Math Instructional Resources
Instructional Tools for the 21st Century Math Teacher
The World is an interesting place. Math class should be, too. - Mathalicious
Developing diverse problem solvers and communicators, not human calculators.
One cannot find the answer unless one asks the right question.
Life, like math, is about relationships.
Top-Rated Resources: Organized by Standard
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Illustrative Mathematics - conceptual and application "Tasks" within each math standard; Grades 6-8 Free Online Curriculum
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Inside Mathematics - MARS tasks, rubrics, student examples, "re-engagement with the task" process (productive struggle)
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Dan Meyer (3 ACT math) - Creator of the three acts of a mathematic story (live binder), (3-Act spreadsheet list), (what is 3-act math)
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Robert Kaplinsky (3 ACT math) - problem-based Common Core lessons by grade and course, Downey Unified, (problem-solving framework sheet)
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Math Assessment Project (MAP) - Thousands of free MARS student performance tasks for math.
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Engage NY - Math resources in PDF and Word format
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Eureka Math PDF Modules (enhanced version of Engage NY Math) - Teacher and student versions for printable task, assessments, rubrics, and answer keys with FREE sign up.
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Mathalicious - Lessons that explore the math behind real-world topics, from sports to shopping to the odds of finding life on other planets. These lessons foster a classroom culture of curiosity and rigorous mathematical thinking. Teachers who use Mathalicious lessons say they enjoy their jobs more, and their students look forward to coming to class. Imagine that. (Subscription)
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Youcubed (Jo Boaler) - Low floor, high ceiling math problems
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NCTM Illuminations – Resources for Teaching Math
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Howard County Public School System Secondary Mathematics Common Core Wiki - Resources for middle and high school math courses
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Stanford's Performance Assessment Resources Bank - free Common Core aligned performance tasks (must create a Login to access tasks)
Additional Resources: Organized by Standard
- Andrew Stadel (3 ACT math folder) - Estimation 180 - building number sense, reasoning, and problem-solving one day at a time (organized by day and concept)
- Dane Ehlert (3 ACT math by grade level/course) - More 3-Act math lessons and worksheets
- Kyle Pearce & Tap into Teen Minds (3-ACT math) - Real world problems
- Graham Fletcher (3 ACT math) - Even more 3-Act lessons
- Timon Piccini (3 ACT math by concept) - Math modeling blog and activities, grade 6-11
- Emergent Math - Problem-based curriculum maps with linked lessons!
- NRICH - FREE enrichment material (Problems, Articles and Games) for all ages that really can help to inspire and engage learners and embed RICH tasks into everyday practice.
- Math Mistakes - This site is about compiling, analyzing, and discussing the mathematical errors that students make.
- Yummy Math - Relevant mathematics in today's world
- Common Core Connect - Lessons organized by grade level and standard (Tulare DOE)
- New York City Tasks - An assortment of free Common Core-aligned tasks and units of study searchable by keyword, grade level, subject area, and standard.
- Problem-Based Search Engine
- Open Middle - Challenging math problems worth solving
- Learn Zillion - math lessons grades 3-9
- Next Lesson Math Performance Tasks (Fee) - Thousands of standards-aligned lessons that engage students by combining personal relevance, rigor, and real world context.
- Smarter Balanced Digital Library Sign On
- BetterLesson - organized by standard
- Math Practice Illustration Problems
- TenMarks - Common Core enrichment for grades 1-12
- Mathchimp - Common Core practice through games for grades K-8
- MrNaussbaum.com - fun site for students to practice math & ELA problems aligned to Common Core
- Scootpad - free, adaptive skills resources for K-5 in math and reading
- Splat! - free and very powerful, highly interactive number sense strategy that can be used at any grade level!
- Crazy Math Teacher Lady (Trying really really hard to be awesome!) - Extensive file cabinet of warm up activities, plus Geometry curriculum-based resources.
Conceptual and Application Based Lessons
- High School Math Standards designed for Modeling and Real-World Application - Robert Kaplinsky
- Desmos - Hand-crafted classroom math activities built by teachers with teacher tips.
- Visual Patterns - pattern sets to help build number sense
- BIE (Buck Institute of Education) Math - Purpose is to show teachers how to use project-based learning (PBL) in all grades and subject.
- Mr. Anker Test - K-5 online math activities and games
- TeachMathematics (Fee) - engaging classroom activities that promote mathematical thinking
- Secondary Sample Tasks (University of Texas, Austin)
- Dan Anderson - Math teacher seeking patterns...lots of real world problems
- PBS Math
- John Scrammell – 3 ACT Math, blog
- 101 Questions - Quick high student engagement activity focused on asking questions.
- Chris Robinson, Constructing Math Instruction – 3 ACT math Blog
- Nathan Craft – 3 ACT math blog
- Pixar-in-a-Box - Teaching math through real animation challenges
- Elementary Formative Assessment Lessons
- Numberless Word Problems
Cognitive Guided Instruction
- K-5 Math CGI Teaching Books
- CGI Assessment Guide (Washington)
- CGI Annotated Web Resources
- Cognitive Guided Instruction (CGI) Classroom - Downey USD
- Downey USD - CGI Training/Conference Presentations & Handouts
- "I can..." statements for K-5 Common Core standards - Bridges in Math
- CGI Questioning Continuum
- Teacher Questioning to Elicit Mathematical Thinking (Research)
- Math Word Problem Types
Questioning Strategies
- Questions to Elicit Student's Mathematical Ideas
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Math Practices - Questions, Prompts, and Student Look For’s
- Questions to Develop Mathematical Thinking organized by SMP
Other Instructional Resources
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TenMarks - Online curriculum resources (based on research from UbL) for students and teachers (free and paid versions)
- Thinking Blocks App - Model your math problems!
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Would You Rather? - Asking students to choose their own path and justify it with math
- Counting Circle - develops number sense, mental math, and community
- Balance Puzzles - help students solve and understand algebraic equations
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Active vs Passive Learning - The BIG impact of student talk and discussion
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Math/Number Talks (Fawn Nguyen)
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Marilyn Burns, Math Solutions - Math Talks
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Math Perspectives - The difference between number talks and lessons
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Which One Doesn't Belong - website dedicated to providing thought-provoking puzzles for math teachers and students alike. There are no answers provided as there are many different, correct ways of choosing which one doesn't belong. Enjoy!
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Fawn Nguyen - Math/Number Talks
- Number Talk Images
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Math/Number Talks - short, ongoing daily routine that provides students with meaningful ongoing practice with computation.
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Math Playground - K-8 online math games by topic
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Mathwire - Activities and worksheets from the constructivist approach to learning mathematics
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Number Nut - introduction to math and its variety of topics
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K-5 Math Teaching Resources - extensive collections of resources and hands on math activities
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SDCOE - mirrors skills needed for SBAC testing in grades 3 through high school
- Math = LOVE - free lessons, practice structures, games, etc.
- GregTangMath - Word problem generator with the models and ability to choose the problem type, unknown, and number range. The fluency games Ten Frame Mania, Math Limbo, and NumTanga are also awesome!
- Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish You'd Had - Companion website/resources for the book by Tracy Zager.
- MathBits - Fun, yet challenging, lessons and activities in secondary (and college level) mathematics and computer programming for students and teachers.
- Math Mistakes - This site is about compiling, analyzing and discussing the mathematical errors that students make.
- Matific - online math games and worksheets for K-6 students
- Fraction Resources!
- Fractions Calculators - This helpful calculator adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, and simplifies fractions. The solution shows how the problem was solved to get the correct answer.
Common Core Math Standards, Frameworks, Progressions, and Assessments
- California Math Framework - A thorough description of the CA Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, Standards for Math Practices, and instructional recommendations towards obtaining student achievement in being College and Career ready.
- California Math Standards - Grade TK-12
- K-8 Progression to Algebra 1
- K-12 Math Content Domains and Conceptual Categories
- Smarter Balanced Math Claim Achievement Level Descriptors
- K-8 Focus/Essential Common Core Standards
- Common Core Math Shifts
- AchievetheCore.org Teacher Resources
- Hess' Cognitive Rigor/DOK Matrix and Curricular Math Samples
- Common Core Math Progression - A thorough description of how knowledge is built and developed in the K-12 continuum.
- Smarter Balanced - The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium website provides critical information including test blueprints, sample questions, grade-level interim and summative assessments.
Standards for Mathematical Practices
- Standards for Mathematical Practice - Illustrations of the Mathematical Practices and a professional development curriculum for teachers in grades 5–10.
- National Council for Supervisors of Math (NCSM) - Professional learning resources focused on the Standards for Mathematical Practices
- Marzano's Math Practice Teacher & Student Look For's
- Math Practices - Proficiencies
- Engaging in Mathematical Practices - Look For's
- Excellent Math Practices - A resource from Louisiana with an excellent breakdown of what each MP looks like from a teacher and student standpoint
- Questions to Develop Mathematical Thinking organized by SMP
Common Core Math Resources from Other Districts, Counties, and States
- Common Core Connect - List of web-based resources for math
- NCTM Core Math Tools
- Mathematics Georgia Standards (K-5) - Curriculum maps and units with linked higher DOK and conceptual problems.
- Mathematics Georgia Standards (6-8)
- Mathematics Georgia Standards (9-12)
- Eureka Math Overview - Curriculum maps
- Eureka Math PDF Modules (enhanced version of Engage NY Math) - Teacher and student versions for printable task, assessments, rubrics, and answer keys with FREE sign up.
- Additional Engage NY Math resources (Modules in Word format) - Curriculum maps
- North Carolina Math Frameworks - Provides many examples to further clarify content standards.
- North Carolina (K-5) Math Resources and Assessments - Curriculum maps
- North Carolina (6-8) Math Resources and Assessments
- North Carolina (9-12) Math Resources and Assessments
- Downey USD Curriculum Maps: Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 2nd grade overview, 3rd grade,4th grade, 5th grade
- Silicon Valley Math Initiative - Curriculum maps
- Louisiana K-12 Planning Resources - Curriculum maps, problem sets, performance tasks
- SBAC Sample Items and Performance Tasks with Scoring
- PARCC Practice Tests
- K-5 Math Teaching Resources
Common Core Math Video Resources
- Video: Common Core Math Explained
- TED Talk - Dan Meyer: Math Class Needs a Makeover
- Video: Butterfly Method - The experience of a student who was taught how to use a "trick" in mathematics
- Video: The Mathematical Standards - How they were developed and who was involved (The Hunt Institute, University of North Carolina)
- Video: Answer Getting vs Understanding the Math (Phil Daro)
- Video: Why Students in the U.S. Need Common Core Math (Jo Boaler)
- Jo Boaler: How to Learn Math Video Series
Parent and Student Resources
- Parent Handout - CGI
- Parent Handout - Common Core Math Homework Tips and Questions to Ask Your Child
- Advice for Parent, from Professor Jo Boaler, Stanford University
- FREE Math Homework Hotline - A resources provided by Harvey Mudd College, providing free math tutoring for students in grades 4-12
- Khan Academy - A collection of free video lesson focusing on Common Core Standards
- Brilliant - Understand concepts through personalized pacing with problems contributed by a community of mathematicians, scientists, and engineers.
- Common Core Math is not the Enemy
- MBUSD Math Pathways (updated January 2017)
- Middle School Math Resources for Parents