Here you'll find tools that I've created to help students learn mathematics.
The materials made available on this page are free for anyone to use for education purposes. Commercial use is strictly prohibited. I ask only that if you use these materials you take the time to provide me with constructive feedback. Email me at mikesmathtools@mbackus.com.
Interactive Multiplication Grid
Many students struggle when learning their multiplication facts because they have trouble recalling the answers to completely randomized multiplication problems. For this reason, I created an Interactive Multiplication Grid that provides students immediate feedback. Filling out a multiplication grid allows students to realize patterns while honing their skip counting skills. These can be thought of as useful intermediary skills that will help students to eventually achieve automaticity when faced with completely randomized multiplication problems.
Depending on the version of Excel that you are using, when you open the Interactive Multiplication Grid Excel file, you may receive a security warning explaining that the file contains macros. The file does contain a macro (a small program) that records the time at which the student starts and finishes so that the amount of time taken to complete the grid can be calculated. This is useful information students should record each time they complete the grid--it will provide positive reinforcement as they improve. Irregardless of whether you receive the warning, the timer will not work unless you enable the macro. To make using the Interactive Multiplication Grid as convenient as possible, I've digitally signed the Excel file and have created a certificate that you can install on your computer. To install the certificate:
- Right click on Mike's Math Tools Certificate below and select Save Target As... and save it to your desktop.
- Right click on the certificate and select Install Certificate.
- If you are asked Do you want to open this file? select Open.
- On the Certificate Import Wizard window click Next.
- On the Certificate Store screen select Place all certificates in the following store and then click Browse.
- Check the Show physical stores checkbox, expand the Trusted Root Certification Authorities folder, and select Local Computer. Click OK.
- Click Next and then Finish.
- Open the Interactive Multiplication Grid. Depending on the version of Excel that you are using, you may receive a Security Warning. If this is the case, first check the Always truct macros from this publisher checkbox, and then click Enable Macros. Congratlations, this is the last time you will see any sort of warning when opening this file.
Interactive Story Problems
For my master's project, I'm creating a series of interactive student-centered spreadsheet assignments. These assignments all share the following traits:- Each is a real world problem that is engaging.
- Each problem requires user input so that the answer has real meaning to the student.
- Each interactive spreadsheet provides immediate feedback.
Average Temperature
Bowling
Connection Speed
Cost of Speeding
Cryptography
eBay
Fuel Efficiency
Grade Point Average
Course Grade
How fast can you run?
How old are you?
Lemonade Stand
Loan
Paycheck
Portable Media Players
Recipe
Savings Account
Smoking Cigarettes
Stopping Distance
Taxes
Math Topic: Functions
Description: Students fit a sinusoidal curve to the monhtly average temperatures of their desired city.
Math Topic: Computation.
Description: Students learn to calculate their score.
Math Topic: Rates.
Description: Students test the speed of their Internet connection and then estimate the time required to upload and download files of various sizes.
Math Topic: Rates.
Description: Students investigate how much extra they are likely to spend on gas if they speed.
Math Topic: Matrix multiplication and inversion.
Description: Students encode and decode a secret message.
Math Topic: Percentages.
Description: Students determine the cost of selling something on eBay.
Math Topic: Rates.
Description: Students investigate the costs/savings associated with fuel efficient vehicles versus gas guzzlers.
Math Topic: Weighted averages.
Description: Students calculate their GPA and investigate the consequences of earning various grades.
Math Topic: Weighted averages.
Description: Students are provided with a generic template to computer their grade for a typical class.
Math Topic: Converting rates
Description: Students determine how fast they can run in ft/s, mi/hr, m/s, and km/hr.
Math Topic: Date and time arithmetic
Description: Students calculate how old they are in days, hours, minutes, and seconds. This assignment provides for differentiation.
Math Topic: Relations.
Description: Students paly a simple online game and analyze the results graphically in an attempt to improve their decisions.
Math Topic: Interest - loan perspective
Description: Students model a loan.
Math Topic: Percents
Description: Students calculate net income.
Math Topic: Linear equations
Description: Students investigate the costs and storage capabilities of portable media players (e.g.: iPods).
Math Topic: Multiplication of fractions.
Description: Students calculate new quantities for each ingredient in a recipe.
Math Topic: Interest - savings account perspective
Description: Students model a savings account.
Math Topic: Systems of equations
Description: Students explore some of the costs associated with smoking cigarettes.
Math Topic: Functions.
Description: Students apply a simple formula to learn how stopping distance is affected by speed, reaction time, and road conditions.
Math Topic: Taxes
Description: Students develop a fundamental understanding of the Federal Income Tax.
