you will find definitions, reducing, adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing. In each of those portions there is a section with a first glance (overview), in-depth, examples, and workout. There is also a unit quiz for each section. Another helpful area of the site is the practice section which offers practice in many different math skills such as square root, percent, and integers. The games section offers practice with critical thinking skills through logic puzzles and games such as chess.
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tag(s): calculators (36), fractions (160), integers (21), percent (59), test prep (69)

What did one math book say to the other? Don't bother me I've got my own problems! Are you looking for more bad jokes like this for your math class or perhaps a staff presentation? This site is for you! Choose from over 40 math jokes listed on this site, or send in your own. Who says math teachers can't be funny?

tag(s): riddles (16)

Find tutorials and problems with solutions on the informative math site. Find help with calculus, trigonometry, algebra, and more. Use the tutorials to find ways to solve a variety of math problems.
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tag(s): problem solving (233)

This site is a compilation of many math and science resources along with a social networking component. Currently there are almost 2000 activities, lessons, and videos and the site is constantly growing. There are several ways to use the site both as a registered user or without registration. Without registering for the site you can search and access lessons and information through the different search methods such as keywords, subjects, source institution, and more. Free registration allows the site to become much more personalized. After registering, you can make lists of resources for any different topic, share lists or searches with others, add comments, or add your own resources. Most activities on the site are free; however, there are some searches that deliver lessons that are paid - these are clearly indicated and not frequent enough to discourage use of this site. Searches can also filter out any paid activities and return only free items. Teachers may also want to subscribe to the site's blog and newsletter to receive updated information as it is added to the site.

In case you are wondering about the title, SMILE is the Science and Math Informal Learning Educators pathway of the National Science Digital Library (NSDL).

tag(s): resources (84), social networking (61), STEM (297), video (266)

If you are looking for ideas to incorporate mathematical problem solving with fun, hands-on activities this site is for you! Well over 20 activities are offered covering Algebra, Trigonometry, Science/Physics, General Math, and Technology concepts. Choose a category, then select the activity and view all the materials offered. Titles include Color Sines, Right Triangle SAM, and Binary Signals. Each activity includes facilitator notes including 11 items from overview, setup, discussion questions, and troubleshooting. Most also include participant handouts in MS Word format and software needed for calculator programs.

tag(s): angles (52), critical thinking (127), electricity (61), light (56), logic (161), magnetism (36), stars (71)

This forum is a leading resource for mathematics information on the internet. Their purpose is to provide discussion and communication opportunities for all interested in math through mailing lists, discussion areas, and ask an expert areas. The Math Tools area is a vast library of technology tools, lessons, activities, and other support materials for teaching and learning mathematics. Although it may be a little overwhelming; there are wonderful tours to help you get started in this area. Another frequently visited area is the Teacher Exchange which offers lessons from preK through College submitted by fellow math teachers sorted by math strands. Be sure to check out some of the free workshops offered to help navigate different portions of the site. The site contains too many resources to name them all here, so be sure to take some time to explore and then revisit to find more information. One valuable resource offered is the weekly newsletter - just sign up and receive site updates and more in your digital mailbox weekly.

tag(s): professional development (385), social networking (61)

Understand basic math and algebra, as well as advanced math topics like calculus and statistics. These free CliffsNotes articles can help when you're doing math homework and taking math tests. Articles begin with Algebra 1 and basic math skills and continue through Statistics and Trigonometry. Each article gives a written overview of the topic along with diagrams and charts. Each also contains a link on how to cite the article. Resources also include glossaries for Pre-Agebra, Geometry, and Statistics. Although the site is set up as a supplement to the familiar Cliff Notes books available as study guides, these materials are free and useful as resources in the math classroom. This site does include some unobtrusive advertisements.

tag(s): statistics (121)

This website is designed for math students who need an easy-to-use, easy-to-understand math resource all in one place. It is a comprehensive listing of formulas and definitions from beginning algebra to calculus. The explanations are readable for average math students, and over a thousand illustrations and examples are provided. Terms can be searched alphabetically and by subject area. Multi-media entries are also identified separately - these include QuickTime movies, LiveGraphics3D, and JavaSketchpad. This site does include some unobtrusive advertisements.

tag(s): vocabulary (238)

This site offers practice with math and challenging problems for all grade levels. If you teach math to grades 1-12, this site is a MUST SEE. It contains a graduated set of over 1,000 problems starting from very easy and working up to very difficult levels. Each problem contains a short description and an image to help visualize the problem. Problems adapt to the skill of the person answering problems, grade levels cannot be increased until 5 correct problems in a row have been solved. The tests concentrate on understanding, spatial reasoning, and problem solving rather than math rules and theorems.

tag(s): decimals (85), fractions (160), logic (161), operations (72), order of operations (29), test prep (69)

"Play and learn" Math on this interactive site loaded with lessons and flash activities. Topics range from Algebra, Probability, and up to Higher Calculus. Each lesson is divided into different subtopics which contain lessons using real-world examples and images. Many lessons include information obtained with the Live Math Viewer which can be downloaded from the site for free. Be sure to check out the "flash highlights" link which includes activities sure to appeal to students such as a Calculus Math Millionaire game, Math of Beauty, and an interactive World Population display. The advertising is worth ignoring to access the good content.

tag(s): charts and graphs (171), differentiation (84), probability (99)

This 16 lesson course in Trigonometry offers an overview of Trigonometry for beginners and experts alike. The course begins with a discussion on who needs Trigonometry, Applications, and then moves on through Chords, Sines, Cosines, and more before ending up with a summary. Although a little dry in tone, this site would make an excellent addition to review resources for any Math classroom.

tag(s): homework (29)

Calculator Soup collects all sorts of online calculators in one free site. Calculators range from basic to complicated and have specific functions like conversion, time, finance, and chemistry. A great tool for students who do not have specific calculators or forget them.

tag(s): calculators (36)

Find your Math help with Math TV! View video explanations of common functions in a variety of ways. More than one person explains the function (you choose) so you can find the best explanation. Explanations are also available in Spanish. Login information is not required to play the Math videos. Create a login to make playlists or subscribe to certain types of videos. Students should be advised that advertisements for Math books and other materials exist in the top right of the site and should be avoided.

tag(s): addition (129), decimals (85), division (98), equations (119), fractions (160), multiplication (122), numbers (120), subtraction (110)

This math website is a resource for basic information on math concepts. Although it is rather "plain vanilla" in design, it provides some valuable information. Concepts include: Basic Math Skills, Pre-calculus, Calculus, Beyond Calculus, and Other Stuff. Dan also provides links to neat math extras like paradoxes and riddles.

tag(s): decimals (85), exponents (35), fractions (160), numbers (120), operations (72), order of operations (29), percent (59), prime numbers (26), square roots (15)

Looking for interactive math resources and their use in everyday life? Math Interactives provide a variety of topics with interactive options for each. View "Use it" to access guided practice for students or "Explore it" for activities that can be used as a teacher demo or practice activities. Additional quicktime videos about the topic and support materials are included. Example topics in the "Number" category include Fractions, Integers, and Exponents. Other categories include "Patterns and Relations," "Shape and Space," and "Statistics and Probability."

tag(s): data (151), equations (119), exponents (35), integers (21), numbers (120), square roots (15)