FastFig: Cloud Based equation solving and sharing

FastFig is a cloud-based tool for solving and sharing equations. The user interface is simple and easy to get started with, and for that reason, it makes an ideal tool for the classroom.  FastFig can be used for basic calculations, algebraic manipulation and even calculus.  This versatility makes FastFig a great tool for students to grow into as they progress in their studies.  

FastFig is a great tool not just for the math classroom, but for science as well. In a recent demonstration I learned how easy it is to use Fast Fig for calculating the cooling rate of a cup of coffee using Newton's  Law of Cooling.  What was great is that while FastFig did the calculations, the student really had to understand the equation, and all the variables, in order to find a proper solution.  

In addition to raw calculation power, FastFig makes it easy to share equations with the rest of the world with one click of a button. This means that students can work together to piece together more complex mathematical.   For teachers this means that you can post examples for your students that can be accessed and used by just following a URL.  

FastFig is currently in Beta and you can sign up for free at http://www.fastfig.com/newuser/

I would love to hear how you can use FastFig in the classroom. Please leave your comments below.

Discovery Streaming

All Saucon Valley teachers can access Discovery Streaming by creating an account with the codes found here.

Discovery Streaming is a great resource for video content that you can use in your classroom.  Below you will find a printable guide to Discovery Streaming that shows you step-by-step how to make the most of this great resource including:

• Saving Content to My Content
• Assignment Builder
• Quiz Builder
• Writing Prompt Builder
• Lesson Plan Center
• Common Core Standard Links

This video will show you everything you need to know about making the most out of Discovery Education Streaming in your classroom.

TED-ed | Lessons Worth Sharing

I have been a huge fan of TED for a while now. It's a great place to go for inspiration, and a way better way to spend my video watching time than browsing videos of cats on YouTube.  TED is a conference that brings experts in their field to the stage to present, in just 18 minutes, the "Talk of Their Lives."  Though originally started with talks that focused on Technology, Entertainment, and Design [TED], the talks have expanded to include such diverse issues as global issues, psychology, food, and education.    TED has expanded from two conferences annually, to global events, and has inspired hundreds of TEDx partner events.

The most recent edition to the TED lineup is TED-Ed. TED-Ed is a website that allows you to create lessons around TED talks. Using the idea of the "Flipped Classroom" TED presents a video and then guides students through questions that progress from simple understanding to more in depth analysis.  Teachers can easily take pre-created lessons and modify them for their students. They can then share the lesson for their students to complete. TED-Ed tracks student completion and allows the teacher to review student answers.

Here is a quick "Flip" that I created in about 2 minutes using TED-Ed.

"The 8 Traits of Successful People"

All you need to do to start using TED-Ed is sign up for a free TED account (something you should have anyway to help you keep track of your favorite TED talks).  The Ted-Ed website has a useful video that guides you through how to create your first lesson.

In addition to TED talks, the site has lessons created for TED-Ed by top educators and animated by professional animators that you can use as a Flip.  At present the collection is a little limited, but I am sure that it will grow quickly with quality content. You can help the collection grow by nominating a top educator here.