Web Resources
The Educator’s Reference Desk
Address: http://ericir.syr.edu/
Description of contents:
The Educator’s Reference Desk is a compilation of teachers’ resources that was founded by
several reliable sources (such as the Information Institute of Syracuse and the AskERIC
database). The “Resource Guide” tab contains a wide variety of topics, such as Special
Education, Elementary Education, Counseling, and Librarianship. Each topic button leads you to
websites, specific questions, organizations, and communities related to the chosen topic. The
“Lesson Plan” tab is an extremely helpful resource. It allows teachers to search through the
database to find needed lesson plans. The best aspect of this tab is the ability to filter through the
lesson plans that are not needed by selecting specific subjects, grades, etc. In addition, there is
also a “Question Archive” tab and a “Search” tab. Both tabs provide additional information for
the teacher.
How you can use this source:
o If you are in quick need of a lesson plan, this resource is great. It is very easy to use and
the lesson plans are easy to understand.
o The website is also helpful for looking at other reliable resources. The “Resource Guide”
tab lists a vast amount of dependable resources for specific topics.
The Educator’s Reference Desk. (2009). The Educator’s Reference Desk. Retrieved
September 4, 200, from http://ericir.syr.edu/
Texas Instruments
Address: http://education.ti.com/
Description of contents:
Besides being the website for the well-known calculator brand, Texas Instruments, this resource
also has great information for teachers and students. Under the “Classroom Activities” tab there
are links to other resources. The “Activities Exchange” is a spot where teachers can search for
activities for their classrooms based on state standards, textbooks, or simply by subject. The
“Textbook Publisher Connection” tab is a great link for information on a wide variety of
textbooks for mathematics instruction. The “Getting Started – Student” section connects
students with activities and games on the computer. In addition, for high school-aged students,
there are resources for test prep.
How you can use this source:
o When looking through the lesson plans, you can share information by posting your own
ideas or searching through others.
o You can also sign up for weekly email alerts (with activities included) as well as an
opportunity to receive a free classroom activity CD through the mail.
Texas Instruments. (2009). Texas Instruments. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from
http://education.ti.com/
Math Central
Address: http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/
Description of contents:
Math Central is a visually stimulating website that was created by the University of Regina in
Canada. The “Resource Room” has a considerable amount of teaching resources. In addition, it
allows the teacher to browse the mathematical glossary through the quick search. The
“Quandaries and Queries” tab is a place where teachers, or students can ask ‘the website’ a
question regarding mathematics. Thorough answers are given and each question can be viewed
in the database. The “Problem of the Month” tab displays a mathematics problem each month.
Teachers can also browse past problems.
How you can use this source:
o If you have a mathematics question, this is the website to refer to. Many questions have
been asked, so it might already be answered. If not, submit a question and someone will
answer you back.
o Under the “Mathematics with a Human Face” tab, teachers can send away for a free
mathematics poster. The purpose of the poster (and initiative) is to show students that
mathematics extends beyond school and into the career field.
Math Central. (2009). Math Central. Retrieved September 4, 2009, from
http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/
Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
Address: http://www.pbs.org/teachers/
Description of contents:
PBS is an educational resource for all those wanting to learn. However, it specifically has a
extensive amount of information for teachers. The website is separated by grade level, from prekindergarten to grade twelve, and is further broken down by subject. Under each grade/subject
level there is everything from lesson plan resources to professional development and teacher
discussions to videos for each subject area. The mathematics section has lesson plans that are
straightforward, organized, and easy to find.
How you can use this source:
o This website seems to be one of the resources with the most extensive compilation of
lesson plans. For any lesson plan, not just mathematics, it is a great resource.
o You can download mathematics’ videos to watch in the classroom. In addition, the
student section has many educational computer games for students to play if they have
access to computers in the classroom.
Public Broadcasting System. (2009). Public Broadcasting System. Retrieved September 4,
2009, from http://www.pbs.org/teachers/
U.S. Census in Schools
Address: http://www.census.gov/schools/
Description of contents:
The U.S. Census Bureau’s website, U.S. Census in Schools, is a valuable live data resource for
teachers and students alike. It offers up-to-date statistical information about the U.S. population,
as well as historical data collected over the last several decades. Under the “For Teachers” tab,
educators can locate several instructional tools, including lesson plans, quick facts, a historical
overview of the U.S. Census, and access to photos, videos, and radio clips. The “Materials for
Schools” section offers additional fact sheets, brochures, maps, and other printable resources for
the classroom. The “Census for Kids” tab leads to interactive activities designed specifically for
elementary-aged students, who are interested in learning more about how the U.S. Census is
designed and implemented. This section includes a sing-along game called “Counting Way,”
which reinforces students’ mathematical skills by asking them to count homes, adults, children,
and pets in the picture. The website also provides an illustrated map of the United States, which
allows students to easily browse kid-friendly numerical data, such as demographic information
(ex. the number of 8-12 year olds), geographical information (ex. largest cities and state
capitals), and business information (ex. the number of toy stores and candy shops).
How you can use this source:
o Browse teaching resources and lesson plans for ideas on how to incorporate statistical
data into a mathematics curriculum for grades K-6
o Teach mathematics using live population data for a particular city, county, or state,
making learning mathematical concepts like sampling, percentages, patterns, and
predictions more relevant for students.
o Use graphs, charts, or tables to research, identify, and represent trends in population data
over the course of U.S. history. Example topics include: rural and urban growth, ethnic
diversity, employment opportunities, and public education development.
U.S. Census Bureau, Census in Schools. (2009). Census in Schools. Retrieved September 13,
2009, from http://www.census.gov/schools/
Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative
Address: http://www.t2tweb.us/default.asp
Description of contents:
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative was designed
by and for teachers as a professional development resource. It offers free in-person and digital
workshops, as well as Podcasts for teachers to meet and share information and suggestions for
improving instructional strategies, supporting students’ interests and needs, and closing the
achievement gap. For those unable to attend the workshops, the website provides all materials
from past teacher workshops in an electronic format. Located under the “Teacher Workshops”
tab, the materials include PowerPoint presentations and handouts divided into subject area. The
section on mathematics includes several topics appropriate for K-6 educators, such as algebra,
geometry, decimals and fractions, patterns, data collection, multiplication and division, and
problem solving in elementary mathematics. Under the “Teacher Updates” tab, teachers can
subscribe to an email newsletter from the Department with information on upcoming workshops,
discussions on federal education policy, and links to additional classroom resources. Teachers
can also locate mathematics resources under the “Digital Learning” tab, which leads to an
informative video by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel and an interactive, online
workshop entitled Math 911!
How you can use this source:
o As a professional development resource for suggestions and updates from the Department
of Education on proven classroom strategies developed by fellow teachers, extended
learning opportunities (such as workshops), and relevant changes or news in the
educational field.
o As a medium for connecting with other mathematics teachers around the U.S. for support
and ideas.
U.S. Department of Education, Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative. (2009). Teacher-to-Teacher
Initiative. Retrieved September 13, 2009, from http://www.t2tweb.us/default.asp
LINKS Learning
Address: http://www.linkslearning.org/Home/_index.html
Description of contents:
LINKS Learning has information and resources for parents, students, teachers, and school
administrators. The “Kids” tab directs students to games that reinforce basic mathematic skills
and concepts, such as fractions, decimals, and angles. This section also offers illustrated math
lessons on estimation of length, line symmetry weight and capacity, and place value. Teachers
can access information and ideas for curriculum planning under the “Teachers” tab, which is
organized by grade level and subject area. The Math section includes resources relevant to K-6
educators, including a math vocabulary list, math concept maps, and suggested timelines for
structuring math lessons and marking students’ progress over the course of a year. Teachers can
also locate information on classroom, district, state, and national assessments, links to additional
learning resources, and helpful checklists for improving teaching strategies.
How you can use this source:
o As a supplementary teaching tool for mathematics using interactive lessons and activities
that are kid-friendly and appropriate for K-6 classrooms
o To browse suggestions for curriculum planning and improved teaching methods.
o To review math concepts and vocabulary by grade level
o To help establish a teaching timeline that is aligned with national standards
LINKS Learning. (2004). LINKS Learning. Retrieved September 13, 2009, from
http://www.linkslearning.org/Home/_index.html