A function machine interactive whiteboard resource.  Children seem to enjoy the concept of the numbers going through a process to be converted on a function machine.  Borrowing a graphical style from computer games this function machine IWB resource lets you set one or two function machines.  Click on the number and it will go through the function machine conversion process.  If the number is on the left it will move right going through the process to become the output.  If it is on the right the process will be reversed to go back to the input number.

The single blue button brings up a control panel.  From here you can determine the input numbers’ start value.  The number of functions lets you toggle between one or two function machines.  The hide details lets you disguise the the functions, input numbers and operations.  Of course, this means that while you can hide all of this from your class you’ll have to count your clicks to know what you are entering.  The numbers are also reset by opening and closing the panel.

To enable the whole class to work along with the IWB resource there are a couple of printable resources in a similar style.  On these the students can enter the start numbers and then the finish numbers after the process is complete and try to predict what the functions are.

On a technical note the particle effects in this resource may be a strain for older computers especially on larger numbers which don’t really suit the resource but are possible as outputs.  While the resource is new please check that any combination of numbers you wish to use in lesson work okay as there is quite a lot going on behind the scenes of this resource and it is impossible for all of the combinations of numbers and actions to be checked for bugs.  If you notice any problems or graphical glitches please comment with problem, the numbers that the problem was caused by, an if you know it, your screen resolution.  Other comments are welcome too.

Go to interactive whiteboard resource.

Single function machine printable resource.

Double function machine printable resource.

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An update to the most frequently used interactive whiteboard resouce on this site.  A variety of measuring devices can be shown on the screen grouped together in themes.  Use the arrow buttons to select between them.  Click the “New” button to generate a new set of readings.

More than one device is shown on screen to allow for the differentiation between abilities during a class questioning session.  Some devices have more complex demarcation than others.  Some devices will always move to a whole mark on the scale others allow a measurement to fall in between.   Those devices where the demarcation may be difficult to read from a distance use a magnifying mechanism alongside them.

Reading scales 2 interactive white board resource.

The original reading scales resource.  On the whole this uses more straightforward scales so may be useful for introducing the concept.

If you have any suggestions for new measuring scales for this resource or encounter any problems please leave a comment.

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An interactive whiteboard resource to demonstrate sorting groups of factors  using a venn diagram.  This resource could be useful when teaching highest common factors.

Use the arrows to change the number to generate factors for.  Drag and drop the tiles to the correct position on the venn diagram.  They will illuminate green when correctly placed and red when incorrectly placed.

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A similar interactive whiteboard resource focussing on multiples rather than factors.

Another  factor based resource but one that demonstrates prime factor trees.

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An interactive whiteboard resource to assist in teaching common multiples using a Venn diagram.  Select which two numbers you wish to generate multiples for.  Either you or the students can drag the tiles on to the diagram.  The tiles will glow red if they are in the wrong place and green if they are in the correct place

The resource should give you easy flexibility as you can choose which groups of multiples to work with with during the lesson.  This means you can tailor the activity to suit the students as you go without having to pre-plan for each eventuality.

Interactive Whiteboard Resource

You may find this supporting resource on finding the Lowest Common Multiple useful:

Finding LCM  Interactive Whiteboard Resource.

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This interactive whiteboard resource is intentionally fast paced to encourage students to estimate and consider what answer looks correct without necessarily working it out accurately. The fast pace also ensures a number of students can have a turn at the front of the class without taking up to much time.  Class questioning could consider what ways we can check whether an answer looks right.  I.e. adding 2 odd numbers will produce an even answer, rounding to the nearest ten and then adding for an estimated answer etc.

Borrowing the idea of diffusing a bomb from television drama the students need to connect the components together based on the addition questions and answers.  Click and drag from the question to the answer (or vice-versa).  Every failed connection results in sparks and a 5 second time penalty so accuracy is important.

This resource has sound so ensure your speakers are at an appropriate level.

As always if you encounter any bugs or problems please report it here.  If you like this resource and would like it applied to another concept or have a suggestion to improve it also leave your comment.

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An interactive whiteboard resource for students to practice ordering numbers/fractions as well as a bit of logical thinking.  This resource simulates a slide puzzle.  Tapping a square next to an empty space moves it into that empty space.  The (difficult!) challenge is to order the squares so that their contents is in ascending order from the top left.  The rows follow the pattern demonstrated in the background image blocks i.e. smallest at the top left ascending to the right, then restarting on the left.  When the correct arrangement is reached the tile’s border changes colour and the tiles spin.  No more interaction is possible until “Go” is clicked again.  Note clicking “Go” restarts the puzzle at any time.

If you like this resource and would like further varieties please leave a comment with the 15 or 12 items that you would like ordering and the resource will be added for all to use. Words or numbers are possible although obviously length is limited.  Other comments or bug reports also welcomed.

One resource is a 4 by 4 grid and contains fractions to be ordered.  Go to Interactive Whiteboard Resource.

One resource is a 3 by 4 grid and contains multiplications to be ordered.  Go to Interactive Whiteboard Resource.

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A number line designed for the interactive whiteboard.   Scroll along the number line by dragging the bottom bar.  Give it a flick and the physics will help get you to where you want, taking the chore out of a long scrolling number line.  This can also be used to select a random part of the number line as it will bounce back when it gets to the end.

Two number lines can be on screen to assist with teaching functions and number mapping.  The instructions can be selected by the teacher to give the class a visual reference when taking part in class questioning.  The number lines can be annotated with the built in screen writer and they will move along with the number lines.  Tap on an annotation to remove it click clear to remove all of the annotations.  Use the 1 or 2 button to select whether to show 1 or 2 number lines.

This is resource is as much an attempt to gauge how popular the physics driven interface on the IWB is as anything else.  It seems more natural to have real world responses on an interface you can drive by touch.  Think how you would find a country on a large globe.  Please leave comments and suggestions about the resource and regarding how you found the interface on an IWB.

Go to interactive whiteboard resource.

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