1. Math Mammoth news
2. A misconception about fraction multiplication (grades 4-6)
3. Something for kindergarten (grades Pre-K)
4. Secret codes and basic algebra (grades 8-12)
5. The interactive multiplication course (grades 2-4)
6. Just for fun!

2. A misconception about fraction multiplication

Maybe ask how many wholes did you start with and how many did you end up with? Did the answer make sense? If they multiply they should have some wholes. (Maybe think of whole pies)

One of my kiddos is a very auditory learner. When she made mistakes like this with fractions, I would say things like:
Me: “4 times 2 apples is what?”
E: “8 apples.”
Me: “4 times 2 puppies is what?”
E: “8 puppies.”
Me: “4 times 2 thirds is what?”
E: “8 thirds…. Ohhhh!”

We have little foam circle fraction pieces from Dollar Tree, I'd probably set out a big pile of fraction pieces and say "Show me 2/3". And after they'd put out two thirds on the table and showed me then I'd say, "Okay, now show me that four times." And then we'd count up how many thirds we had altogether (8/3), and smoosh them together into two whole circles and a remainder of two thirds.

I would go back to multiplication as repeated addition and have the student write out 4 groups if 2/3 and possibly color on a model.

The 4 can't come play until he is in fraction form. So he must change into 4/1 before he is invited.

Maria: I personally would use pie images, or some visual models, and either draw or use physical manipulatives. I would make two thirds, and ask the child to draw/make that four times (four copies of it).

Interestingly, the wrong answer, 8/12, is equal to 2/3 — what the problem starts with. 😃 And that is because all that gets done in the "wrong" way is to multiply the fraction by 4/4 which is equal to 1.

3. Something for kindergarten

4. Secret codes and basic algebra

Whether you’re passing secret notes in class or downloading images from a space probe, Reed-Solomon codes offer an ingenious way to embed information and correct for errors.

Space exploration requires tremendous precision. When you’re landing a rover on Mars 70 million miles away from the nearest service station, you need to maximize efficiency and prepare for the unexpected. This applies to everything from spacecraft design to data transmission: Those messages returning to Earth as a steady stream of 0s and 1s are bound to contain some errors, so you need to be able to identify and correct them without wasting precious time and energy.

That’s where math comes in. Mathematicians have invented ingenious ways to transmit and store information. One surprisingly effective method uses Reed-Solomon codes, which are built on the same basic algebra that students learn in school. Let’s drop in on a math class to see how Reed-Solomon codes help transmit and secure information while correcting any costly errors that pop up.

4. The interactive multiplication course

5. Mamut Matematicas

• Introducción a las fracciones
• Fracciones 1
• Fracciones 2

• Práctica para las tablas de multiplicar
• Cuadrícula interactiva para las tablas de multiplicar
• Juego de sumas: imágenes ocultas

6. Just for fun!

• Wow, spring is just around the corner!
• I have always wanted a pure bread horse
• When you apply for a job you're not qualified for, but get the job anyway
• When kids learn to read
• Pianists after vacuuming