Project Math

 I was searching the internet for an activity on points, lines, and planes that was more interactive than just filling out standard worksheets when I stumbled across the Project Maths website.

They have a pdf for this topic which starts out with students connecting certain dots and then measuring the lengths in centimeters and millimeters.  In addition, there are some true and false questions to test their knowledge.  It comes with everything needed for the lesson.

I decided to check out the website itself to see what else it offers.  The site is out of Ireland and is from the Mata Maths Development Team.  It appears to be for upper levels rather than elementary which is nice for me.

In the teacher resource area, they a lesson plan library, new resources  for your whiteboard, resources for teaching algebra and tutorials on geometric constructions. Furthermore, the area contains resources for the junior and leaving completion certificates. I took time to explore all of these areas but I'll report on that after I discuss the other areas.

The student area has video tutorials for geometry and  videos on using hand held calculators.  In addition, there are sections for learning material for the junior and leaving certificate materials.  The two completion areas are divided up into the major topics needed to learn before completing the certificate. 

The topics contain Geogebra files that can be downloaded or used directly on a computer to show how it works and there is a student worksheet to be used to practice the material. For instance, if you are teaching or reviewing adding integers, the Geogebra file will show how it works on a number line.  Then the worksheet has a second example using the number line at the top before students are expected to do it themselves.

Many of the student activities require the students to make changes to the Geogebra files so they can observe what happens before writing their observations on the worksheet.  Almost like a science experiment. 

As far as the teachers area goes, the resources for the junior and completion certificates are broken down by topic so you can choose a specific topic to work on.  It even has proofs available teachers can use. 

The lesson study area has over 100 lessons listed by name, topic with a description of the lesson, strand, year, and level.  The lessons are sortable according to topic, year, or level.  I did a sort for Geometry lessons and found 43 different lessons. 

The lesson tells you who created it, ages, standards it meets, goals, unit plan overview, flow, what happened, and just about everything you need to teach the lesson with photos and everything.    These are actually lesson study proposals so they have some academic substance to them and are part of the professional development of the group.

I am impressed with the amount of usable material I can access to incorporate in my lessons.  Check it out, give it a look and let me know what you think.  Have a great day.