Imaginary Numbers

Imaginary Numbers Tutorial



As I was studying to take a trigonometry test so I can take Calculus this semester for fun (crazy, huh?), I found this site.  It is a quick run through of the imaginary (complex) number rules. 

What I found helpful was the practice problems.  The answers are hidden until you pass the mouse over them and then they appear.  Quick, easy problems that allow a student to reassure themselves that they get it.

This site also offers iPhone and Adroid apps.

Khan Academy (Videos and Practice)

Practice Problems Link

Practice Problems for ALL math levels

Khan Academy has two main resources which are amazingly extensive.  This link provides access to problems of all levels of math concepts by topic.  There are TWO ways to search:

1)      There is a scroll down list on the left of the screen that you can use to find any concept you are looking for.  Be sure to click “show all” at the bottom of the list to have full access.  Once you find the concept click on the name and you will be directed to the first practice problem.

2)      A concept map is located on the right of the screen and can be used just like Google Maps.  To search for the main idea click the screen and move it up or down.  As the map moves “south” the math topics becomes more advanced.  Once you find the “main idea” you need, then scroll in and out using the zoom scale on the left.  Zooming in will reveal more specific categories within a context.  For example: Functions is visible from the main screen, once you zoom in, topics such as domain and range of a function are suddenly visible as well.

Be sure to check in advance because these practice problems are not super simple.  I’m incredibly impressed by this format.  It’s thorough and well organized!

The available concepts range from “Telling time” (early elementary) to Calculus (High School Seniors).  There is also a statistics and probability section that goes beyond basic pre-algebra concepts. 

Video Tutorials Link

Example/Tutorial Videos

Khan Academy also has an extensive list of video tutorials.  The videos are broken up into specific steps so that you can search for a particular example of a type of question.  This can be helpful for a TEACHER wanting to demonstrate a specific process using additional perspective, or a STUDENT who needs a refresher on how to solve a homework problem. 

The videos may be searched by course subject under “Math” and then by topic within each course. 

As with anything, some videos are better than others and are a better use of classroom time than others. 

*Disclaimer: I am learning how to add pictures into the blog.  Please don't judge the screen shots. 

I WILL get better at adding them in the future!





Integer Operations Flowchart

Integer Operation Rules Flowchart



Integer operations are HUGE in math because once you learn them, they DON'T go AWAY!  In fact, I have known many an 8th grader to get these rules confused and make mistakes that mess up the rest of their work.  So, getting these correct is very important for middle school students.

This flowchart will help organize the rules in a concise manner.  It's dangerous to teach students to only change a subtraction sign, because in high school that doesn't always work the same way (think distributive property!)

You can use this as a quick reference for students who need to practice perfectly. 

Cool Math- Algebra

Algebra Lessons at Coolmath.com

Coolmath Algebra is a colorful site that covers an extensive list of algebra subjects.  This resource is best used as additional notes/examples for a topic covered in class or advanced reading for one to be covered in class.  The algebra site is organized by big topics such as exponents, polynomials, factoring, solving equations, functions etc.  After you choose the "Big Topic" then you select a specific example within. 

For example . . .
Big Topic: Functions
Specific Example: "What's a Function Intro"

It's set up like a textbook with chapters and sections.

Each section goes through an explanation of one example or more and then guides you to practice problems at the end.

This website is thorough and provides an alternative approach.  Sometimes students need another way of seeing a process before it will click.  Therefore, this is a great study source.

By the way- there is also Coolmath for Pre-Algebra, Pre Cal and Calculus, a math dictionary, puzzles, math games and math lessons by course. 

Integer Operations Game

Integer Operations GAME!



This is another wonderful resource that is FREE!
Any student in grades 6-8 can find a topic to practice while playing a game.  The integer game works multiplication and division facts with the integers thrown in to the mix.  As a teacher, I LOVE the way the game forces the student to think and there is IMMEDIATE feedback.  They have a few options to choose from, but only one is correct. 

The wonderful thing is that there are MANY more to choose from.  I will post the XP Math link on the pre-algebra site as well for future reference.  This would make a great station, enrichment activity or homework help.  Kids love online games- lets give them a brain work out in the process!

Reflex Math: Learn the Facts

Reflex Math (Math Facts Practice)



Reflex Math is a teacher's resource for students learning or needing practice memorizing their math facts (multiplication and division).  Although this site does require a log in and costs to be a member, there is a 14 day free trial for anyone interested.  This web site we shared with me as a GREAT resource for learning math facts.  Whether your student/child is learning them for the first time or needs to get them down pat it will work well. 

If you are interested in trying it out, I have a free trial going as of 8/6 and can add your child for a short period of time (14 days).  You can see if they like it and give it a try after that. 

If interested, just email me your child's name and I will get him signed up and send you the username and password of my "class".  (TIME SENSITIVE)

AAA Math: Good Review (K-8)

AAA Math

       Want to practice some decimal operations before school starts back in a few weeks?  How about review the rules for order of operations- a definite must!  This site has a large selection of topics and grade levels  (K-8). 
      Choose the topic on the left side of the page or choose a grade level across the top.  Each topic will take you to a basic tutorial example, but the good stuff is in the practice or play.  After you review the tutorial, choose "Practice" at the top of the page and then click "START" for questions to show.  You can do the work and then check your answer by typing it in and clicking "CHECK". 

Basic Practice Worksheets

http://www.math-drills.com/integers.shtml

The following link offers numerous worksheets of math practice.  If you need practice with fractions all operations are available.  If you need practice with integers- same is true.  There are multiple versions and each one comes with an answer key.  Be sure to practice perfect practice!

In the Beginning . . .

Welcome to "No Pen Zone!"  This name comes from a poster I used in my classroom as a math teacher.  Any math teacher will tell you that it is best to use a pencil when working on math.  Why?  Because it is easy to erase a mistake and correct it.  And we ALL make mistakes in math problems.  If you know a math teacher with a different philosophy, then great, but not this math teacher. 

I'm a big fan of mistakes- BECAUSE- you can always LEARN from them!  With that said, this blog is my effort at creating a one stop shop of math resources for various courses.  I hope to document great links I find as well as any others shared with me.

While I was teaching, I regularly found great resources online that I added to my "favorites" tab at school.  Whenever a student was struggling in a particular area I would search and find and then share.  I am planning to keep track of all these great games, practice links, tutoring sessions and other wonderful ideas I find. 

If you are a student seeking additional help or just love math and want to have fun, this will be a great resource!

If you are a parent looking for ideas to help your child, this will be a great resource!

If you are a teacher looking for something for class or to recommend to a particular student, this will be a great resource.

Please share any ideas you have or links you find which would be helpful to others.  You can email the links to me at wmparkman@gmail.com.

Teachers always talk about not "reinventing the wheel".  So this is my way of helping out.