Category Archives: Resource Sharing Forum

This resource share forum is a place for you and your peers to contribute free or low-cost digital resources to the whole class that exemplify the lesson topic, for example, “Knowledge Representation and Information Visualization for Learning Math or Science”.

Code Combat

Coding and computational thinking is rapidly making it’s way into mathematics education. The ability to break a problem down into pieces, and use variables and computations to complete an action is an ideal way to teach students how to unite scientific thinking, mathematical practice, and digital creation.

CodeCombat is a great tool which I have been using with middle-school classes to teach computational thinking and coding. The program is set up like a video game where a student must use one of several programming languages to instruct their hero how to navigate mazes and defeat enemies. The programming is text-based and is a great way to introduce students who have up till now only seen visual-based programming. The free version is playable for between 1 and 2 hours with a class. There are many license options available if you wish to proceed further with students.

 

 

JA Titan

I utilize a simulation in my senior business classes that I think could also be useful in a mathematics classroom in the lower grades.

http://titan.ja.org/

Junior Achievement Titan is a business simulation where your company creates and markets a fictional product.  You are given a lot of control over how many parameters you want your students to be able to control depending on their level of understanding.  The resource is free to use and a representative from Junior Achievement will spend about an hour with you on the phone walking you through how the simulation works and strategies to implement in your classroom.

I hope this helps!

Super Math World and youcubed

I have been using Super Math World (https://supermathworld.com/) in my grade 5 class for the last two years. It is a great example of immersive game-based learning for younger learners. I first came across it when exploring https://www.youcubed.org/ and Jo Boaler, which is an amazing website. I use it for problem-based whole group lessons, as well as with small groups to reinforce specific concepts. I have kids use small white boards to solve problems symbolically and then test their thinking in the games 3D environment.

Image result for supermath world

AR app for cardiology

I’ve been meaning to post this but I completely forgot. While I was researching AR and it’s use for medical education, I came across this cool app. I haven’t tried it yet, but I think it has some potential. Anatomy of the heart and electrophysiology are tough subjects for medical students and I can’t wait to try this out to see if it would be helpful for my students!

Deakin University Cardiac AR app

Zooniverse – a citizen science website

https://www.zooniverse.org/

This site provides an opportunity for students to engage in Citizen Science. Like a virtual museum and research center combined, Zooniverse utilizes the power of Information Technologies with portable devices, such as ipads, smartphones or laptops, to create a science environment where students can take part in real scientific documentation and aid in the scientific research process. Students choose a project, anywhere from life sciences to space, and assist in the collection and interpretation of data sets. They can also take part in the important aspects of social negotiation and collaborative discussions through the ‘Let’s Talk’ forum. Its very easy to set up in a classroom and the site provides resources for teachers beginning a project for the first time.

7 wonders of the world 360 pano’s

This is a great virtual field trip site I use quite a bit with my class.  There are 2 options for viewing, either a chopper guided version or a still camera version that both offer stunning visuals to help with lessons.  I hope this site will be moved to a Google cardboard app as having these pano’s in a virtual setting would be even better.

http://www.airpano.com/seven-wonders-world.php

Victoria Weather Stations

Tracking the Weather at your school.

http://www.victoriaweather.ca/

 

A number of schools in the Victoria area have a weather station on top of their building.  Inside the school is a digital display and you can connect with this site for more continuous tracking.  I have seen this used to track patterns, create graphs, we have daily weather reporters who announce conditions on our morning announcements, plus so much more.  It is great because it is local and the students can connect to that.

Actua: STEM Outreach Program

I came across this awesome Canadian company that organizes STEM outreach programs at your local university. Educators can organize for their classes to be engaged in these programs at the university or can arrange for the program to come to their school. This is run right across the country and would be a wonderful program to make use of. The website also includes various STEM activities for free! Check it out here.