Math Made Fun Online

Written by Lyndsey Morgan

Did you know that the Pyramids of Egypt, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was constructed using basic Math? The Egyptians made use of the Pythagorean Theorem, Trigonometry and Algebra to construct this wonder. Such a colossal achievement can make many people feel intimidated when it comes to Math. Before the teacher even begins the first lesson, some students already make the connection that “Math is hard - Math is boring - Math takes the fun out of the classroom.” Well that is just not true! Math is everywhere. It only becomes frustrating when you don't understand it. There are a lot of resources online that can help you discover this wonderful world. And there are games, too! Keep reading...

Hey Kids! Do you know that Mathematics could be your most important subject!

Before you even begin school, you already have a good grasp on numbers. Do you remember when your mom or dad encouraged you to count objects around the house. It was exciting when you could count higher and higher. From these moments until you finish college, Math will always be a part of your lessons, and part of your career beyond that. Rather than fight it, you can embrace it and have fun in the process. Keep reading, the games are coming...

Do you know that every job that you could have as an adult will use Math? Hair dresser use angles to cut hair and fractions to mix hair color. Waiters and Retail Personnel count money. Contractors use measurements, fractions, algebra, geometry... Contractors use a lot of Math! Computer Programmers who make video games and computer programs, also use Math; typically the kind of Math that students feel they will never use again. Can you think of how Math applies to other jobs?

What would life be without Mathematics?

Perfecting your Math skills can help you succeed as an adult. It keeps your mind sharp and can save you time and money. So don't reach for the calculator when a complicated Math problem comes your way. Get out a pencil and a scrap piece of paper and work it out. These are a few example of Math in every day applications.

1) Counting Area – For example, when your parents plan to buy you an bedroom set, you have to measure to make sure that everything is going to fit. You can even make a chart to decide how you are going to arrange everything.

 2) Determining the percentage – Percentages can be fun to learn. Lets say that your allowance is 10 dollars a week and you get a dollar raise. Your little brother also gets an allowance. He typically gets 8 dollars per week. However, he also gets a dollar raise. If you understand percentages, you could possibly convince your parents to increase your allowance even higher because you are getting a lower percentage as a raise. They might be impressed enough to actually do it!

 3) Fractions – Fractions can be very useful. If you are baking cookies, and want to double the recipe, you can easily figure out how much sugar to add. Or, if you only want to bake a few cookies, you can cut the recipe in half. More cookies equals more fun, however. Lets just double it!

4) Addition and Subtraction – Addition and Subtraction has infinite uses. Can you make a list of how many times you have used either today?

5) Geometry – You can use Geometry when you hang posters and picture frames on your bedroom wall.

Let’s Make Math Easy!

Math isn't hard, it can be easy if you practice. You can have your teacher or parents help you to develop a strategy that you can use every day. Here are 3 steps to make Math easy:

1) Try to find Mathematical Applications to your everyday life. Try this to practice division: Your parents will give you an ice cream birthday party. They are ordering 2 gallons of ice cream and 5 dozens cookies. Fifteen of your classmates are coming over. Supposing each will consume 3 cones of ice creams and 5 cookies; will your ice cream and cookies be enough? Division is needed here.

2) Develop your skills. Look for examples of Math being used throughout your day. Did you solve the problem correctly? If you didn't, talk to your parents or your teacher and have them explain how to do it. So next time, you will have the right answer. You can even keep a journal of Math examples.

3) Create Flashcard Wars – Challenge your friends or siblings. You can have your parents design the cards or you can do it on your own. You can organize the game any way that you want. Just make sure that everyone understands the rules before you start playing. Maybe you can convince your parents to give a prize to the winner.

Finally...Games!

• Math at Work – This site provides a list of careers and tells you exactly what kind of Math is used. Remember how we mentioned that Carpenters use a lot of Math. There are actually 19 Math topics used by Carpenters. Find out what ones!

• Learning Resources in Making Math Easy – This resource page from Campell County School District had Math games, puzzles, activities, quizzes, and fun reviews for grades 3-6. It covers topics on numbers, geometry, measurement, algebra, probabilities, and other general Math.

• Super Kids Math Worksheet Creator – You can make your own Math drill worksheets. You design it based on your skill level. Will you challenge yourself? Will you challenge your friends?
  
  
• Cool Math Games – This website is dedicated to making Math cool! There are games to test your skill level and strategy type. My favorite game is Civiballs. What's yours?

• Cat’s Way to Make Math Interesting – Have you ever wanted to learn Math from a cat? Here you can! There is Math trivia and awesome calculators that can tell you how many minutes are left of Summer vacation or how old you are in seconds. What will you discover?

• Making Math Interesting – This site contains Math resources, lessons, and interactive sites. Checkout what Dr. Math has to say, Enchant your mind with creative problem solving, check out Fibonacci puzzles, and find out how numbers effect your everyday life.
  
  
• Math is Fun – Here you can learn about data, measurements, algebra, and my personal favorite, money! Welcome to Math is Fun! And yes, there are games!

• Cool Math 4 Kids – This site has sections for teachers, parents, and especially, for you. You can calculate stuff, check out the monster mind reader, and bend your brain.

• Fun Brain – This site has games for students in grades K-8. There are flash arcades, web books and comics, and classic fun brain games. Don't forget to check out Suduku and Mad Libs Junior.

• Mudd Math Fun Facts This archive of resources contains various articles and puzzles that presents a new cool Math idea. You can learn about card shuffling, poker, and music. Can you discover what the Ham Sandwich Theorem is?

• Math Playground – Check out these awesome games including Algebraic Reasoning, Angles, Ratio and Proportion, and Linear Equations. Totally more fun than it sounds!

• Think Puzzles and Think Cool Math Check out videos and essays that will give you a whole new perspective on Math.

• Thinking Like a Mathematician This online course will help you review topics and look at problems like a real Mathematician. You can get a head start on your classes, review, or maybe even pick up something you missed.

• Movies with Algebra Activities Watch short videos on how Algebra applies to many different types of people including Guitar Makers, Oceanographers, Car Designers, Dancers, Sports Analysts, and so many more!

• Open Problem Garden Not every problem in Math can be solved. This website brings these problems together into a garden of open ideas. Maybe you can solve the unsolvable.

• Unpractical Math This website understands that sometimes Math can be “unpractical” and thats okay. There are sections for teachers and students. And, yes, there are games! There are comics, too.

• IXL Math Practice Check out these fun math games that can help you practice what you learned in class. There are lessons for pre-k through eight grade.