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