Featured Topic: Math Templates for Spinners

Use the math templates below to create spinners for probability experiments.   The templates are designed to be placed in sheet protectors.   Students can then customize the spinner for the particular experiment or game.   Tape a transparent spinner over top the spinner template for student use.

This method allows teachers to create many different spinners using templates and the plastic transparent spinners that are commercially available.   This is especially effective when students are designing their own games as they can customize one of the templates or design their own on the computer.   The use of the transparent spinner is more reliable than the pencil and paper clip method often suggested as a cost-saving strategy.

See more information about using templates in math class:

• See Active Participation: Using Math Templates
• See Template Library to view and download Mathwire.com math templates for student use in sheet protectors.
• Download Spinner Templates.

Recent Additions to Mathwire.com

Added on 4/24/06: Literature Connections to Introduce Patterns & Algebra

See Math Literature Connections:   Patterns & Algebra for suggested ideas and activities that use the three books listed below to introduce students to function machines and input/output tables.   Links to appropriate templates are also provided.

• Two of Everything
• One Grain of Rice
• The King's Chessboard

Added on 4/17/06: Open-ended Assessments for Grades 3-4

These open-ended assessments have been created in sets of 2-3 related problems. Students may practice on the first problem, working as pairs or small groups, then try the second independently.

• Probability:
  • Mathematics challenges students to calculate the probability of pulling the different letters of "MATHEMATICS" from the bag.
  • In New Jersey, students cut apart the letters in "NEW JERSEY" and investigate the probability of pulling different letters from the bag.
  • The Third Graders problem uses the letters in "THIRD GRADERS" and investigates the probability of pulling different letters from the bag.
• Combinations:
  • Lunch Choices investigates the combinations, given different menu choices.
  • The Game Day problem investigates the possible combinations when students are able to choose activities at Game Day centers.
  • Number Draw challenges students to make all possible numbers from the three given digits.
  • Number Draw Game A practices making all possible three-digit numbers, given three different digits.
• Data Analysis:
  • The Favorite Pets problem requires students to complete a tally chart, answer questions about the data and create a bar graph of the survey results.
  • In iPod Songs, students must read data in a table and create a bar graph of the results.
  • The Favorite Planets survey requires students to complete the frequency chart, use the chart to answer questions about maximum and minimum, then construct a bar graph of the survey results.
• See more Problems for Grades 3-4.
• Check out Problem Solving Resources for Grades K-8.

Added on 4/16/06: Integer Games

• The Number Line Madness Game was created to provide practice in adding integers and moving on the number line to the current sum.
• The Integer Showdown Game uses a regular deck of cards to practice integer addition in a variation on the classic War. Red cards are negative; black cards are positive.

Added on 4/15/06: Lattice Multiplication Templates

• Lattice Multiplication: 1x2 and 1x3 grids
• Lattice Multiplication: 2x2 grids
• Lattice Multiplication: 2x3 grids

Added on 4/14/06: Data Analysis & Probability Math Templates

• Bar Graph
• Blank Spinner/Bar Graph
• Assorted Spinners designed to be used with transparent spinner
• Pattern Block Spinners designed to be used with transparent spinner