MATH TOOLS NEWSLETTER - MAY 2, 2008 - No. 63 ***FREE ONLINE OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS OF GRADES 5-9 Technology Tools for Thinking and Reasoning about Probability http://mathforum.org/nsdl_mathtech/online/prob.html The Math Forum will host a new online workshop for teachers who work with students in 5th through 9th grade. Teachers will investigate some mathematics topics common to middle school curricula within the theme of probability. In this context they will explore the Math Tools digital library and several software tools that contribute in some way to mathematical understanding, problem solving, reflection and discussion. Each participant's $100 workshop fee is being covered by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, affording participants the convenience of anytime, anywhere online learning. The workshop will be offered May 12 - June 23. Certificates of completion will be available for participants finishing the six weeks of interaction. For an overview with additional detalis, visit: http://mathforum.org/nsdl_mathtech/online/overview.prob.html Deadline for applications is Monday, May 5, 2008. http://mathforum.org/nsdl_mathtech/online/apply.prob.html \|/ As you browse the catalog, please take a moment to rate a resource, comment on it, review it -- start a new or join a discussion! ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: WordPress Math Publisher http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/44421/ Ron Fredericks Allows a blogger to publish math equations. More details and screen shots available at the site. ***FEATURED TOOL Tool: The Coordinate (Cartesian) Plane - Math Open Reference http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tool/45389/ John Page An interactive applet and associated web page that describe the concept of the coordinate plane (Cartesian Plane). The applet shows the plane, its axes, origin and related controls. The user can drag a point around and see the coordinates change, and click anywhere to create new points. The origin can be dragged to emphasize or eliminate certain quadrants. ***FEATURED TPOW Technology PoW: Spinners http://mathforum.org/mathtools/tpow/44067/ Annie Fetter Choose which spinner is most likely to have produced the given experimental results. ***FEATURED SUPPORT MATERIAL Support Material: Algebra Nspirations http://mathforum.org/mathtools/support/44517/ a.m. productions llc. This new video series allows Algebra 1 teachers to integrate Texas Instruments' new TI-Nspire™ handheld. Real-world scenarios combined with dynamic footage and easy-to-follow animated sequences for the calculator keystrokes provide a student-friendly presentation. ***FEATURED DISCUSSION the use of technology http://mathforum.org/mathtools/discuss.html?&do=m&thread=___activity__g-5 DawnS81 explains, "Some teachers have different viewpoints on the use of technology in the classroom. I am writing to get opinions from other teachers." ***FEATURED DISCUSSION Is a rhombus a kite? http://mathforum.org/mathtools/discuss.html?&do=r&msg=45423 LFS posts to an ongoing discussion, "Does the 'standard' definition of quadrilateral assume convexness?" 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 -- 2 May 2008