Math Preparation Resources
Resources for Math (Grades 6-8)
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
The following resources (for Grades 6-8) found through the Utah State University website the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives are approved for use. There is no sign-in & password requirement for the use of the website. Click here to read some frequently asked questions.
Numbers and Operations
- Abacus – An electronic abacus that can be used to do arithmetic.
- Base Blocks Subtraction – Use base ten blocks to model separation of groups in subtraction.
- Base Blocks Decimals – Add and subtract decimal values using base blocks.
- Diffy – Solve an interesting puzzle involving the differences of given numbers.
- Factor Tree – Factor numbers using a tree diagram.
- Grapher – A tool for graphing and exploring functions.
- Peg Puzzle – Win this game by moving the pegs on the left past the pegs on the right.
- Tangrams – Use all seven Chinese puzzle pieces to make shapes and solve problems.
- Venn Diagrams – Investigate common features of sets.
Algebra
- AFunction Machine – Explore the concept of functions by putting values into this machine and observing its output.
- Algebra Balance Scales – Negatives – Solve simple linear equations using a balance beam representation.
- Grapher – A tool for graphing and exploring functions.
- Pentominoes – Use the 12 pentomino combinations to solve problems.
- Function Machine – Explore the concept of functions by putting values into this machine and observing its output.
- Polyominoes – Build and compare characteristics of biominoes, triominoes, quadrominoes, etc.
- Stick or Switch – Investigate probabilities of sticking with a decision, or switching.
Geometry
- Attribute Trains – Learn about shape and color patterns of by completing trains of blocks.
- How High? – Try your hand at the classic Piagetian conservation of volume test.
- Tessellations – Using regular and semi-regular tessellations to tile the plane.
- Transformations – Rotation – Dynamically interact with and see the result of a rotation transformation.
- Transformations – Reflection – Dynamically interact with and see the result of a reflection transformation.
- Turtle Geometry – Explore numbers, shapes, and logic by programming a turtle to move.
Measurement
- Converting Units – Use a simple system for converting units.
- Fill and Pour – Solve puzzles requiring you to fill and pour containers.
- Great Circle – Use a 3D globe to visualize and measure the shortest path between cities.
- Money – Learn about money by counting and making change.
- Time – What Time Will It Be? – Answer questions asking you to indicate what time it will be before or after a given time period.
Data Analysis & Probability
- Bar Chart – Create a bar chart showing quantities or percentages by labeling columns and clicking on values.
- Coin Tossing – Explore probability concepts by simulating repeated coin tosses.
- Histogram – Use this tool to summarize data using a histogram graph.
- Pie Chart – Explore percentages and fractions using pie charts.
- Savings Calculator – Explore how savings, with or without regular deposits, grow over time.
- Scatterplot – Plot multiple data points in two dimensions and determine correlation.
- Spinners – Work with spinners to learn about numbers and probabilities.
- Stick or Switch – Investigate probabilities of sticking with a decision, or switching.
Fun Brain . Com
FunBrain.Com offers many different kinds of practice in a variety of subject areas.
- Go to the Math Practice at Funbrain.com.
- When you get there be sure to select the appropriate grade level for your practice session.