20 TOOLS

Digital Graphing Tools

No scientific calculator? No problem! These apps, games, and websites merge mathematical modeling with the fun of digital creation and gaming. Whether students are learning to graph coordinates on a plane, manipulating variables in a simulation, or gathering live scientific data, they will be better able to comprehend deep mathematical relationships. Seeing simulations and being able to visualize data in new ways helps kids understand numbers on new levels. And applying these principles in the context of a game can make them more accessible and less intimidating for students who might not feel adept at math. Math students -- from beginner to advanced -- can use these tools to connect math concepts to concrete, real-world scenarios.

Activities and Simulations

PhET Interactive Simulations

Massive collection of excellent (and free!) science and math simulations

Bottom Line: Instantly add meaningful lab experiences to math and science classrooms for exactly $0? It's tough to beat that.

Grades: 3–12
Price:
Free

Desmos

Powerful graphing calculator deepens understanding with visualization

Bottom Line: Desmos combines interactivity, visualization, personalization, and collaboration to deepen students' understanding of geometry and graphing concepts.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

GeoGebra

Create, share, and modify math models and simulations

Bottom Line: Free, open-source software that lets teachers build or adapt learning experiences to meet their kids' needs.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Prepmagic

Customize science simulations to highlight phenomena

Bottom Line: Science simulations become more effective with teacher-added edits and formative assessments.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Data and Visualizations

ClassCalc

Free all-in-one calculator makes the most out of BYOD classrooms

Bottom Line: ClassCalc levels the playing field for students and offers teachers usable features.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Tuva Labs

Dynamic data-exploration tool offers large collection of data sets

Bottom Line: Partner with another teacher (preferably a data whiz) and work together to develop cross-curricular activities.

Grades: 4–12
Price:
Free, Paid

CODAP

Drag and drop data to investigate nearly any subject

Bottom Line: A bit awkward to use, but far more engaging than traditional spreadsheet/graphing tools.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

DataClassroom

Statistical analysis for science classrooms made easy

Bottom Line: Perform a t-test or chi-square analysis using your own data or provided data sets.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free to try, Paid

FooPlot

Plot points, make graphs with basic but functional tool

Bottom Line: It's free, it's simple, and it does the job; you can plot functions, polar equations, parametrics, and points.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

TI Math

Straightforward, standards-aligned graphing calculator activities

Bottom Line: TI Math activities use graphing utilities and focus more on procedural learning than reasoning.

Grades: 7–12
Price:
Free

Symbolab

All-too-easy tool for solving, and seeing, step-by-step math solutions

Bottom Line: A great visual tool for students and teachers to explore complex math equations, though some may use it just to get quick answers.

Grades: 8–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Geometry Tools

Choreo Graph

Animate with fun geometry STEAM app; learning requires teacher support

Bottom Line: Teachers and classroom communities are needed for app activities to meet their learning potential; start with the coordinating lessons.

Grades: 6–10
Price:
Free

Geometry Pad

Construct and explore geometric figures with smart digital workbook

Bottom Line: This free version has limited features, but it's an interactive, tech-savvy way for kids to explore advanced geometry.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Free, Paid

isosceles+ : geometry sketchpad

Digital tool for exploring and constructing lines, angles, shapes

Bottom Line: Versatile high-tech, hands-on tool is useful for teaching, exploring, constructing geometric figures.

Grades: 9–12
Price:
Paid

Science Tools

Arduino Science Journal

Turn your phone into a lab sensor to collect and analyze data

Bottom Line: Science Journal does a good job recording real-time motion, sound, and light data using phones.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free

Lab4Physics

Bring physics to life using lab sensors built right into your smartphone

Bottom Line: Use your smartphone to gather data and study speed, gravity, waves, and other physics concepts.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free, Paid

The PocketLab

Gather and analyze live data anywhere

Bottom Line: A science sensor that pairs with your device to gather and analyze data is perfect for inquiry-based learning.

Grades: 6–12
Price:
Free, Paid

Graphing Games

Mangahigh

Awesome, adaptive math games with a killer teacher dashboard

Bottom Line: Fantastic tool for flipped or blended classrooms, formative assessment, or extra practice in any setting.

Grades: 2–12
Price:
Free to try

Math Snacks

Satisfying mathematical treats kids will gladly gobble up

Bottom Line: Teachers and students will excel with engaging, often funny material; it's a pleasure to explore these extensive resources.

Grades: 3–8
Price:
Free

GameUp by BrainPop

Grab bag of game goodies creatively explores a variety of subjects

Bottom Line: A really nice variety of subject matter and a unique approach get kids actively involved in the learning process.

Grades: 4–8
Price:
Free

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