Integrating Technology into Teaching- Math

The theme I chose to focus my unit is pollution. Integrated into the unit is the teaching of
multiplication. This assignment focuses on locating resources for teaching different
multiplication concepts and skills.
The following simulations and games all revolve around different multiplication concepts
and skills- Basic multiplication, estimating distance, estimating ratio, and multiplication
of fractions.
I used explanations, screenshots, and analyses of the simulations and games in order
to examine their applicability in the teaching of multiplication to a group of 5 th graders.

Critter Count (Modeling Multiplication)

This simulation helps students learn how multiplication works by manipulating groups of
critters on different numbers of leaves.

The simulation has several learning objectives:

Understand what is meant by a multiplication expression, such as 2 3.

Model a multiplication expression using groups or an array.
State the multiplication expression that matches an array or diagram of equal
groups.
Model a multiplication expression as repeated addition: 4 3 = 3 + 3 + 3 + 3.
Show that the commutative property applies to all multiplication problems.

Multiplication is modeled as repeated addition.

The user changes the expression by changing the number of groups (leaves at top
left) or the number of critters (Critters at the top) per group.

Another manipulation is the ability to display the critters either on leaves or as a

rectangular array, by clicking Group or Array.

Users also have the option of displaying the numbers added as well as the solution, by
checking the Show multiplication box.

Lastly, it is also possible to change the critters displayed by choosing a critter from the
drop-down menu.

It took me a couple of minutes to understand what is happening in the simulation. After

playing around a bit, it turned out to be quite simple to operate, and the functions were
quite useful.
This simulation teaches the basics of multiplication and so is inappropriate for 5 th
graders. I would say it would fit a 2nd grade curriculum, as they learn what multiplication
is, and how it relates to addition.
The only time I can see it applicable for my students is if I have a student with
considerable learning differences that still does not understand what multiplication is.

Measurement- Travel Game

This game teaches its users how to measure distance on a map. It begins with a screen
with instructions, which explain that the user needs to guess the distance between two
cities. If the user estimates successfully, she is awarded with more gas (more
distances to measure), and sometimes a fact and a picture about the city.

Once the user continues, the next screen contains instructions at the top of the actual
game, which indicate the required starting and ending points to measure (for example,
Try measuring the distance from New Orleans to Los Angeles).

The user can use a measuring block (yellow; equal to 500KM) to begin measuring, and
use a line (red) to mark where the end of the 500KM line is. The user then follows this
procedure as she continues to measure the distance until the marks reach the final
destination. Finally, the user is supposed to estimate the distance and to record it at the
bottom left.

Once the estimation is entered, an automatic Actual distance figure is entered.

If the user enters a correct estimate, a Great Measuring pop-up appears, and the
directions instruct the user to choose a new destination to measure (or reset and start
again).

Additional feature:
There is a convenient show me button (at the bottom) that shows how the
measurement takes place (using a block, a line, a block, a line, and so on until problem
is solved).
This game offers an excellent way to learn how to estimate and measure distances. It is
simple to understand, and can be used in a variety of ways to suit different age groups
(I estimate from 2nd grade to beginning 5th grade).

I can see my students using this game to improve their measurement and estimation
skills. In order to work on multiplication skills, I would add another simple step (or vary
the games rules) and have students estimate the distance without using the measuring
tools. This way, they use their multiplication skills by multiplying 500 by different
numbers.

Estimation Game
This game helps the user to improve her estimation skills through guessing how many
times a certain shape (2D or 3D) fits into a bigger version of the same shape. The
exercises are:
- Ratio of length for lines.
- Ratio of areas for circles and squares.
- Ratio of volume for cubes and spheres
The user can choose to play or to practice. If choosing to play, there are three levels,
which include:
Level 1: Lines only.
Level 2: Lines and 2D objects.
Level 3: All objects.

In each level there is a score, time, and an average correct answers / time. A correct
estimate is a varying factor for each level question (answers within 1.3 to 2.0 factors).
CORRECT ANSWER

INCORRECT ANSWER

At the end of the game (when the player gives up), statistics are shown, which
indicate the level, score/time, number of estimates, percent of answers that were under
and over the correct answer, and the average accuracy rate.

It was quite fun to play the game in all three levels. The leveling system seems correct,
and the game is very easy to navigate. The appropriate ages for playing this game can
vary- I predict it can be from 1st grade up to 6th grade (or even higher). It can be
beneficial for students ability to estimate, as well as to work on their spatial awareness
skills.
In terms of applicability to my students and my chosen theme (Multiplication), I think this
game can serve as an excellent warm up and/or practice activity, but a discussion
should take place in order to ensure students are aware of, and develop, appropriate
estimation skills.

Multiplying Fractions
This simulation explains how to multiply fractions using the area model (up to 3x3
wholes).
The user can change the area of the both fractions (purple and salmon colors) using the
cursor (to move the lines), and by dragging the two horizontal lines the user can change
the denominators. The area covered can be viewed in order to find the product.

The user can also show the fraction model and the calculation by ticking the two boxes
in the left pane.

This simulation does a good job explaining multiplication of fractions using the area
model. It takes a couple of minutes to understand what each functionality does, but the
different functionalities available assist the user by enabling her to manipulate both the
fractions and the information available for viewing.
This simulation would be appropriate for 5th-7th grade students.

I can see this simulation being used in the early stages of teaching multiplication of
fractions. It is important for students to have a visual as well as a way to see what
different fractions look like, and what it means to multiply fractions.

Math-related activities and resources and how they can be

integrated into the theme of Pollution:
1. Air Pollution Math: http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/institute/lessonclearinghouse/246-Air-Pollution-Math.html
This lesson is a basic lesson about air pollution. It includes a complete lesson
with worksheets.
I could use it with my EAL students to introduce the theme of Air Pollution,
focusing not only on the existence, causes, and effects of this type of pollution,
but also on the related vocabulary (states of matter, natural and manmade,
pollutants, etc.).
2. Water Pollution Graphing Activity: https://docs.google.com/gview?
url=http://www.reec.nsw.edu.au/geo/catchmt/text/pollution+activity.pdf&chrome=tr
ue
This activity (full lesson) helps students identify different pollutants in water
through a science experiment in which they evaluate the quality of a water
sample, graph their results, and form hypotheses. Since it is a simple lesson to
teach and the activities are simple to conduct using quick explanations, I could
use this activity as part of the Water Pollution Learning Station where students
work in small groups to learn about, and practice work with different types of
pollution.
3. How Long Does Trash Last: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/03/lp30804.shtml
In this lesson, students estimate how long their pile of trash would be, they learn
about the environmental consequences of not recycling, and they graph their
work.
I could use this activity in a math lesson on estimation, as well as in a Technology
lesson, where they can graph both their estimates (of the length or of items life
span) and findings, and compare and contrast their estimates with the actual
results.
4. Stop Pointless Personal Pollution:
http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/kids/middleschool/stop.cfm
This lesson includes several activities that focus on student participation and
creation of programs. Students have several articles to read, and then engage in
creating an adopt a street campaign, coming up with ways to conserve water,
and engaging in discussions.

This excellent hands-on/ Action lesson could be used as a class culminating

activity or an extension activity for some students, as the levels of vocabulary,
reading comprehension, and activities are quite high.
5. Air Pollution Control Bureau: http://www.apcb.org/kids_teachers/home.aspx
This page offers different air-pollution games for students to play and learn more
about different concepts. In addition, there are links to videos about particle
pollution and the Ozone, as well as other links to interesting websites such as a
real-life monitoring of air pollution in different areas.
This page can be used as a free-time activity, or a guided activity about specific
aspects of air pollution.
6. Pollution Experiment:
http://www.education.com/activity/article/Whats_Happened_the_Rain/
This experiment gives students hands-on experience when learning about
pollution. They create different environments and learn how pollutants penetrate
the soil.
This experiment could be used to discuss multiplication and ratios.
7. Science Activity: Measuring Air Pollution:
http://www.education.com/reference/article/science-activity-measuring-airpollution/
In this activity, students learn about whats in the air and how clean (or unclean) it
is, using tape to stick dust and other pollutants to it.
I could use this experiment as a learning station. Students can complete this
simple experiment on their own at different parts or the school (or at home, if
handed out as homework), and then compare/contract different environment,
discussing ratio and multiplication concepts. Graphing of their findings can take
place as well.
8. Polymer Oil Spill Experiment: http://weirdsciencekids.com/Oilspillexperiment.html
In this experiment, students learn about oil spills and how they effect the
environment, as well as which materials are the best for cleaning oil spills.
This experiment can be used to demonstrate how Science Fair projects can look
like. An idea would be beginning the lesson with a video about oil spills and the
difficult task of cleaning animals, followed by a discussion, the experiment, and
ending with a follow up discussion.
9. Lighting and Light Pollution Simulator: http://www.britastro.org/darkskies/simulator.html?4O
This interesting simulation allows students to experiment with different types of
lights, and learn how light can effect an environment.
It can be used in the classroom and around school, as well as in students
homes. After learning about different types of lights, they can design their own
lights. They can also calculate different lit-up areas based on angles or distance.
10. Junk Mail Overload: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/02/lp260-02.shtml
In this activity students track the amount of junk mail they receive at home for
one whole week. They then bring it to school and discuss, estimate, and

measure the amounts of paper used. Finally, they think of solutions for the
problem.
This activity can be used when learning about land pollution and the 3 Rs. In
Math, students can estimate how much junk mail will be received in a year or a
lifetime, work with how much of the junk mail is actually being used, etc.