Math Monday: Flashy Fractions

I am not going to dive into the "Flash" vs. "Non-Flash" debate today (though I do think that a post on it is forthcoming when I am feeling more reflective . . . and less in post-Super Bowl euphoria, heh). However, for those of you who still have technology devices that kick it ol' skool (Java-enabled, Flash-driven types), you need to steer your browser of choice to the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (NLVM). No, this is NOT a new website. Yes, you may have used this with children in the past. However, I am a firm believer that you stay with what works. Created by Utah State University, the NLVM is a one-stop shop for that introduction lesson on the SmartBoard, the reinforcement lesson for a small group on laptops or an independent activity for the student(s) needing enrichment.

For example, if you wanted to have an e-manipulative ready to go to explain numerators and denominators in fractions, the "Fractions - Parts of a Whole" activity will clearly illustrate this concept:

The arrows below the diagram allow you to adjust the total number of sections shown, making multiple examples easy to produce. The "New Whole" button located on the activity page renders a new shape (i.e. square, rectangle) to show how "parts of a whole" works in different scenarios.

If you need a more in-depth look at fractions, check out "Fractions - Comparing" for a multiple-step activity involving creating equivalent fractions, placing them on a number line and finding values that would fit between them when ordered from least to greatest -- with a new equivalent denominator:

What are your favorite math-related websites? Please share them with us.