TOP PICKS | 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.

Top Picks

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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

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Desmos

Elegant graphing calculator and math simulations promote collaboration

Bottom line: Part calculator, part interactive simulation tool, Desmos is a standout example of inquiry-driven math with super-smart instructional supports.

Grades: 6–12 Price: Free

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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