Current Hot Spot
December 2008:
Computer Science Unplugged - Tim Bell, Ian H. Witten, and Mike Fellows, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
A free collection of activities designed to teach the fundamentals of computer science without requiring a computer. Download or order PDF files, and get supplementary material for each activity from the site: videos, links, photos, curiosities, links to curricula, and more.
Previous Hot Spots
November 2008:
Sage: Open Source Mathematics Software - William Stein, University of Washington
An open source mathematics program designed to do everything from map a 12-dimensional object to calculate rainfall patterns under global warming--anything Maple, Matlab, or Mathematica would do. Sage is freely available for download on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms.
October 2008:
Online Statistics: An Interactive Multimedia Course of Study - Rice University, University of Houston, Clear Lake, and University of Houston, Downtown
This introductory-level statistics book, which can be read as a conventional textbook, also features interactive demonstrations and simulations, case studies, and an analysis lab.
September 2008:
Exploring and Writing Geometry - Cathleen V. Sanders
Sanders documents a writing-intensive Geometry class that she developed while teaching at the Punahou School in Hawaii. Chapters include class topics, samples of student work and reactions, and reflections on teaching content and methodology.
August 2008:
Interactivate: Assessments - Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.
A set of Shodor's Interactivate activities that allow the user to keep track of correct responses. A number of these activities also allow users to select difficulty levels and specific problem types, as well as set a time limit. Designed for individual work, except for the two-player Connect Four games.
July 2008:
MathsChallenge.net - Colin Hughes
Problems to solve, plus code-breaking challenges, archived past problems, and links to other puzzle sites. Aimed primarily at puzzle solvers aged roughly 11 and up, new challenges appear periodically through the year. Latest lists most recent puzzles, with the solution posting date. Includes a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions file) of various mathematical questions users have asked after attempting his problems.
June 2008:
Mathematics Materials for Tomorrow's Teachers (M2T2) - MSTE, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Five mathematics modules for use in training future mathematics teachers. Aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards, the modules feature paper-and-pencil activities, manipulatives, and Java applets. The site offers a separate list of applets, as well as other materials from the modules.
May 2008:
Professional Development Program: Learning Math Together - The Math Forum @ Drexel
"I have rediscovered through this course that learning math isn't just about memorizing facts and figures, but about gaining meaning and understanding about math concepts." --Erica Smith, workshop participant from Jersey City, NJ
The Forum offers three types of professional development, some for Continuing Education Units (CEUs): online courses, based around the Problems of the Week and scheduled a few times a year; online workshops, exploring how technology can help students develop mathematical concepts and offered continuously throughout the year; and customized opportunities, for close collaboration and support over time.
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The Math Forum is a research and educational enterprise of the Drexel School of Education.