Math Mania!

Instructor, Oct, 2001 by Erika Lo

Absurd Math

www.hrmvideo.com/abmath

Keep older students challenged and amused with Absurd Math: Pre-Algebra from Another Dimension. This is a truly original problem-solving game series. Players are transported to another world to investigate absurd and evil occurrences, with mathematical skill and knowledge as their only guides. Math puzzles are mixed with mystery, wit, and funny supervillains to make this site a favorite with your students. Reader Service No. 54

The Little Animals Activity Centre

www.bbc.co.uk/education/laac/menu.html

Make learning addition and subtraction a blast with this adorable site. Count Hoot, the math-loving owl, leads children through quick math quizzes. Children start off calculating ladybug spots and advance to numerals. When they are finished with number games, they can click on other animated characters for activities in different subjects. Storybear hosts an interactive story-telling page, and children can help Digby Mole dig up his dinner by identifying rhyming words. Foxy Dancer's music game is a particular favorite! Reader Service No. 52

MathDork Game Room

www.mathdork.com/mathgames.html

The MathDork Game Room offers some classic video games with a focus on algebra. Blast away at exponents while playing Asteroids, or practice solving algebraic equations in Concentration. Students can also practice equations while racing against the clock in the timed Wallet Game. There are more animated interactive lessons, activities, and quizzes for a monthly subscription fee. Reader Service No. 53

Lemonade Stand

http://coolmath4kids.com/lemonade/index.html

In this fun game, students practice math and business skills by running their own virtual lemonade stands. To make a profit, students have to consider factors such as budgets, the weather, and the quality of their lemonade. Let your students try the game, then discuss what strategies worked. Reader Service No. 51

Math Cats

www.mathcats.com/

Math Cats covers everything from counting change to multiplication tables but is specifically geared toward seeing the artistic beauty in math. Visit this site to brush up or test your knowledge with one of Math Cats' numerous activities. Older students can use the Polygon Playground to explore tessellation and symmetry, while younger students can learn how to make paper polyhedral ornaments and find geometry in the human body. There is also an idea bank for teachers. Reader Service No. 55

MEGAmaths

www.bbc.co.uk/education/megamaths/

Don't let the cute googly-eyed characters fool you-MEGAshapes explores the world of two-dimensional shapes through fun interactive activities. The Investigate link will take you to a quiz section with shapes from squares to decagons. The ShapeBook link offers information on everything from basic shapes to Venn diagrams. This site is a must for any class learning about geometric figures. After you are done learning about shapes, click on the Tables link to play some great multiplication and division games. Reader Service No. 56

Monster Math

www.lifelong.com/programs/k12/math/mm/default.html

This lighthearted site is just right for children starting math. Monster Math offers a game scenario involving quick adding and subtracting of Dred the monster's heads and then his guests' heads and feet at a birthday party. The games require counting experience and careful attention to word problems. Monster Math is a great introduction to basic math and logical thinking through word problems. Reader Service No. 57