http://mathforum.org/kenken/

The Math Forum is excited to partner with Nextoy® to offer a collection of KenKen puzzles. KenKen is a number puzzle related to Sudoku, but even more mathematical. We have puzzles ranging in size from 3x3 to 9x9, at four difficulty levels, with many combinations of arithmetic operations.

KenKen puzzles offer great opportunities:

• to practice arithmetic skills in new and interesting ways
• to learn and get better at problem-solving strategies
• to work on organizing and communicating mathematical ideas

KenKen puzzles are free with registration. If you're already a Math Forum PoW member, you already have access to KenKen puzzles--just use your PoW login information where prompted.

Each puzzle comes with a printer-friendly view, an interface for submitting your work, and a solution viewable by teachers. Teachers with class accounts may further view the work their students submit when solving KenKen puzzles.

We allow uploads in answer submissions, which makes it much easier to show KenKen work (or even steps, moments of reflection, etc.). And we offer a table-making tool in the explanation box, for an alternate method of displaying similar information.

• Introduction to KenKen
• Lesson Plans
• Rules
• Discussion
• Tutorial

http://nsf.gov/news/special_reports/math/

International assessments show U.S. math students outperformed by those in many other countries. This multimedia special report from the National Science Foundation (NSF) explores research on the role of teaching, curriculum, and technology in math education, and demonstrates the importance of math education to all citizens.

Resources include links to sites supporting the statements:

• Math is Beautiful
• Math is Everywhere
• Math is Useful

NAEP Math 2009 Trial Urban District Assessment

http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/12/12082009.html

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, the Department of Education released this year's results for mathematics achievement among 4th and 8th graders in key urban districts across the nation.

Results show progress for all districts, but not at the speed deemed necessary. Read the whole report and Arne Duncan's comments on it at the link above.

http://www.csedweek.org/

The materials from Computer Science Education Week (December 6-12) inspire exploration of the field any time.

• Defining Documents
• Posters, Brochures and Kits
• Reports and Presentations
• Data/Computer Science Facts
• Curriculum
• Programs and Ideas
• Videos
• Contests

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