Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Academics

 
Useful, Interactive, Interesting, and Fun Math Web Sites

The following list contains Mathematics related links from all over the world. It is very hard to categorize them in a consistent manner, and the list is not, by any means, complete. If you run into a link that you would like to see on these pages, send the URL to Jim Matovina at matovina@ccsn.edu.

General Searchable Sites:
The following sites contain links to tons of mathematically related site on the WWW. The Archives Server is a little more useful to educators because, in some sections, it classifies its links according to the appropriate academic level. The S.O.S. site is a great place for students to review.  The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse is a great place for k-12 math and science materials.

Specific Mathematical Topics:

  

Algebra Skills:

  • Discovery School's Webmath, (http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/webmath/)
    A varitey of problem solvers are offered. Students can practice combining like terms, solving equations, factoring trinomials, and more. The solvers an explanation of how it's done and the answer.
  • National Library of Virtual Manipulatives for Algebra, (http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/topic_t_2.html)
    From Utah State University, these virtual manipulatives are related to the NCTM Algebra standards. Algebra tiles, algebra balance scales, pattern blocks, function machine, tanagrams, and more! Waaaaaaay too much to list. This is a GREAT site!
  • Function and Algebra Concepts, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/index.html#fun)
    Several interactive activities from the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.
  • Inverse Function Generator, (http://www.ies.co.jp/math/java/calc/fbun/fbun.html)
    This java applett allows the user to generate 1/f(x) from f(x).
  • Practice with Exponents, (http://www.ltcconline.net/greenl/java/BasicAlgebra/ExponentRules/ExponentRules.html)
    Written by Larry Green from Lake Tahoe Community College, this java applet allows the students to practice problems involving the properties of exponents.
  • Factoring Trinomials of the Form x² + bx + c, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/factoring.htm)
    This javascript page generates factorable trinomials and asks the user to determine the factored form.
  • Transformation of Functions, (http://www.openteach.com/mathematics/applets/func.html)
    This java applett simulation demonstrates the transformation of functions. The student can enter a function and interval for the x value to observe its graph. Radio buttons and a parameter input box are available to assign a transformation.
  • Multimedia Activities from ExploreMath.com, (http://www.exploremath.com/activities/index.cfm)
    Shockwave™ Activities the create real-time correlations between equations and graphs that help students visualize and experiment with many of the major concepts from Elementary Algebra. Very interactive and very cool. This is a GREAT site!
  • Geometric Algebra 2D, (http://www.fi.uu.nl/toepassingen/00206/toepassing.xml?style=wisweb&language=en)
    If you like algebra tiles, you HAVE to see this site.
  • Conic Sections, (http://www.jalacy.com/conics/java.shtml)
    We've all seen images of different planes slicing the cones to create the conic sections. This site allows the user to do just that.
  • Javascript Quadratic Formula Calculator, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/qf_calc.htm)
    Enter the values for a, b, & c, to find the discriminant and the solutions of a quadratic equation.
  • Complex Numbers Made Easy..., (http://www.aamt.edu.au/LIVEMATH/Complex/classes/CompVis.htm)
    Explore the visual representation of arithmetic on complex numbers.

 

Arithmetic:

  • National Library for Virtual Manipulative for Number Sense and Operations, (http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/topic_t_1.html)
    Addition and multiplication blocks, several different fraction manipulatives, integer arithmetic, and much more. This is a GREAT site!
  • Educational Java Programs, (http://arcytech.org/java/)
    This Web site contains Java™ applets whose purpose is to be used as tools to help and enhance the education of children. The applets include pattern blocks, fraction bars, cuisenaire rods, and a few more.
  • Multliplacation.com, (http://www.multiplication.com/index.htm)
    Teaching stratigies, games, activities, worksheets, and more.
  • Quia Math, (http://www.quia.com/dir/math/)
    Math activities which include flashcards and concentration matching games.
  • King's List of Math Activities, (http://www.k111.k12.il.us/king/math.htm)
    Activities and games for basic math.
  • Rounding Game, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/mathsfile/shockwave/games/roundoff.html)
    Requires Shockwave installation, but it's worth it.
  • Sieve of Eratosthenes, (http://www.vex.net/~trebla/numbertheory/eratosthenes.html)
    A java applet to let you play with the sieve of Eratosthenes. It may take a few seconds to start up or reset.
  • Scientific Notation Problem Generator, (http://www.nyu.edu/pages/mathmol/textbook/scinot6.htm)
    Allows the user to practice converting to and from scientific notation.
  • Big Number Names, (http://www.ecstaticfuturist.com/MiscInfo/numbers.html)
    Not much to do here; it's just interesting.
  • The Fraction Idea Bank, (http://www.mathcats.com/grownupcats/ideabankfractions.html)
    Found within the mathcats.com site, here are a number of creative ways to teach fractions to elementay school students (as well as adults).
  • Fraction Card Games, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/fractions/fraction_games.htm)
    This idea came from the Fraction Idea Bank (above), but I expanded it a bit.
  • Visual Fractions, (http://www.visualfractions.com/)
    A great site by Richard E. Rand intended "to picture fractions and the operations on them."
  • Number and Operation Concept Activities, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/index.html#num)
    Several interactive activities from the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.
  • Online Percent Calculators, (http://www.math.com/students/solvers/numbers/percent.htm)
    Just enter the values for the required question and click the corresponding Go button.

 

Calculus:

  • Finite Math and Applied Calculus Resources, (http://www.hofstra.edu/~matscw/RealWorld/index.html)
    Contains interactive tutorials, a game theory simulator, On-line Calculus topics, a Java graphing utility, and an HTML Equation Generator.
  • Mathlets: Java Applets for Math Explorations, (http://cs.jsu.edu/mcis/faculty/leathrum/Mathlets/)
    Written by Tom Leathrum, these interactive applets cover many topics from pre-calculus through calculus.
  • Visual Calculus, (http://archives.math.utk.edu/visual.calculus/index.html)
    A collection of modules that can be used in the studying and/or teaching of calculus.
  • Linear Algebra Toolkit, (http://www.math.odu.edu/~bogacki/cgi-bin/lat.cgi)
  • Calculus on the Web, (http://www.math.temple.edu/~cow/)
    COW is an internet utility for learning and practicing calculus. It was designed at Temple by two members of the Temple University Mathematics Department, Gerardo Mendoza and Dan Reich. The principal purpose of COW is to provide you, the student or interested user, with the opportunity to learn and practice problems in calculus (and in the future other topics in mathematics) in a friendly environment via the internet.

     

Consumer Math:

  

Geometry:

  • The Geometry Center, (http://www.geom.umn.edu/)
    The Geometry Center is a mathematics research and education center at the University of Minnesota. It is funded by the National Science Foundation as part of the Science and Technology Center program. The Center has a unified mathematics computing environment supporting math and computer science research, mathematical visualization, software development, application development, video animation production, and K-16 math education.
  • Flatland: A romance of many dimensions, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/flatland/cover.htm)
  • Surfaces Beyond the Third Dimension, (http://www.math.brown.edu/~banchoff/art/PAC-9603/welcome.html)
  • The World of Escher, (http://www.worldofescher.com/)
  • Discovering the Value of pi, (http://www.arcytech.org/java/pi/index.html)
  • Geometry and Measurement Activities, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/#geo)
    Several interactive JavaScript activities from the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. that explore geometry concepts.
  • Euclid's Elements, (http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/elements/elements.html)
    Java applets showing each of the Elements.
  • Origami and Math, (http://www.paperfolding.com/math/)
    Origami is a great way to study reflections, rotations, and symmetry.

  

Graphing and Functions:

  • Plotting Points, (http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/webmath/gpoints.html)
    Provides practice in plotting points.
  • Maze Game, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/coords/index.html)
    A fun way to get used to the coordinate plane.
  • Random Function Machine, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/fm/index.html)
    Provides an enjoyable way to develop the concept of a function.
  • Random Linear Function Machine, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/lfm/index.html)
    Provides an enjoyable way to develop the concept of a linear function and inspect its graph.
  • Graphing Lines (http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/webmath/gline.html)
    Provides practice in graphing lines.

  

Graphics Calculators:

  • Windows Graphing Calculator (http://www.graphcalc.com/index.shtml)
    Don't have a graphing calculator? Try this one. It's great and free!
  • Graphics Calculator Tutorials, (http://oscar.ctc.edu/precalc/ReferenceCenter/Tech.html)
    This site contains tutorial for the TI-82, TI-83, TI-85, TI-92, HP-48, Sharp, Casio, Theorist Graphics Calculators.

  

History of Mathematics:

  • History of Mathematics, (http://www-groups.dcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~history/)
    This very informative, organized, and searchable site contains everything you ever wanted to know about the History of Mathematics. Included in this site are over 1100 biographies on Mathematicians, Chronologies, a 6-8 page brief overview of the History of Math, and more.

   

Logic:

  • Logic for Liberal Arts and Business Majors, (http://people.hofstra.edu/faculty/Stefan_Waner/RealWorld/logic/logicintro.html)
    A complete text resource on the WWW including examples and exercises.
  • Logic Calculator, (http://www.ee.umd.edu/~yavuz/logiccalc.html)
    This JavaScript calculator computes the truth value of a logic expression of up to four variables.
  • Truth Table Constructor, (http://sciris.shu.edu/~borowski/Truth/)
    A a powerful tool that draws truth tables for statements in propositional logic.

  

Numbers:

  • Fibonacci Numbers and Nature, (http://www.mcs.surrey.ac.uk/Personal/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibnat.html)
  • Roman Numeral Converter, (http://www.ivtech.com/roman/)
    Enter any Hindu-Arabic numeral less than 4000 and have it converted, within seconds, to it's Roman equivalent.  It does convert the other way, but it does not account for syntax errors (that is, it will say both VC and XCV are 95).
  • Egyptian, Roman, and Babylonian Numeration Systems, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/ancient_systems.htm)
    This is a page I wrote for my Math for Elementary School Teachers courses. It includes gif images of the Egyptian and Babylonian numerals - some of which I made and some of which I "borrowed" from other sites - as well as a description about how the symbols were used.
  • Just how big are the decimal parts of irrational numbers?, (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/htmltest/rjn_dig.html)
    This site puts it all in prospective.
  • Large Prime Number Research, (http://www.utm.edu/research/primes/largest.html)
  • Powers of Ten, (http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index.html)
    A simple little site that make you realize what an "order of magnitude" can become.

  

Probability:

  • Virtual Vegas, (http://www.virtualvegas.com/home.asp)
    Better examples of Probability and Expected Value problems may exist, but, hey, who could resist a free casino. As expected, you win a lot more when you play with points than you would if you played the same games with real money. Go figure.
  • Area Probability (Throw Darts), (http://www.exploremath.com/activities/Activity_page.cfm?ActivityID=43)
    A nice site to compare experimental and theoretical probability. You need Macromedia's free Shockwave Player to make it work, but the site will automatically take you through the steps and download. It's well worth it.
  • Coincidence, (http://www.cut-the-knot.com/do_you_know/coincidence.html)
    The Birthday Problem.
  • 5-Card Poker Hands, (http://www.math.sfu.ca/~alspach/comp18/)
    This page by Brian Alspach displays the computations to determmine the number and probabilities of specific 5-card poker hands.
  • Irony Games' Dice Server, (http://www.irony.com/igroll.html)
    Don't have dice? Use these.
  • Ball Drop, (http://javaboutique.internet.com/BallDrop/)
    This applet at the Java Boutique is a nice place to see how occurrences of a random event gradually form a normal distribution.

  

Problem Solving:

  • Problem Solving for the 21st Century, (http://www.hawaii.edu/suremath/home.html)
    This site is directed to students, teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals. In accordance with NCTM objectives, it stresses how to reliably solve problems in Algebra, Physics, and Chemistry, all in a "Logical Thinking" tone.
  • How Stuff Works, (http://www.howstuffworks.com/)
    Yes, it stretches the problem solving categorey, but its worth it. This site will suck you in.
  • Math Anxiety, (http://www.mathpower.com/anxtest.htm)
    Do you have Math Anxiety? Take this quiz. Also, there is a link to how to reduce it. Some very good points are made, but the music is a little startling.

  

Sets and Venn Diagrams:

  • Interactive Venn Diagrams, (http://noppa5.pc.helsinki.fi/uudet/boole/booleb.html)
    This interactive site from Finland allows you to click on a given expression and see the corresponding Venn diagram.

  

Statistics:

  • The Histogram Explorer, (http://bertie.usfca.edu/histogram_explorer/he.html)
    This is a great place to play with various histograms and distributions.
  • The National Center for Education Statistics, (http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/index.html)
    A government site where you can create and dowload graphs, find out which famous mathematician interests you the most, play games, and more. Not just for kids!
  • K-12 Statistics, (http://www.mste.uiuc.edu/stat/stat.html)
    Organized according to the NCTM Standards
  • Misleading Statistical Facts, (http://www.cut-the-knot.com/do_you_know/misuse.html)
  • The US Census Bureau, (http://www.census.gov/)
    A statistician's dream and a really scary site.
  • USA Today Snapshots, (http://www.usatoday.com/snapshot/news/snapndex.htm)
  • The World's Busiest Airports, (http://www.airports.org/traffic/traffic_frame.htm)
  • 50States.com, (http://www.50states.com/)
    Admittedly, its not directly a "statistics" site, but there are some statistics there. Its just a really neat site.
  • Statistics and Probability Activities, (http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/#pro)
    Several interactive JavaScript activities from the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. that explore statistical and probability concepts.
  • All-Time Major League Baseball Statistics, (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/alltime/leaders?type=0)
    Baseball bills itself as a game of statistics. This site proves it.

  

Trigonometry:

  • The Math Page - Topics in Trigonometry, (http://www.themathpage.com/aTrig/trigonometry.htm)
    An entire online trigonometry textbook written by Lawrence Spector from the Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York.
  • Interactive Java Applets, (http://fergusmurray.members.beeb.net/interact.htm)
    Several truly hypnotic tools that will give you a new appreciation of trigonometry, thanks to Fergus Murray.

  

Organizations:

  • AMATYC, (http://www.amatyc.org/)
    The American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges
  • NevMATYC, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/nevmatyc/)
    The Nevada Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges
  • Shortcuts to Physics, Engineering, and Math Departments, (http://chat.wcc.cc.il.us/~flemmerh/PEMDepts.htm)
    Compiler by Fred Lemmerhirt of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL, this page offers direct links to Physics, Engineering, and Mathematics department pages at hundreds of colleges and universities in all parts of the United States.
  • NCTM, (http://www.nctm.org/)
    The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

  

Just for Fun:

  • Mathematical Quotations Server, (http://math.furman.edu/~mwoodard/mquot.html)
    Contains a random quotation generator and an archive of quotations alphabetized by the authors.
  • Indiana House Bill No. 246, (http://www.nevada.edu/~matovina/indiana_pi.htm)
    The State of Indiana actually tried to pass a bill defining the value of pi as a Rational Number. The bill was so poorly written, it listed four different values: (decimal approximations) 4, 3.33, 3.23 and, most blatantly, 3.2. A concise reference, including the full text of the bill, can be found at listed site.
  • Math Christmas Songs:
    • The Calculus Christmas Carol, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/calc_hate.htm) - A copy of a since-deleted page emphasizing a particular student's hatred for calculus.
    • Twas the Night Before Finals, (http://www.ccsn.nevada.edu/math/night_before.htm) - Another parody of a Christmas classic.
    • Jingle Algebra, (http://www.ccsn.edu/math/jingle.htm) - Sung to Jingle Bells. Written by Sanderson Smith.
    • The First Day of Math Class, (http://www.ccsn.edu/math/first.htm) - Sung to The First Day of Christmas. Written by Sanderson Smith.
    • Oh, Number Pi, (http://www.ccsn.edu/math/oh_pi.htm) - Sung to Oh, Christmas Tree. Written by Sanderson Smith.
    • Roudolph the Statistician, (http://www.ccsn.edu/math/roudolph.htm) - You know the tune... Written by Sanderson Smith.
  • The Maths File Game Show, (http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/mathsfile/)
    From the BBC Online, several simple and entertaining math games, complete with "your ancient mathematical hosts: Hyapatia and Pythagoras."
  • Rubik's Cube, (http://www.mathpower.com/rubik.htm)

  

The Metric System:

 

Writing Math in HTML:

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This page was last updated on October 5, 2005 .