|
May, 1998
Math World Interactive
http://forum.swarthmore.edu/mathworld
GRADE LEVEL: K-12
|
CONTENT:
Students work on open-ended word problems online. They exchange information with other students all over the world. Challenges are available for the following grades: K-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-12.
|
|
AESTHETICS:
The home page displays sections of the sites in table format. Most of other pages use a large, rounded typeface.
| |
|
ORGANIZATION:
Each page has a link back to the home page. Users can reach all the sections of the site from the home page.
| |
|
REVIEW:
MathWorld is an interactive, problem-solving project created by a teacher. Her goal is to encourage students to develop problem-solving abilities while improving their technology skills. By having students post their answers online, the math problems become fun for students. Users can register (free) for the "MathWorld Interactive Challenges" -- open-ended word problems. Challenges, posted every nine weeks, are grouped into levels from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Students must follow a specified format (described at the site) when working on the problems. Students from around the world can share ideas and discuss the problems. Users can also communicate for purposes other than math, such as for culture and geographic information, via the site's moderated message board. Users submit their solutions to the message board or using the online submission form. Students will receive a personalized email message from MathWorld Interactive highlighting their strengths and achievements approximately three weeks after the MathWorld Challenge cycle ends. The creator, Carol Mortensen, is available via email to help as well. This is a great way to interest students in math and to include the internet in mathematics lessons. Or teachers could use the problem-solving lessons to supplement their curricula.
|
|
