1. Tackling the Tools: Resources in the Math Classroom Taren Parsons Content Investigations

2. What Tools?

3. Why? Essential Questions Why do the tools we use to do math change? How can these tools be used to provide a better understanding of content and process? Enduring Understandings Tools that can help students with calculatory and procedural math require time and practice to manipulate. Math tools help students see patterns, and develop multiple problem-solving techniques. [Math tools can be taught for understanding, or taught for use- only.]

4. Hidden Gem Page, J. (2009). Constructions. Retrieved from http://www.mathopenref.com/tocs/constructionstoc.html A site with Compass Constructions. Video and Pictures accompanied by text.

5. Products Time-measuring AbacusCompass-based drawing Slide Ruler RaceGraphing Calculator functions test

6. What I learned: Content Abacus P:I learned how to add and subtract on a base 10 abacus. D: I learned the differences between the abacus in Japan and China. Compass P: I learned how to use the compass and straight-edge to create a variety of figures. D: I learned that the compass was originally invented for warfare.

7. What I learned: Content Graphing Calculator P:I learned how to interpret data and graphs (max, min, intersection, standard deviation, mean, UQ, LQ, area, range, etc) D:I learned that the calculator approximates definite integrals, much like Riemann Sums are used. Slide Rule P:I learned how to multiple numbers. D:I learned that the slide rule is only as accurate as is the person using it.

8. What I learned: Student I love manipulatives! Abacus I need motivation. Slide Rule vs. Compass I like to work at my own pace. Videos 

9. What I learned: Teacher Accommodations and Modifications Compass Assignment Pacing Relevancy Spiral Create and analyze a budget over time.

10. Next Course Technology in Math Library of Virtual Manipulatives Smart board math tools Simulations Online games and exercises

11. In my classroom…. Use and have manipulatives in the classroom Teach the tools Interesting Products… and OPTIONS! Design an abacus and write a manual (with pictures) for how it would work Design a new soda can using only a compass and a straight-edge Create a how-to guide for some function of the graphing calculator

12. Resources Photos http://ecx.images- amazon.com/images/I/51OxrPix7sL._SL500_AA300_.jpg http://ecx.images- amazon.com/images/I/51OxrPix7sL._SL500_AA300_.jpg http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/op/3a/what-math-compass- 200X200.jpg http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/op/3a/what-math-compass- 200X200.jpg http://www.hpmuseum.org/powerlog.jpg http://i46.tinypic.com/152fgip.jpg http://salestores.com/stores/images/images_747/TI83PLUS.jpg