Ontario News from ExploreLearning

Shared Math Gizmo Lists - Very Helpful!

I was working with Credit Recovery teachers this week in the Dufferin Peel CDSB and shared several links to Gizmo lists that their math and science coordinators created to support them. (Thanks Sam, Dwight, and Anthony!) Since these intermediate and secondary courses are universal across Ontario, I thought this would be a good place to share these links for others to use. Remember, this is just a starting point; you will find connections with other Gizmos that may also meet curriculum expectations in cool and creative ways!

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Intermediate Math

Grade 7

Grade 8

Secondary Math

Grade 9 - MFM1P, MPM1D

Grade 10 - MFM2P, MPM2D

Grade 11 - MCR3U, MCF3M, MBF3C

Grade 12 - MHF4U, MDM4U, MCT4C, MAP4C

 

 

 

 

 

New Ripple Tank Gizmo - simulate the tsunami in Japan!

Recently, we added a new Gizmo called Ripple Tank to the collection. I have been waiting for this one for quite a while. I never had a Ripple Tank in my classroom so I always went to the great java simulation by Paul Falstad (http://www.falstad.com/ripple/). My students have spent many lessons pondering wave properties looking at this simulation. 

With the addition of this Gizmo the things I used to do with the other simulation become much easier (i.e. screen shots, changing variables, etc.). Check out the teacher guide for a really comprehensive lesson on how to teach properties of waves.

Although the interaction of large waves on the continental shelf aspect is not included, students can see how waves are generated from point sources (i.e. earthquakes).  Try varying the wavelength, wave strength, and wave depth; as well as place submerged objects in the wave’s pathway.  Use the Gizmo to demonstrate how waves behave as they pour over submerged flood walls, pass through flood gates, and flow across the landscape!  We’ve seen so many of those pictures on the TV reports from Japan (Example 1, 2, 3)…and now you can demonstrate some of it with the Ripple Tank Gizmo!