- #1
Quantumduck
- 38
- 1
Hello,
I am a High school algebra teacher looking for a modeling tool for algebra tiles. I have four sources of online "virtual" manipulatives, but none of them do what a set of algebra tiles on an overhead can do.
First there is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/category_g_4_t_2.html
The problem with that model is that it has no negative 1. I can use the X and Y to do positive and negative variables, but there is no way to model (x-1)(x+1). That is essential in using Algebra tiles.
Next there is http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ or Interactivate which has no algebra tile modeling, but huge amounts of other math models.
There is also http://www.x-power.com/Flash/Tools/AlgebraTiles.html or Xpower. They are a pay website, but the color background is black. Ever tried to keep High School students awake in a darkened room so we can see red on black?
Finally there is Dr. Strader's website: http://strader.cehd.tamu.edu/Mathematics/ . He has the Java source code available to manipulate the what he has, but I don't know java to reprogram it to just allow me to choose the equations.
So, I am asking for help. Does anyone know of any modeling tool that would allow a teacher to stand at the smartpanel and actually model algebra tiles and have the kids do the same equation on their desks with the tiles?
Help! And thank you for any suggestions! I am trying to instill a whole new generation of kids loving math!
I am a High school algebra teacher looking for a modeling tool for algebra tiles. I have four sources of online "virtual" manipulatives, but none of them do what a set of algebra tiles on an overhead can do.
First there is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/category_g_4_t_2.html
The problem with that model is that it has no negative 1. I can use the X and Y to do positive and negative variables, but there is no way to model (x-1)(x+1). That is essential in using Algebra tiles.
Next there is http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ or Interactivate which has no algebra tile modeling, but huge amounts of other math models.
There is also http://www.x-power.com/Flash/Tools/AlgebraTiles.html or Xpower. They are a pay website, but the color background is black. Ever tried to keep High School students awake in a darkened room so we can see red on black?
Finally there is Dr. Strader's website: http://strader.cehd.tamu.edu/Mathematics/ . He has the Java source code available to manipulate the what he has, but I don't know java to reprogram it to just allow me to choose the equations.
So, I am asking for help. Does anyone know of any modeling tool that would allow a teacher to stand at the smartpanel and actually model algebra tiles and have the kids do the same equation on their desks with the tiles?
Help! And thank you for any suggestions! I am trying to instill a whole new generation of kids loving math!