Hot Websites January 2006
By Linda Lindroth

Math problem-solving strategies and math fact drills can be an integral part of your instruction when using these web resources.

Math Playground
www.mathplayground.com
From word problems to printable math worksheets, you and your students will love these challenging games that also reinforce critical math skills.

With the basketball season in full swing, Math Hoops will help motivate your sports-minded students. Players solve word problems to earn their place at the free throw line to make baskets. From an instructional standpoint, I like the way each problem has a Help button to review problem-solving strategies and a second-chance problem if a student misses the answer – the same problem format, but different numbers.

There are interactive games for logic, basic math fact practice, an area and perimeter game and dozens more math activities. This one is a great Internet resource to add to your math center.

Math-Kitecture
www.math-kitecture.com
You'll see just how closely related math and architecture are when browsing this site filled with real-life math from the world of architecture. Plan your classroom and draw it to scale, design a bedroom just for you or look around your community to find geometric shapes in the buildings around you. Students can even submit their work to be posted in the Student Work Gallery.

The Mathematics & Architecture: Resources room is an extensive collection of links with dozens of lessons and interactive sites to help students conceptualize the mathematical concepts related to architecture. You'll find everything from skyscrapers to bridge-building in this list of related resources.

Palm TX -- Tech Spotlight

With the advent of the wireless age and "on the go" lifestyle of today, the demand is growing for handheld technology. The Palm TX integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology in a handheld which is priced right for educators and students.

Use the Palm TX for access to the web, e-mail and school networks, as well as other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as printers, computers and cell phones. The handheld is equipped with a large 320 x 480 color screen for clear viewing, making it easy to read or edit a Word, Excel or PowerPoint file, and view MS Outlook contacts and Calendar appointments. The screen will even twist from landscape to portrait mode!

Visit www.palm.com/education or call 888-223-4817 for more information and to learn about the Palm Education Purchase Program. Win/XP/Mac (expansion card required for Mac). $299

Linda K. Lindroth is Technology Editor and Web Coordinator for Teaching K-8. She is also a Technology Resource Teacher in a K-5 computer lab in Lexington, KY.