Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

The Achievery is a free digital learning platform created by AT&T in collaboration with Warner Brothers that pairs video clips with lessons to engage students in learning across seven subject areas. Create an account to access activities such as a poetry scavenger hunt with Amanda Gorman or learn reading and writing skills from Wonder Woman video clips. Begin at the "All Units" link to find content by grade level, standards, subject, and additional filters. Most lessons are part of a larger learning unit; however, they are ready to use as individual teaching activities. Each lesson includes correlations to teaching and CASEL standards (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), highlights relevant vocabulary, activity directions, and links to the featured video, and is available in PDF format. The Achievery lessons and activities are available in English and Spanish. This site would be a good one to leave for your substitute to use; it's high interest, no sign-in, and has lesson plans & video clips.

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CanFigureIt is an interactive tool and workspace for exploring and learning about geometric proofs. This tool, developed to help promote problem-solving skills and logical thinking, provides immediate feedback to student responses. Start as a guest user, or apply for the Proof Ninja Educator Program to receive student reports. Choose from over 450 different topics, then follow prompts to justify claims and make proofs. Take advantage of the included tutorial videos to understand how to use all of the features of the program. Although optimized for Chromebooks, this site works on PC's and Macs but is not optimized for use on mobile devices.

tag(s): angles (51), geometric shapes (133)

Explore and find math activities for middle school students (grades 5-8) aligned to Common Core Standards at this comprehensive site. Find materials through several different search avenues; browse standards, search by grade level, choose a domain, or use a keyword search. Content includes lesson plans, interactive activities, and videos.

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Access the Illustrated Mathematics Grades 6-8 curriculum for free through the Open Up Resources site. Register on the site to view and gain access to course materials. Select the grade level and choose teacher, parent, or student materials. Content is divided into units and lessons and includes all materials except assessments. Provide additional information related to your school affiliation to gain access to assessments. Additional options include downloading resources as a print file or import into a Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook.

tag(s): data (150), equations (119), exponents (35), factoring (25), factors (29), fractions (159), geometric shapes (133), measurement (123), OER (43), percent (59), probability (99), pythagorean theorem (19), ratios (47), transformations (11), volume (33)

This section of the Illuminations site contains thirty-plus geometry interactives and activities for students in grades 6-8. Scroll through to choose from interactives like Tessellation Creator, Cube Nets, and others. You'll also find Dynamic Paper (create math manipulatives, such as pentagonal pyramid, a set of pattern blocks, a number line, and so on; all these in the size and shape you need). All interactives include complete instructions, an exploration, and correlation to standards.

tag(s): angles (51), equations (119), functions (52), geometric shapes (133), logic (160), number lines (33), patterns (61), problem solving (234)

Mathematical Thinking for English Language Learners contains 14 math tasks designed for middle school students. Each task includes five support tools: warm-ups, sentence starters & frames, word chats, support notes, and a Spanish translation of the task. Tasks focus upon geometry concepts such as area and shapes. Download individual tasks in PDF format using the links provided.

tag(s): area (53), geometric shapes (133), measurement (123), rotation (3), tangrams (8)

Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (wasteachMathematics) offers many activities, simulations, lessons, videos, and more for upper elementary through high school math instruction. Choose from the topics of Numbers, Algebra, Geometry & Measure, and Statistics & Probability. Although this is a subscription site, a large amount of free content is available. Find "Free Stuff" by topic by clicking on the button at the top left of the home page. When on a topic page, click "Free Pages" near the top right of the page.
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tag(s): equations (119), factors (29), geometric shapes (133), numbers (121), probability (99), problem solving (234), puzzles (149), statistics (121), symmetry (26)

Would you like to "flip" your Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus classroom but just aren't sure how to get started? Flipped Math has everything you need! Choose a course to view video lessons and download practice problems, corrective assignments (additional practice for misunderstood concepts or incomplete mastery), and a complete pacing guide. Flipped Math also includes many student resources as well as Teacher and Parent FAQ's. Even if you aren't flipping your classroom, Flipped Math offers valuable teaching tools to use in any Algebra or Geometry classroom.

tag(s): blended learning (36), differentiation (85), Online Learning (36), remote learning (54), teaching strategies (52), video (267)

Yay Math! is a series of lively math videos filmed in live classrooms. View videos for Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry concepts. Videos run approximately 15 to 30 minutes in length and include an accompanying worksheet. You can preview the first part of the videos. Wait a few seconds to click "Skip this ad." Many videos also include an online quiz. Just enter the access code provided to begin. You will also need to provide a name and email address. These videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable.
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tag(s): angles (51), area (53), charts and graphs (169), equations (119), exponents (35), factoring (25), factors (29), functions (52), geometric shapes (133), inequalities (25), polynomials (20), pythagorean theorem (19), quadratics (27), square roots (15)

Math Monday is a weekly column discussing fun, experiential, and puzzling topics in mathematics. Each article takes a math idea, explains the concept, and uses images (and/or videos) to put the concept into action. Sample topics include hula hoop geometry, large stars, mathematical quilting, and much more. Subscribe to the RSS feed to view new topics each Monday using the link at the top of the page. (Or add the feed to your Flipboard account if you have a tablet.) There is also a very long list of archives to explore and try!

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Math10 contains math resources for primary and secondary math students and teachers. Choose from categories such as Problem Solver, Adding and Subtracting Up to 100, Math Tests, Math History, and more. The topics of math problems vary from primary grade topics up through post-secondary. Search the topics on the left toolbar. The Math History portion is an in-depth look at math throughout the ages including classical Greek geometry through the origins of calculus. Games are divided into categories beginning with addition games through coordinates and equations. Be sure to check out the problem of the week for a new activity weekly.
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tag(s): division (96), equations (119), exponents (35), fractions (159), logic (160), mixed numbers (8), multiplication (120), operations (72), polynomials (20), probability (99), problem solving (234), pythagorean theorem (19), sequences (12), square roots (15)

Yummy Math shares mathematics problems and scenarios based on things happening in the world today. In January, some of the topics related to the NFL playoffs. Yummy Math lists activities chronologically as well as by mathematics topic. Topics include Algebra, Number Sense, Geometry, Food Math, Sports, and many more. The site is sure to be highly motivational for students as they complete math problems based on items of current interest such as the Super Bowl, American Idol, and American candy sales. Most problems contain a printable word or pdf document with questions. Some also include video or audio clips. Especially helpful is the Contents link which provides an alphabetical listing of all activities on the site.

tag(s): number sense (68), problem solving (234), puzzles (149), sports (85)

Math Video Tutorials offers 5,000 free math videos organized by course and topic. And the offerings are constantly growing. Videos are hosted on YouTube and SchoolTube and are all 10 minutes or less in length. Content includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, business calculus, and calculus. Each main topic includes links to the videos organized by more specific topics - for example, algebra videos are sorted by an introduction to algebra, rational expressions, equations and functions, equations and percentages, exponential and logarithmic functions, graphing, linear equations, and more. If your district blocks YouTube, the videos may not be viewable.

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This interactive was intended for woodworkers but works very well in Geometry class. The activity works by showing you a series of geometric figures that need to be adjusted a bit to make them correct. A square highlights the point that needs to be moved or adjusted. Use the mouse to drag the blue square or arrowhead where you feel it is 'right.' Once you let go of the mouse, the computer evaluates your move, so don't let up on the mouse button until you are sure. The 'correct' geometry is also shown in green, so you can see where you went wrong. You will be see each challenge three times. The table to the right shows your score ach time. You can compare your score to the last 500 players or to your last best score.
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tag(s): angles (51), geometric shapes (133), puzzles (149)

This site contains 38 weeks of Geometry lessons provided in several formats to be easily used with interactive whiteboards. Dan Meyer is well known for his mathematics teaching methods and much of the material is hands-on, problem-based activities appropriate for any classroom. Lessons are in slide format and can be downloaded in Keynote (Mac) or PowerPoint (Windows). In addition, each week's lessons can be downloaded as a PDF. Each lesson contains slide notes for the teacher and weekly handouts are available for use. Textbook assignments reference Discovering Geometry; however, these materials can be used with any textbook or materials. Each week's lessons are also tagged making it easy to find other similar content within the site.

tag(s): angles (51), functions (52), geometric shapes (133), patterns (61), problem solving (234), test prep (69), tutorials (52)

Virtual Nerd is a FREE unique, online resource offering students real help in math. Current topics include middle grades math through algebra 2, geometry, and SAT math topics. Within each topic are many subtopics offering videos along with a written explanation of the problem.
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tag(s): equations (119), functions (52), test prep (69), tutorials (52), variables (14), video (267)

Take the Challenge of the 7 Cups within this site. Sections include basic skills, critical thinking, and in-depth looks at circles, trapezoids, rectangles, and triangles. Each of the 4 topics has a printable activity to practice finding area within each of the shapes. Once the activities are completed, the answers will help to solve the Riddle of the 7 Cups.

tag(s): area (53), geometric shapes (133)

This site provides practice with vocabulary associated with angles. Common Core State Standards are addressed for fourth and seventh grades and geometry. The site is also appropriate for younger grades to use when learning and processing information about angles. The learner section has detailed explanations about different types of angles that can be used as a review when working with angles. The instructor area has correlations to standards, classroom information, links to similar resources, and a downloadable exploration questions sheet. The activity allows options of one or two transverals and scoring can be used or turned off.

tag(s): angles (51), geometric shapes (133)

In this Ask Asia lesson plan, students construct their own Islamic geometric patterns as they study the patterns as analogies for the Islamic cultural beliefs.

tag(s): geometric shapes (133), religions (114)

Find great math resources on this free site on countless topics. Click each resource to find sites useful on individual computers or projected on a whiteboard screen. Be sure to test out each interactive prior to using with a class, as some require Flash or other programs. Find great games about Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Probability, and Money. Though these interactives are labeled for grades 7-12, several can be used by K-5 teachers i.e. the number line interactives. Click on an activity and then explore the tabs above. There is a wealth of material here, so be sure to check it out!

tag(s): data (150), money (113), numbers (121), probability (99)