Virtual+Manipulatives

Virtual Manipulatives
Learning and understanding mathematics, at every level, requires student engagement. Mathematics is not, as has been said, a spectator sport. Too much of current instruction fails to actively involve students. One way to address the problem is through the use of manipulatives, physical objects that help students visualize relationships and applications. We can now use computers to create virtual learning environments to address the same goals.
 * National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (USU) - http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
 * Illuminations/NCTM Activities - http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivitySearch.aspx
 * Virtual Manipulatives by eThemes - http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000592.shtml
 * Virtual Manipulatives Index - [|http://www.galaxy.gmu.edu/~drsuper/Virtual_Manipulatives/virtual.htm]
 * Number Sense Virtual Manipulatives - [|http://mason.gmu.edu/~mmankus/talks/nctm2000/nctmch00.htm]
 * Mathematics Java Programs - http://www.arcytech.org/java/java.shtml
 * Dr. Super's Manipulatives - [|http://www.galaxy.gmu.edu/~drsuper/]
 * Virtual Manipulatives Articles - http://otec.uoregon.edu/virtual_manipulatives.htm

Teacher Resources
**Evaluating Math Websites - 5 Stars** When exploring or selecting online resources/learning activities (A.K.A games) teachers should evaluate different websites for their ability to reach higher levels of thinking. Below are a few aspects to consider when evaluating Mathematics Game Websites: Would any of these websites get a perfect "5.0 Star Score"?
 * eThemes - http://www.emints.org/ethemes 
 * Aims Education Foundation E-Activities - http://wwws.aimsedu.org/aims_store/Search-for-E-Activities-sp-5.html
 * Thinkfinity - http://www.thinkfinity.org/
 * Cyberchase Lessons and Activities - http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/parentsteachers/lessons/index.html
 * Illuminations / NCTM - http://illuminations.nctm.org/
 * Houghton Mifflin Eduplace - http://www.eduplace.com/math/mw/
 * Teacher Domain - http://www.teachersdomain.org/ (Free registration)
 * Utah Curriculum Resources - http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/LPview.cgi?core=2
 * K-2 Curriculum Resources - http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/LPview.cgi?core=1209
 * A Maths Dictionary for Kids - http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/
 * Granite Core Curriculum Maps - http://www.graniteschools.org/C7/C19/MathK-12/default.aspx
 * 1) Engagement - Are students engaged and enjoying themselves? One Star!
 * 2) Immediate Feedback - Does the game give immediate feedback? One Star!
 * 3) Guidance Practice - Does it give more feedback than right or wrong? One Star!
 * 4) Level of Bloom's - Does it ask students to//**:**//
 * //Analysis//: analyze, calculate, categorize, compare, contrast
 * //Synthesis//: arrange, collect, compose, construct, create, design
 * //Evaluation//: argue, assess, defend estimate, judge, predict, rate (Any of these - One Star!)
 * //Knowledge//: arrange, memorize, name, order, recall, repeat back
 * //Comprehension//: classify, explain, restate, review, select
 * //Application//: apply, choose, demonstrate, practice, sketch, write (Zero Stars!)
 * 1) Off-Task - Does the game allow for off-task behavior? Can they play the game but NOT play it right?
 * One Star......if it does NOT allow for off-task behavior
 * Zero Stars.....if it does allow for off-task behavior
 * [|Balloon Invaders]
 * [|National Library of Virtual Manipulatives]
 * [|Ambleside Math] - What's the Angle?