I have been a fan of Mathigon's Polypad for quite a while now, and have found many great ways for it to be used to help students build better mathematical understanding as well as to challenge their current understandings.
I want to share a few of the great resources available on Mathigon in hopes that you will find ways for them to work for you and your students!
The Multiplication by Heart cards (created by Math for Love) are great visual practice for students as they learn to understand and master their multiplication facts.
Of course, I also enjoy the Tangram Builder which is located in the Activities section.
Exploding Dots can also be found here. If you have not spent time in the Exploding Dots world by James Tanton, do yourself and your students a favor! It would make for a great exploration for your students. The Exploding Dots experience on Mathigon is an extension of the actual website, but still one to get you thinking.
What really got my attention on Mathigon is its Polypad section! It has so many unique manipulatives and tools to offer your students.
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| This polypad includes a balance scale and fraction bars. Each could be used separately. |
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| Students can make music using these tools found in Polypad. |
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| These Prime Factor Circles are a match to Prime Climb and can be decomposed (if composite) or combined as you wish to create new products. |
This is just the tip of the iceberg in this fabulous site. You can save and link activities that you make within the Polypad, but you can also use some of the many that are already prepared. One last thing to explore is the Lessons tab. Inside of there you will find your way to a variety of puzzles and explorations for you and your students.
Take the time for your students and yourself to explore this site. You won't be disappointed!