Learning List has reviewed Glynlyon’s Odysseyware Texas middle school products for mathematics and English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR). Both products are Texas Editions that were developed to address the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Both math and ELAR products are comprehensive resources that cover a full year’s content. [Read more…]

Exploros is an open-educational resource (OER) that provides supplemental products that support instruction in the core content areas.  Content is available online and facilitates instruction in 1:1 learning environments. Learning List recently reviewed social studies resources for Texas students in grades 6-8. Instruction addresses topics in world cultures, Texas history, and United States history using lessons that include whole group and small group learning experiences.[Read more…]

McGraw Hill’s Thrive™ powered by Time To Know® is a comprehensive, online resource to support English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science instruction in 1:1 computer-based learning environments. Resources support teacher-led, data-driven instruction in classrooms that integrate technology. Learning List recently reviewed Thrive science resources for grades 6-8.

Thrive presents science content at each grade level in units that address concepts in life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Units open with a video or animation followed by discussion questions that introduce content. [Read more…]

Mentoring Minds’ Total Motivation Reading is a supplemental product that supports targeted remediation and preparation for Texas’ STAAR English language arts (ELA) exams in grades 6-8. Resources are available in print and online formats. Content is organized using a clear structure that focuses on active reading strategies, critical thinking skills, and practice assessments. Instruction supports Response to Intervention programs as well as test preparation. [Read more…]

Mathalicious is an online, supplemental resource that supports Common Core middle school and high school math instruction. Instruction emphasizes the application of math to real-world issues and focuses on algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability at the high school level. Instruction is teacher guided and focuses on engaging students in meaningful conversations about mathematics. Learning List has completed reviews for Mathalicious Lessons for Grades 6-8 as well as Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.

Lessons are designed for use with LCD projectors or interactive white boards and last about two days (block scheduled). Online resources are organized in three parts Plan, Teach, and Reflect. Content includes video and audio clips and interactive slide shows that help students visualize the concepts they are learning. Discussions of problem-solving strategies are integrated throughout instruction.

Mathalicious lessons may be searched by grade level, topic, standard, and key word. Interactive tools enable teachers to display charts, graphs, and data in ways that support student understanding. For example, the “Projector Mode” tool makes interactive graph images bolder and larger for easier viewing using LCD projectors or interactive white boards.

About Mathalicious*

The Mathalicious team thinks the world is an interesting place full of interesting questions. Do people with small feet pay too much for shoes? Do taller Olympic sprinters have an unfair advantage? How have video game consoles changed over time…and are we building the Matrix? They also think math class is the perfect place for students and teachers to explore questions like these, and that it can be the most interesting part of the day.

All teachers want to engage their students in meaningful learning experiences. Mathalicious helps teachers create a different kind of math class. They create lessons that explore the math behind real-world topics, from sports to shopping to the odds of finding life on other planets. These lessons put teachers and students in a position to have interesting conversations that foster a classroom culture of curiosity and rigorous mathematical thinking.

According to Mathalicious, teachers who use their lessons say they enjoy their jobs more, and that their students look forward to coming to class. The Common Core Standards emphasize problem solving and critical thinking. Every Mathalicious lesson is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. In fact, most lessons connect multiple content standards, and help build deep conceptual understanding through real-world contexts. And live more fully in it.

*The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Mathalicious.

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