More Online Manipulative Resources
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives for Interactive Mathematics
This is a site created by Utah State University. Their goal is to develop a library of interactive, web-based virtual manipulatives or concept tutorials. Their emphasis is on grades K to 8th but they have resources for 9 to 12 also. All their virtual manipulatives are in alignment with the NTCM standards.
They list their manipulatives according to grade level. They then categorize it by concepts to be learned. These concepts are Number & Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis & Probability. They give a picture, name of applet, and a brief description of every manipulative they have. These are great for enhancing concepts that are being taught. You might also want to find an applet that matches the concepts being taught to publish the link in your weekly newsletter.
Their applications are mostly in the form of Java applets. They have created a page that has system requirements . They also tell you how to go about reporting any problems you may be having.
Grades Pre-K to 2 There are 55 different activities. Among the applications you will find activities for bar charts , naming fractions , number line , spinners , tangrams , geoboards , and Venn diagrams .
There are 67 activities for these grade levels. Because of the large number I can not possibly list them all. They have Circle 0 which is a puzzle involving adding positive and negative integers to the sum of zero. There is a tool for exploring graphing and functions, pentominoes , circular geoboards , tessellations , and a histogram .
This level has 57 activities. There is a Factor Tree in which students factor numbers using a tree diagram. There is a Function Machine that can be used to explore concepts of functions by putting values into the machine and observing the output. A Coin Problem that allows students to use their powers of deduction to locate the lighter coin. They even include my favorite, the Towers of Hanoi !
MegaMaths
Online Flash Cards and Printable Manipulatives
APlus Math
There are online addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and rounding flash cards. They also have a flash cards creator. This would be very useful if you have a student who needs a set of flash cards to work with, you could just print out a set! You can also use their Custom Flash Card Creator to make printable customized cards. This site has both Java and non Java flash cards.
ABC Teach
They have online flash cards for 1st grade , 2nd grade , and 3rd grade . They also have fraction manipulatives that you can print out and use with your class.
Hand Made Manipulative Instructions
This is the site for you if you want to keep those kids involved in hands on activities. They can print and cut out pattern blocks of all types, base-ten blocks, and base-five blocks. There are attribute blocks, rods, color tiles, and several different types of graph paper.
Online Articles About using Manipulatives
Perhaps you want more information about using manipulatives with your students. If so, there are many online journal articles. I have listed several excellent ones to get you started. Math Learning Disabilities written by Kate Garnett, Ph.D. She discusses the different types of math learning problems and how manipulatives can be helpful. Experiential Learning of Mathematics: Using Manipulatives discusses the development, implementation, and state initiatives of manipulatives. Virtual Manipulative: A New Tool for Hands-On Math by Judy Spicer, ENC Instructional Resources, shares some web sites with virtual manipulatives and how they can be used. Lastly, Math Manipulatives: Fractions, Integers, and Variables from the resourceroom.net has some excellent "low tech" ways to create manipulatives out of your "digital computer" (fingers) and other resources as well as strategies for implementing the use of manipulatives.
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