Core Math Tools. CPMP-Tools. TCMS-Tools. Variations on freely available technology for investigation and problem solving.

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NCTM version – Core Math Tools

The version of these software tools developed in conjunction with an NCTM task force is called is Core Math Tools.  It is promoted on the NCTM website along with sample lessons, custom apps, and readily available how-to pages that may make it the most user friendly place to begin.  (http://www.nctm.org/coremathtools/) .

Core Math Tools is a downloadable suite of interactive software tools for Algebra and Functions, Geometry and Trigonometry, and Statistics and Probability. The tools are appropriate for use with any high school mathematics curriculum and compatible with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in terms of content and mathematical practices. Java is required.

Algebra & Functions—The software for work on algebra problems includes an electronic spreadsheet and a computer algebra system (CAS) that produces tables and graphs of functions, manipulates algebraic expressions, and solves equations and inequalities.

Geometry & Trigonometry—The software for work on geometry problems includes an interactive drawing program for constructing, measuring, and manipulating geometric figures and a set of custom apps for exploring properties of two- and three-dimensional figures.

Statistics & Probability—The software for work on data analysis and probability problems provides tools for graphic display and analysis of data, simulation of probabilistic situations, and mathematical modeling of quantitative relationships.

Another version

TCMS-Tools is also public-domain software that provides access to technology tools for use in school and at home.  It is organized into a suite of Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Discrete Math software tools designed for and integrated with the Transitions to College Mathematics and Statistics course and the material is based on work supported by an NSF grants to Michigan State University.  Transitions to College Mathematics and Statistics is a problem-based, technology-rich, fourth-year course developed to serve the large and diverse population of college-bound students whose intended program of study does not require calculus.

However, the tools themselves can be freely used to support investigation and problem solving apart from any connections with the associated course curriculum.  TCMS-Tools is free and you can use it and redistribute it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation.  There is an extensive help index for each of the tools.

The algebra tools include an electronic spreadsheet and a computer algebra system (CAS) that produces tables and graphs of functions (2D and 3D), manipulates algebraic expressions, and solves equations and inequalities, and includes a custom app for solving linear systems.

The geometry tools include an interactive drawing tool for constructing, measuring, manipulating, and transforming geometric figures in a coordinate or coordinate-free environment and in 2D or 3D, and a set of custom apps for studying contour diagrams, cross sections of various space shapes, surfaces of revolution, and graphical linear programming.

The statistics tools include tools for graphic display and analysis of univariate and bivariate data, simulation of probabilistic situations, mathematical modeling of quantitative relationships, and a custom app for analyzing binomial distributions.

The discrete math tools includes tools for discrete mathematical modeling, including constructing, manipulating, and analyzing vertex-edge graphs and their representations as adjacency matrices, and a set of custom apps for studying cryptography, various ranked-choice voting methods, and weighted voting.

More information and download instructions can be found at http://www.wmich.edu/tcms/TCMS-Tools.html

Core-Plus version

The CPMP-Tools version was developed to coordinate with the CCSS edition of the Core-Plus Mathematics  tests and appears to be organized similar fo TCMS-Tools. The site for this version includes tutorial videos.

Information and download at http://www.wmich.edu/cpmp/CPMP-Tools/