VI. Probability and Discrete Mathematics

1. Probability
2. Discrete Mathematics

Additional Links to General Mathematics Sites

• Mathematics Games and Student Activities
• Mathematics Lessons Plans
• Interactive Learning and Problem Solving Activities
• Word Searches and Puzzles in Mathematics
• Miscellaneous Sites

 Elementary

1. Benchmark 1. "Use manipulatives and diagrams to explore problems involving counting and arranging objects."
   1. Cyber Chow Combos - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.1)
      This site is a lesson that allows students to explore the different combinations of lunches from the cyber menu.  Students will need to use methods for counting combinations for this activity.
   2. Mathematics Pothole of the Week - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.1,2,5&6)
      Outstanding - This site includes a collection of "real life" problems for students to solve. Students use manipulatives, diagrams, numbers, and algorithms to solve these problems. The collection includes problems appropriate for grades 4 - 6.
2. Benchmark 2. "Explore sets and set relationships by sorting and classifying objects."
   1. Mathematics Pothole of the Week - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.1,2,5&6)
      Outstanding - This site includes a collection of "real life" problems for students to solve. Students use manipulatives, diagrams, numbers, and algorithms to solve these problems. The collection includes problems appropriate for grades 4 - 6.
   2. Max's Math Adventures - Now - Next Patterns - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.2&4)
      Outstanding - The Summer Mystery Garden is a math and language arts game involving now - next patterns for students in grades K-2. Hosts Max and Ruthie challenge young students to solve math problems by using clues embedded in a fun rhyming poem. Students receive immediate feedback from Max and are encouraged to self-assess by comparing their answers to Max and Ruthie's. The Extension activities and Teacher Guide are very beneficial.
3. Benchmark 3. "Explore situations in which they model and trace paths using figures consisting of vertices connected by edges."
   1. Bike Route - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.3&6)
      Help find the shortest route to Betty's house.  This interactive site is user friendly and has a help button if there are questions.
   2. This Is Mega Mathematics! - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.3)
      Teachers of grades 4 or 5 can choose two activities from this site:  Games On Graphs or Untangling the Mathematics of Knots.  Good background information is provided for each of the mini-units.  Vocabulary, key concepts, activities, resources, and lesson extensions are also included.  Each page has items hyperlinked to an easy to understand glossary of terms.  The site is very user-friendly.
   3. The Most Colorful Math Maps - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.3)
      Young Map Maker. An introduction to a mathematical perspective on coloring the regions or countries of a map. The central problem is to try to use a few colors as possible to color the regions, yet not use so few that the regions aren't easily distinguished from one another.  This site also provides activites, background information, vocabulary, and further study activities.
4. Benchmark 4. "Explore now-next patterns."
   1. Max's Math Adventures - Now - Next Patterns - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.2&4)
      Outstanding - The Summer Mystery Garden is a math and language arts game involving now - next patterns for students in grades K-2. Hosts Max and Ruthie challenge young students to solve math problems by using clues embedded in a fun rhyming poem. Students receive immediate feedback from Max and are encouraged to self-assess by comparing their answers to Max and Ruthie's. The Extension activities and Teacher Guide are very beneficial.
5. Benchmark 5. "Explore, develop and invent their own algorithms to accomplish a task or to solve numerical problems."
   1. How Many Different Paths?-Discrete Mathematics - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.5)
      This is a lesson where students will ultimately work on addition and multiplication skills. Not only will there be a connection with counting, adding, and multiplying, but there will also be a connection made with Pascal's Triangle. So, take a look at the hearts and find how many different paths you see. Your teacher many wish to view the Teacher Introduction. This site contains teacher lesson plans and is a student activity.
   2. Mathematics Pothole of the Week - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.1,2,5&6)
      Outstanding - This site includes a collection of "real life" problems for students to solve. Students use manipulatives, diagrams, numbers, and algorithms to solve these problems. The collection includes problems appropriate for grades 4 - 6.
6. Benchmark 6. "Use discrete mathematics concepts as described above to model situations and solve problems; and look for whether or not there is a solution (existence problems), determine how many solutions there are (counting problems) and decide upon a best solution (optimization problems)."
   1. Batting Orders - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.6)
      Students determine the batting order of a softball team using all possible arrangements and given criteria. Students explore the concept of permutations and combinations and apply the Fundamental Counting Property to solve a real world problem
   2. Bike Route - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.3&6)
      Help find the shortest route to Betty's house.  This interactive site is user friendly and has a help button if there are questions.
   3. Mathematics Pothole of the Week - Discrete Mathematics (VI.2.E.1,2,5&6)
      Outstanding - This site includes a collection of "real life" problems for students to solve. Students use manipulatives, diagrams, numbers, and algorithms to solve these problems. The collection includes problems appropriate for grades 4 - 6.