Creator: Brady Haran | visit site
Grade Range: 6 - 11
Are you interested in numbers? This site has a variety of videos about math theories that are at the forefront of research. Easy, understandable language presents each topic, and this is an entertaining way for anyone to learn fascinating facts about numbers. The Numberphile covers a very broad scope of topics such as Why do people hate mathematics, AMAZING Dice Rolls, and Sounds of PI. Videos vary in length, although most remain well under 15 minutes. Even those who believe they are not good at math will like learning interesting facts about numbers. The videos are hosted on YouTube. If your district blocks YouTube, then they may not be viewable; be sure to look at alternatives for sharing the conversation starters and other videos on classroom computers.
In the Classroom
Share these videos on your interactive whiteboard or projector as wonderful math journal and discussion starters. Choose a video about an interesting number fact that can be used to hook students into a particular lesson or unit. Use the videos to show the fascinating side of mathematics. For example, 666 and its peculiarity in mathematics would be interesting to students. Make a math enrichment center for your gifted students or "hook" math-haters (or girls) by letting them select and critique their own video choice from this site. Embed a video on your class wiki and have students use the discussion tab to comment on what they like about it or were surprised to learn. Use in your blended classroom by flipping and having students view the videos at home to discuss the next day in class. (This is a great option if YouTube is blocked in your school.) Be sure to provide this link on your class website for students (and their families) to access at home. Modify learning by having students make their own advertising videos about their favorite or "lucky" number using a tool such as Vizia, <a href="/single.cfm?id=17848">reviewed here</a>, where students can embed questions, comments, and polls into videos. Then share them on a site such as TeacherTube, <a href="/single.cfm?id=9419">reviewed here</a>.
At Home
Find great information in these videos that will pique more interest in math! Use this site to view and discuss math videos with your son or daughter using content that may not be typically considered math related. Confused about some topics your son or daughter is studying in math? View the video to try to learn the skill together.
Tags
number lines, prime numbers, calculators, negative numbers, pi, video, numbers,