Web Sitings: Math Mania
Brain-stimulating links filled with fun word problems, quizzes, and games.

By Erika Lo

Absurd Math
www.learningwave.com/abmath
Keep older students challenged and amused with Absurd Math: Pre-Algebra from Another Dimension. This is a truly original problem-solving game series. Players are transported to another world to investigate absurd and evil occurrences, with mathematical skill and knowledge as their only guides. Math puzzles are mixed with mystery, wit, and funny supervillains to make this site a favorite with your students.

The Little Animals Activity Centre
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/index.shtml
Make learning addition and subtraction a blast with this adorable site. Count Hoot, the math-loving owl, leads children through quick math quizzes. Children start off calculating ladybug spots and advance to numerals. When they are finished with number games, they can click on other animated characters for activities in different subjects. Storybear hosts an interactive storytelling page, and children can help Digby Mole dig up his dinner by identifying rhyming words. Foxy Dancer's music game is a particular favorite!

MathDork Game Room
www.mathdork.com/mathgames.html
The MathDork Game Room offers some classic video games with a focus on algebra. Blast away at exponents while playing Asteroids, or practice solving algebraic equations in Concentration. Students can also practice equations while racing against the clock in the timed Wallet Game. There are more animated interactive lessons, activities, and quizzes for a monthly subscription fee.

Lemonade Stand
http://coolmath4kids.com/lemonade/index.html In this fun game, students practice math and business skills by running their own virtual lemonade stands. To make a profit, students have to consider factors such as budgets, the weather, and the quality of their lemonade. Let your students try the game, then discuss what strategies worked.

Math Cats
www.mathcats.com/
Math Cats covers everything from counting change to multiplication tables but is specifically geared toward seeing the artistic beauty in math. Visit this site to brush up or test your knowledge with one of Math Cats' numerous activities. Older students can use the Polygon Playground to explore tessellation and symmetry, while younger students can learn how to make paper polyhedral ornaments and find geometry in the human body. There is also an idea bank for teachers.

MEGAmaths
www.bbc.co.uk/education/megamaths/
Don't let the cute googly-eyed characters fool you—MEGAshapes explores the world of two-dimensional shapes through fun interactive activities. The Investigate link will take you to a quiz section with shapes from squares to decagons. The ShapeBook link offers information on everything from basic shapes to Venn diagrams. This site is a must for any class learning about geometric figures. After you are done learning about shapes, click on the Tables link to play some great multiplication and division games.
 

Erika Lo is a former editorial intern for Instructor.