Strengthen Mathematics with iPad

During this ANZ Back to School session, we explore how to bring math lessons to life and engage students through purposeful, hands-on experiences. This article showcases a variety of practical ideas for turning abstract mathematical concepts into relatable, meaningful learning opportunities that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and consolidation of mathematical concepts using iPad.

Digital Math Manipulatives

Using a digital math manipulative allows students to explore concepts visually and interactively, making abstract ideas concrete while supporting experimentation, differentiation, and clear communication of mathematical thinking. 

Follow these steps to create this Base 10 Blocks Manipulative:

1. Open Numbers. Create a new spreadsheet.
2. Modify the table. Create 10 rows and 10 columns.
3. Resize the rows and columns to 30pt by 30pt.
4. Change the colour of the cells using the Format button.
5. Duplicate the table twice and delete rows to create a tens and one.

Take it further with these resources from the Apple Education Community:

• Download Kelsey Ord's Numbers template and discover a variety of maths manipulatives in her Forum post, Digital Maths Manipulative in Numbers
• Create a maths manipulative for your students and use it to understand the value and structure of number with Donna Golightly's template in her post, Maths Reps Place Value
• Deepen understanding of multiplication by animating mathematical representations with Melissa Zeiszler's Forum post, Animating the Distributive Property of Multiplication
• Dive into measuring with using a math manipulative for informal units with Amanda Graczyk's Pages template shared in her Forum post, Non-Standard Measurement in Primary

 Sketch and Solve with Math Notes

Math Notes in Calculator on iPad helps students make their mathematical thinking visible by combining handwriting, dynamic calculations, and instant feedback in one place. This supports deeper understanding, encourages problem-solving and experimentation, and builds confidence by allowing students to easily refine and explain their reasoning. 

Explore Math Notes as you:

1. Open Calculator and tap the icon in the top right corner, then select Math Notes
2. Tap the Markup icon and write a math expression horizontally, then include an equal sign.
3. Write a stack of numbers, then draw a horizontal line below the numbers to add the numbers in the stack.
4. To add a graph, write an equation with exactly two undefined variables, with one on each side of the equal sign.
5. Tap Insert Graph in the menu that appears.
6. Update one or more of the variable values by tapping on a number and scrolling it forward or back.

Note: Tap any dotted blue lines to clarify what you wrote.

Take it further with these resources from the Apple Education Community:

• Learn how to use features of Math Notes with the instructions in the iPad User Guide
• Inquire into linear relationships with Mary Kemper's Forum post on A Simple Yet Powerful Use of Math Notes: Explore transformation of Linear Functions
• Find out more about the Calculator app on iPad with Michael Davola's Forum post, Asynchronous PD: Using Math Notes to Support Visual Problem Solving
• Dive into problem solving with an escape room style activity to practice transformations and quadratic equations in Jeffifer Orton's Forum post, Escape from Quadratic Island with Freeform

Measure and Markup

Using the Measure app and image markup allows students to connect mathematics to real-world contexts by capturing, annotating, and analysing authentic spaces and objects. Screen recording their process supports deeper reasoning and reflection, while giving teachers clear insight into student thinking and understanding.  

Explore the use of the Measure App and Markup in the photos app as you:

1. Open the Measure app. Tap + to begin measuring a nearby object.
2. Move the iPad to another point and tap +.
3. Tap the number to copy the measurement. Tap 🔘 to take a photo.
4. Open Photos, and create an album for your measurements.
5. Open a photo, and screen record while marking-up.

Take it further with these resources from the Apple Education Community:

• Help students understand symmetry through the use of real-world objects, using the Camera and Measure app with this lesson idea in Apple Teachers in Action: Identify Symmetrical Shapes
• Practise geometric transformations through creativity with Amanda Marsden's Forum post, Name Mandala Geometry
• Utilise markup tools to develop directional language with Bex's Forum post, My Keynote Maths Story Map

Looking for support to elevate teaching and learning through technology at your school?

Connect with an Apple Professional Learning Provider or Specialist to get personalised support for your educators and students.

• Australia: https://www.apple.com/au/education/k12/how-to-buy/professional-learning-specialist-and-providers/
• New Zealand: https://www.apple.com/nz/education/k12/how-to-buy/professional-learning-specialist-and-providers/