Symmetric dot patterns are a particularly powerful object for investigation, providing opportunities for foundational learning across PK–5. We found that second-grade students naturally used repeated addends to count symmetric dot patterns created using the new software TileFarm.
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Using TileFarm to Support Emerging Multiplication
Matt B. Roscoe
Technology Tips: High-Leverage iPad Apps for the Mathematics Classroom
Ayanna D. Perry, Emily P. Thrasher, and Hollylynne S. Lee
The use of iPads® in the classroom is growing. In the 2013–14 school year, 57 percent of schools planned to invest in iPads (Netop 2013). This investment can benefit mathematics classrooms only if teachers know which apps they can use to help students develop deeper mathematical understanding. Although learning about and developing facility with various apps is valuable for mathematics teachers, the process can be difficult, overwhelming, and time-consuming. To get started, we recommend one app, Dropbox, that can be used to share materials within the classroom setting, and then we suggest three free, easy-to-use mathematics apps: Sketchpad Explorer, Data Analysis, and MathGraph (see the table on p. 711).
I-Touch enlightens students' data analysis
Darlinda Cassel and Dan Vincent
One of the more challenging aspects of trying to integrate technology into the classroom is finding phenomenon-based activities that can be enriched by technology applications. This article describes a mathscience-technology activity combining students' collection of data with mathematical and scientific analysis that is enhanced by using the iPod Touch (iTouch). The activity focuses on measuring shadow lengths throughout the school year and then organizing and evaluating the data by using the Planets app on the iTouch. Although this particular lesson was created for fifth graders, it could be adapted for students in other grades as well.
