Web
site resources to support
Mathematics for Queensland
Year 11 Mathematics B
General
SMARD
– Secondary Mathematics and Assessment Resource Database
http://smard.cqu.edu.au
SMARD
is a collection of classroom-tested resources and assessment for secondary
mathematics, including Mathematics B.
A
most comprehensive site for the teaching and learning of mathematics.
A
large and growing collection of web pages on secondary mathematics, with
useful links for many of the Mathematics B topics. Some of the chapter-specific
links below are from this website.
Six
monthly on-line columns on mathematics, by leading mathematics writers.
The topics are interesting and accessible to Mathematics B students.
Another recommended site is
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/science/whoscounting _
index/whoscounting_index.html
for
a collection of online articles on mathematics by John Allen Paulos. Note
that this web address is displayed on two lines because of its length.
A
comprehensive site on the history of mathematics, famous mathematical
curves, and famous mathematicians.
Cartoons
that relate to mathematics and technology.
A
useful collection of multiple choice questions, many of which relate to
Mathematics B topics.
The
main website for TI graphics calculators. Note that you must register
(its free) to access the resources.
The
Australian Casio Education site.
Equation
Editor Tricks and Tips
http://www.mathtype.com/features/eeform.stm
Equation
Editor comes free with Microsoft Office, and is an effective method of
producing mathematical equations and expressions on worksheets and exams.
This website shows you how to use Equation Editor to its full extent.
You have to register with MathType to access the file.
Interactive
educational software on the Internet for learning pre-calculus topics.
A fast Internet connection helps here.
Chapter
1 Introduction to Functions
A
Java applet to illustrate how changing the values of m and c
in changes the graph of y = mx + c.
A
nice worksheet in PDF format on relations. You need the Adobe Acrobat
Reader installed to access this file.
A
worksheet on functions, in PDF format.
Some
of these are suitable for students studying this chapter, others are useful
for later chapters in the text. The file is in PDF format.
Chapter
2 Quadratic Functions
An
archive of weekly algebra problems from Math Forum. Many are suitable
for Mathematics B students.
The
stopping distance of a car that is braking is a function of the square
of the velocity, so it can be modelled with a quadratic function. This
site details some of the underlying mathematics.
Chapter
3 Exploring Data
A
website by one of the authors to support an introductory course in statistics.
A
collection of datasets, with an Australian flavour.
An
excellent and large collection of datasets, along with the “stories” behind
the datasets.
The
Gallery of Data Visualization displays some examples of the
best and worst of statistical graphics.
A
large collection of news articles that can be effectively used in the
statistics classroom.
Chapter
4 Modelling Functions with Data
This
is the dataset for the extended modelling question at the end of the chapter.
The dataset is also available on the mathematics-for-queensland.com website
in a slightly more accessible form.
Includes
an excellent and large collection of datasets for both linear and non-linear
regression.
An
interactive tool for exploring least squares regression lines. The entire
website, including the Java applet can be downloaded and used offline.
Chapter
5 Trigonometry
Twenty-one
Java applets to support the learning of trigonometry. They make the learning
of Trigonometry come alive!
An
interactive tutorial in trigonometry
The
focus of this page is an interesting problem, but even more useful is
the discussion of the process used to solve the problem. The problem
requires knowledge of linear functions, Pythagoras’ Theorem and trigonometry
of the right triangle.
The
Noon Observation Project is a joint effort among interested schools worldwide
in accurately estimating the circumference of the earth. You should plan
to be studying Trigonometry on March 21 to make best use of this website.
Chapter
7 Indices and Logarithms
A
web site that shows the connection between logarithms and that ancient
calculating device, the slide rule. A worksheet in PDF format that contains
a large slide rule (e.g. for use on an OHT) and another that contains
five slide rules for student use are available from this website.
A
brief overview of logarithms and logarithmic functions
See
the effect on the graph of the logarithmic and exponential functions as
you interactively change the base.
Records
for rainfall in a given time period (ranging from one minute to two years)
can be modelled beautifully, and surprisingly, by a power function, so
a log-log graph of the data yields a linear model. This website has rainfall
records for each of the states in Australia, as well as the world records.
Chapter
8 Polynomials
The
MathServ Toolkit is a web-based interface with Mathematica, a computer
algebra system. Amongst other things, it can factor polynomials, solve
polynomial equations, graph functions and graph relations.
A
comprehensive worksheet, in PDF format.
A
nice little problem that can be solved by forming a cubic expression.
Chapter
9 Further Functions
An
NCTM multi-media investigation on using rational functions to model the
behavior of whelks. The entire website, including a video clip, can
be downloaded and run off-line.
Chapter
10 Rates
A
“bath graph” online.
A
web page that looks at the gradient of linear and non-linear graphs
Chapter
11 Differential Calculus
This
activity explores the measurement of the amount of blood being pumped
by a heart. The goal of this investigation is a rich exploration of rates
of change and accumulation in context.
Sixty-four
Java applets to support the learning of calculus.
This
is one of the applets in the above collection. It demonstrates the link
between a function and its related gradient function beautifully.
Some
lovely interactive applets that teach the introductory concepts of differential
calculus.
An
archive of the Problems of the Week from Math Forum. With answers!
Though
called projects, I would probably classify these as part exercises / part
problems. But there are some nice questions here.
The
MathServ Toolkit is a web-based interface with Mathematica, a computer
algebra system. Amongst other things, it can find limits and derivative
functions.
Software
to support Mathematics for Queensland
Year
11 Mathematics B
Graphmatica
is a powerful, easy-to-use, equation plotter with numerical and calculus
features. Graph Cartesian functions, relations, and inequalities, plus
polar, parametric, and ordinary differential equations
Peanut
Software Suite
Wingeom
is for high-precision geometric constructions in both two and three dimensions.
Drawings can be highlighted and animated in a variety of ways
Winplot
is a general-purpose plotting utility, which can draw (and animate) curves
and surfaces presented in a variety of formats.
Winstats
provides access to scatter plots, curve fitting, histograms, statistical
data, and standard theoretical probability distributions.
Geometer’s
Sketchpad
Geometer’s
Sketchpad is a powerful dynamic geometry software program. It can be
used effectively in the learning of geometry, algebra, trigonometry and
calculus. It is a commercial program, but an evaluation edition is available
for teachers. A version is also available for the TI-92+ graphics calculator.
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