Technology Tools

Model Algebra Equations

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Amira Shammas
• Other Grades: 6th-8th

Model Algebra Equations enables students to engage in an interactive modeling system of algebraic equations. Students can choose to model given 1-step or 2-step equations, or create their own equation with 2-step being the highest number of steps needed to solve the equation. It uses a visual, color coded balance model where students are to go through a series of steps to solve the equation. Students are presented with an equation. First, they model the equation using tiles, each of which represent x, +1, or -1, keeping the equation balanced. The balance is even when the equation is balanced, and students can see when it's not balanced as the balance will lean to one side. Next, students isolate the x variable in one or two steps using the tiles, adding and subtracting from each side. Finally, the student enters the determined value of x. The tool is very visual and enables students to see how each step and operation affects the value of each side of the equation.

Place Value Hockey

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Allison Selden
• Other Grades: 2nd

This tech tool provides a fun and interactive way for students Grades 2-5 to practice place value. There are 2 modes of play and 3 levels of difficulty, which is why this tech tool can be used for students in Grades 2-5. You can play by either identifying Numerals or Place Values. In the Numerals mode of play, students must read a number word/name and enter it in standard (number) form. In the Place Values mode of play, students have to correctly identify which digit corresponds to the place value being asked for. This tech tool allows students to practice reading and writing numbers using the base ten numerals and number names.

Illuminations - Fraction Models

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Allison Selden
• Other Grades: 6th-8th

This tech tool provides students with a way to visually represent, manipulate and explore a deeper understanding of the relationships of fractions, decimals and percentages. It allows them to view fractions with different model types and to physically see the way fractions increase or decrease as the numerators and denominators change. Lastly, students can save the fractions they find interesting or are using for an assignment. They can also print out the fraction and representations they have generated for further use outside of the tech tool and exploration.

Pearl Diver

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Caitlyn Reighly
• Other Areas: Measurement & Data, Number and Operations in Base Ten

As intrepid pearl divers, students must dodge eels and quickly interpret number lines to succeed at this game which gradually increases in difficulty. Students are introduced to number lines involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions and negative numbers.

Adjustable Spinner

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Caitlyn Reighly
• Other Grades: 6th
• Other Areas: NGSS Earth & Human Activity

Adjustable Spinner is well-suited for experiments involving probability and discussions about data. It is the teacher's dream tool; instead having to hunt down brads, have discussions about forceful hits or create a new spinner for each slightly differing science and/or math experiment, teachers can outsource to NCTM's Illuminations Adjustable Spinner tool. Like its name suggests, Adjustable Spinner allows students to adjust the number of sectors on the spinner, the names of the sectors and then to test to their hearts' content without any of the data being lost ("Teacher, I think I've lost count" will become a thing of the past).

Shape Inlay

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Allison Selden
• Other Grades: 1st, 2nd

The tech tool is a dynamic game that was designed as a way to allow students to critically think about which shapes should go where to create a geometric work of art. Shape Inlay uses various trapezoid, rhombus, triangle and square shapes that can be rotated, turned and flipped to fit into different areas of the "shape" outline. Students are challenged to use their spatial reasoning and problem solving skills to complete this geometric puzzle. They can use whatever shapes they choose and put them wherever they would like until one of two things happens:

1. They position the shapes on the board to complete the outline and win!
2. They do not position the shapes fast enough and the conveyor belt at the bottom fills up and the game is over.

Alien Angles

• Technology Tool
• Evaluated by Allison Selden

The Alien Angles tech tool is a dynamic game that was designed as a way to allow students to apply estimation skills in the area of angles. In order to rescue the friendly aliens that have been lost in space, students have to set the angle on the rescue rocket launcher to be within 5 degrees of a given angle to successfully rescue the aliens.