MATH TOOLS NEWSLETTER - JUNE 3, 2006 - No. 40 As you browse the catalog, please take a moment to rate a resource, comment on it, review it -- or start a new discussion! ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: Line Gem 1 Sulan Dun http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/24433/ Line Gem 1 is a game created to help users learn how to graph linear equations on a Cartesian coordinate plane. Users pick the right linear equation so their dragon can fly the correct path to get as many gems as possible. To learn how to find points for a given linear equation, users can click the "Introduction" button to access a tutorial. ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: Dimenxian Tabula Digita http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/24326/ Students experience, explore, and apply math concepts in an engaging three-dimensional virtual world. Download the free PC or Mac demo. If you enjoy the demo, pre-order and save over 20% on the first release mission pack of Dimenxian. The price of $21.95 will be good only until the launch date this summer. ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: AQEP - Algebra Quadratic Equations Project Sabine Hoidn, Phuong Pham, David Tu http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/24587/ Have you ever wondered why you need to learn quadratic equations? This culminating lesson aims to make the math real, by showing visually how a simple problem can be solved by quadratic equations. The primary focus is on the link between the problem statement and the formulation of the quadratic equations. ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: Bee Smart About the Weather Karin Chapin, Xin Wei, Johnny Marples, Mary Lowe http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/24588/ A simulation allowing 2nd-grade students to change temperature, moisture, and wind to create weather effects. Emphasizes connections between the weather and students' personal experiences. ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: A Closer Look at Earth, from Space Megan Slocum, Rachel Yong, Daniel Steinbock, Sima Westwood http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/24589/ There are two activities for students to try: the Seasons Activity and the Scavenger Hunt. In the Seasons activity, users order strips of the earth by month. Hints and scaffolds are built into the tool. In the Scavenger Hunt activity, users explore a July image of Earth closely by zooming in on the image to find landforms, shorelines, and other features on Earth. Clues on the Scavenger Hunt Worksheet 1.1b ask students to find specific places and features. There are 20 clues. The MS Word file containing the worksheet and answer key can be downloaded. ***FEATURED DISCUSSION Looking for feedback to improve Line Gem 1 http://mathforum.org/mathtools/discuss.html?&do=m&thread=___disc_24433_g-1 SulanDun writes, "Hi, I'm looking for feedback from anyone who teaches graphing linear equations on the coordinate plane." ***FEATURED DISCUSSION Math Worksheets Online http://mathforum.org/mathtools/discuss.html?&do=m&thread=__h_support__g-1 Nathan asks, "I'm looking into getting a subscription to Math Worksheets Online. Can anyone offer their experiences before I purchase?" CHECK OUT THE MATH TOOLS SITE: Math Tools http://mathforum.org/mathtools/ Register http://mathforum.org/mathtools/register.html Discussions http://mathforum.org/mathtools/discuss.html Research Area http://mathforum.org/mathtools/research/ Developers Area http://mathforum.org/mathtools/developers/ Newsletter Archive http://mathforum.org/mathtools/newsletter/ \`. .--------------.___________) \ |//////////////|___________[ ] `--------------' ) ( '-' The Math Forum @ Drexel -- 3 June 2006