Appendix C Additional Math Resources
If you need some more help with your basic math skills, there is a wealth of resources our there to help you. You can do it. Math is the language of physics, so it is worth your time to play and practise it before or during your physics and astronomy courses.
The Khan Academy
“Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.” Many good videos on a variety of subjects, but it started off with math help.
https://www.khanacademy.org/math
https://www.khanacademy.org/science
Crash Course
Many subjects are covered here. Started by Hank Green. A youtube channel with more than 9 million subscribers. Here is YouTube done well.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6b17PVsYBQ0ip5gyeme-Q
Sci-Show
Hank Green does science well.
https://www.youtube.com/user/scishow
PheT simulations for Math
PhET started off as physic simulations, but they realized that they needed to do some basic math ones as well. These are well researched. Start here first.
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/math
Addition or “Make A Ten”
Powers of ten
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/make-a-ten
Topics
Place Value
Addition
Subtraction
Arithmetic
Description
Add numbers by making tens. Break apart and combine numbers while focusing on place value. Use the adding screen to add any two numbers. Use the game screen to apply your make-a-ten strategies!
Arithmetic
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/arithmetic
Topics
Multiplication
Division
Factoring
Description
Remember your multiplication tables? Practice your multiplication, division, and factoring skills with this exciting game. No calculators allowed!
Sample Learning Goals
Explain how multiplication tables help understand multiplication, factoring, and division.
Use an array model to understand multiplication, factoring, and division.
Increase accuracy in multiplying, factoring and dividing.
Develop multiple strategies for arithmetic problems.
Fractions
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/fraction-matcher
Topics
Fractions
Equivalent Fractions
Mixed Numbers
Description
Match shapes and numbers to earn stars in this fractions game. Challenge yourself on any level you like. Try to collect lots of stars!
Sample Learning Goals
Find matching fractions using numbers and pictures
Make the same fractions using different numbers
Match fractions in different picture patterns
Compare fractions using numbers and patterns
Equalities
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/equality-explorer-basics
Equations
Inequalities
Proportional Reasoning
Description
Explore what it means for a mathematical statement to be balanced or unbalanced by interacting with objects on a balance. Find all the ways to balance cats and dogs or apples and oranges.
Sample Learning Goals
Use a balance model to solve an equation for an unknown, and justify your strategies for solving
Use proportional reasoning to determine the value of a single object
Proportion Playground – Ratios
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/proportion-playground
Topics
Ratios
Proportional Reasoning
Unit Rate
Description
Play with ratios and proportions by designing a necklace, throwing paint balloons, playing billiards, or shopping for apples! Make predictions about proportions before they are revealed.
Unit Rates
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/unit-rates
Topics
Ratios
Proportional Reasoning
Double Number Line
Unit Rate
Description
Discover the unit rate while shopping for fruits, vegetables, and candy. Construct a double number line and look for patterns. Challenge yourself on the race track as you compare cars with different rates!
Sample Learning Goals
Interpret ratios of mixed units (e.g. $/lb)
Define the unit rate and determine a method to calculate it
Predict how changing the numerator or denominator of a rate will affect the unit rate
Use the double number line to reason about rates and solve real-world problems
Develop strategies to use the unit rate to solve problems
Compare unit rates between two simultaneous situations
Graphing Lines – Introduction – Slope and Intercept
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/graphing-slope-intercept
Graphing Lines
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/graphing-lines
Trigonometry
https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/trig-tour
