math tool chest reference guide - mhschool · web viewmath tool chest reference guide welcome to...

Math Tool Chest Reference Guide

Welcome to the McGraw-Hill Mathematics Tool Chest, the engaging educational product that allows students to explore mathematical concepts and develop math skills. The program includes online manipulatives, graphs, tables, a calculator, and a drawing tool.

The student may use the resources offered by the Math Tool Chest to explore the following different types of activities:

Tables- The Tables activity describes how to create tables, how to use the table

buttons, and how to set up and perform automated calculations with data.

Coin Toss- The coin toss activity is an online manipulative that helps students

explore probability through a coin toss activity.

Spinner- The Spinner is an online manipulative that allows students to practice

probability by using a spinner activity.

Number Line- The Number Line is an online manipulative that students can use to

practice addition, subtraction, counting, and rounding fractions.

Counter - The Counters tool provides students with 48 counters to explore the

principles of counting. Students can stamp, count, group, order, and compare counters on four types of workmats: Open, Part-Part-Total, Addition, and Subtraction.

Graphs- The Graphs tool allows students to use graphs to organize, analyze,

and compare data using various methods and formats.

Fractions- The fractions tool offers a graphical display of fractional relationships.

Students can add and subtract whole and mixed numbers and explore equivalent fractions.

Attributes

- The Attributes tool allows students to use models to create patterns and to display mathematical similarities and differences.

Place Value- The Place Value tool uses models to introduce and reinforce

understanding of place value. Students can stamp, move, group, and regroup place-value blocks on three types of workmats and on a PlaceValue Chart.

Money- The Money tool introduces and reinforces bill and coin identification.

It allows students to explore value, make change, and add and subtract.Students can stamp, identify, organize, group, and regroup money amounts on Open, Addition, and Subtraction mats.

Pattern Blocks- The Pattern Blocks tool allows students to explore geometric shapes

and relationships. Students can stamp, move, rotate, and color blocks to build shapes and create geometric patterns. Then they can use a customary or non-standard unit (an inch or a centimeter ruler; an ant, a paper clip, a crayon) to measure the height and width of eachshape and pattern.

Installation Instructions

1. Insert the disc into the CD-ROM drive. 2. The CD will launch upon entering it into the computer.3. The student can re-launch the program even if he or she has closed the

program and not taken the CD out. Click on my computer, open up the CD Drive folder and click on the Math Tool Chest .exe file.

System Requirements

Macintosh System 8.6 or later, including Mac OS X Classic Mode PowerPC processor (120 MHz or greater) 64 MB RAM, 12 MB free 30 MB available hard drive space Monitor display capable of 800x600 resolution and at least 256

colors 8x CD-ROM drive

Windows Windows 98/2000/ME/NT/XP Intel Pentium processor (166 MHz or greater)

64 MB RAM, 12 MB free 60 MB available hard-disk space Monitor display capable 800x600 resolution and at least 256 colors

Getting Help

Anytime a student needs help, he or she can click on Mathew Cando. He is located at the bottom, right-hand side of each screen in the Math Tool Chest. If the student wants to know what a certain feature does, click Mathew Cando until his right arm is pointing upwards, and then, click on the feature. Mathew Cando will tell the student how and why to use that feature. If the student wants to use a certain feature, click Mathew Cando until is arm is in resting position. Then, click the feature. If additional help is needed, refer to this guide.

Math Tool Chest Basics

This chapter of the User’s Guide defines the different areas of a Math Tool Chest screen and describes features and buttons.

HomeStudents click Home to return to the Tools Menu screen

Start OverStudents click Start Over to remove all data, text, and objects from the mat or work area.Start Over does not undo chosen settings.

UndoStudents click Undo to remove the most recent action.

Camera

The Camera button allows students to keep a record of a workmat by pasting a copy into Notes. Photo is available for all tools except Calculator and Paint. After students click Photo, Paint opens automatically. Students can edit or enhance the image and write about their work in the Notes writing area. The pasted image appears on a new page at the end of Notes.

EraserStudents click the Eraser button to remove one thing at a time from a workmat.

PaintThe Paint button is a writing and drawing tool that allows students to ask and answer questions about their work, describe the steps used to solve problems, and create additional problems.

CalculatorStudents click Calculator to open the calculator function. Students can add, subtract, multiply, and divide with the Calculator. Other features on this calculator include a pi key, simplifying fractions key, and a fraction to decimal key.

PrintStudents click the Print button to print their work.

BLESTables

Level 1

Using TablesWhen students click Tables on the Tools Menu, the menu disappears and the Tables selection screen displays, allowing students to choose the table they want to use.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Tables tool to open it.

2. Students click Words and Numbers or Tally on the Tables selection screen.

3. Students click buttons to add rows and columns.

4. Students type labels or click label stamps.

5. In Words and Numbers Tables, students type text and numbers in the table. In Tally charts, students click tally marks in the stamp tray and click the chart to stamp them.

6. Students click the Link to Graph button to see a row or column of their table or chart displayed as a graph.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of all Tables workmats. It contains tools that students can use to work with Math Tool Chest.

For details on using each of the tools in the Button Tray, see Math Tool Chest Basics.

Choosing a WorkmatThere are two table types: Words and Numbers, and Tally. At the Tables selection screen, students can select a table type or click Cancel to return to the Tools Menu.

Each table lets students display information in different ways. In Words and Numbers, students show data by typing text and numbers in the table cells. In Tally charts, students show data by stamping tally marks in the cells. Both types of tables allow students to label rows and columns with picture stamps or text.

When students first open a table or Tally chart, it appears with an empty cell, a label row, and a label column.

Labeling Rows and ColumnsIn tables and tally charts, the leftmost column and top row are for labels. To make a label, students click a label cell and a Labels box appears. Students click next to Text or Stamps to choose a label style.

Text LabelsTo make a label with words, students click the label cell. In the Labels box that displays, students click the circle next to Text, click in the white box, type up to 15 characters, and click OK. The box disappears and the label appears in the cell.

If the text is too long to appear on one line, it automatically continues onto another. Students can click Cancel in the Labels box to return to the table without adding a label.

Note

If students click a label cell that already has text or a stamp, the Labels box will appear, allowing students to change the words or image. To change text, students highlight it, press Delete, and then type new text.

Stamp LabelsTo make a label with a picture, students click the label cell. In the Labels box that displays, students click the circle next to Stamps, then click the arrows to the left and right of the tray to see all the stamps. Students can choose labels from 48 colorful picturesstamps. The forward arrow turns gray and becomes inactive when students reach the last stamp. Students click a stamp and then click OK. The box disappears and the label appears in the cell. Students can click Cancel in the Labels box to return to thetable without adding a label.

Tables ButtonsThe Tables tool provides these buttons: Add a Row and Remove a Row, Add a Column, Remove a Column, Column Totals, and Row Totals.

For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Paint, Undo and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Link to GraphThe Link to Graph button allows students to show one row or column of data as a graph. Students click Link to Graph and then click the label of the row or column they wish to graph. Math Tool Chest can graph numbers up to 100. In the graph that appears, additional buttons are provided that allow students to return to the table, take a picture of the graph, or print the graph.

When students use Link to Graph, a maximum of five values can display in a column at once.

Column ToolsStudents can click the Column Tools button to add a row at the bottom of the table showing the total of each column. If students click Column Totals when there is no data, each cell in the totals row will display a zero.

If students click Column Totals when a column contains text, the totals cell for that column will be blank.

When students use Column Totals to have Math Tool Chest figure out the column total in a table, they must place a zero in each blank cell within the column being added. Math Tool Chest will not figure out a total if a table cell among those being added is left blank.

Row Totals

Students click the Row Totals button to add a column at the bottom showing the total of each row. If students click Row Totals when there is no data in the table, each cell in the totals column will contain a zero. If students click Row Totals when a row contains text, the totals cell for that row will be blank.

When students use Row Totals to have Math Tool Chest give the answer, they must place a zero in each blank cell within the row being added. Math Tool Chest will not provide a total if a table cell among those being added is left blank.

NoteTo hear the name of a button, students hold the cursor over it

Add a Column & Remove a ColumnStudents click Add a Column to make a new column appear on the right of the table. They click Remove a Column to remove the rightmost column.

Students can use up to six columns in a table, including a labels column and a totals column.

Students cannot erase the first column or the label column.

Add a Row & Remove a RowTo make a new row appear at the bottom of the table, students click Add a Row. To delete a row, they click Remove a Row.

A table can have up to 5 rows, including a labels row and a totals row.

Students cannot erase the first row or the label row.

Note All table cells, except row and column total cells, can have a maximum of nine characters.

Using Words and Numbers TablesStudents begin by clicking the Words and Numbers option on the Tables selection screen. When it opens, it appears with one empty cell, a label row, and a label column.

Students click Add a Column and Add a Row to add columns and rows to their graph. Then students add labels to their table by clicking a cell in the leftmost column or in the top row.

In the Labels box that appears, students click Text, and then type text, or click Stamps and then click a picture.

Students enter data by clicking table cells and typing text or numbers. They can then use Column Totals or Row Totals to produce a row or column with totals. They can also use Link to Graph to graph the data in a column or row.

For details on using specific buttons with Words and Numbers Tables, see the Tables Buttons section earlier in this chapter.

Using Tally ChartsStudents begin by clicking the Tally option on the Tables selection screen. When it opens, it appears with one empty cell, a label row, and a label column.

Students click Add a Column and Add a Row to add columns and rows to their chart. Then students add labels by double-clicking a column or row heading to label it and typing in the label.

Students enter data by clicking tally marks in the stamp tray and clicking table cells to place them. Then they can use Column Totals or Row Totals to add a row or column with totals. They can also use Link to Graph to graph the data in a column or row.

For details on using specific buttons with Tally charts, see the Tables Buttons section earlier in this chapter.

Stamping Tally Marks

The stamp tray at the right of the mat provides six tally mark stamps. Students click a mark in the tray and then place it by clicking the cell. A black border appears around the selected tally mark in the tray. The mark remains selected until students click a different one or click a button.

Students can stamp up to 20 tally marks in a cell. With each new mark, Math Tool Chest displays the new tally for the cell. For example, when students stamp a single tally mark in a cell that already has four single tally marks, the display changes to a five-tally bundle.

Tables

Level 2

The Tables tool makes it easy for students to organize and display data. Students edit datain tables and create formulas that perform calculations. Students create their own datafor tables, or use Quick Link to import data generated in the Probability or Graphs tools.

Using TablesFor details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Tables, see the Tables Button Bar section.

Adding Data to a CellTo add or change data in a cell, students click the Select tool and then click in a cell. When the cursor appears in the box, students can enter or change data. Students can add a maximum of 9 characters per cell.

If students want to use a zero in a table cell, they must add that numeral to the cell. A blank cell does not equal zero value.

Removing Data from a CellTo remove data, students highlight the data and press Delete.

Quick-Linking Table DataTo link the table data to a graph, students click the Quick Link button and then click Bar Graph, Line Graph, or Circle Graph in the screen that appears. The table data is automatically displayed in graph form.Note

If students link a table to a graph and then try to use Quick Link to link the graph to a table, the original table will display.

To move through the table, students click the scroll arrows or drag the scroll box.

Navigating the TableStudents can use different keys to move through the table.

Moving the Table WindowTo move the Table window, students drag the border.

Resizing the Table WindowStudents make the Table window smaller or larger by dragging the resize box at the bottom right corner of the window.

The Tables Button BarThe Tables Button Bar offers 14 buttons. Six buttons—Setup, Format, Select, Sort, Add, and Move—perform functions specific to Tables.

For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Undo, Paint, and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Setting Up a TableStudents click Format on the Button Bar to open the Table Setup screen, which they use to change the settings of rows, columns, and cells within a table.

Choosing a Row, Column, or CellStudents choose which row or column they want to format by clicking its heading. To select a cell, students click the cell.

Number Format

Students choose how they want numbers in a selected area to appear. A filled circle indicates the selected format.

GeneralNumbers display exactly as students type them.

PercentNumbers display as percentages.

FractionsNumbers display as fractions.

MoneyNumbers display as units of money.

Whole NumbersNumbers display as whole numbers.

DecimalNumbers display as decimals. Students choose one to four decimal places by clicking the appropriate circle.

Text FormatStudents choose the appearance of text in a selected area. A filled circle indicates the format selection.

AlignmentStudents align the data to the left or right, or center it in the row, column, or cell.

SizeStudents choose small, medium, or large type.

Summary Row OptionsStudents can include one or more rows at the bottom of the table that summarize information. They can use up to seven summary rows in each table. Students click a box to select an option:

TotalDisplays the sum of the numbers in a column.

MeanDisplays the average of the numbers in a column.

MedianDisplays the median value of the numbers in a column.

Mode

Displays the number or numbers that occur most frequently in a column. If two numbers occur with the same frequency, the Mode row will be blank.

GreatestDisplays the greatest number in a column.

LeastDisplays the least number in a column.

RangeDisplays the difference between the least and greatest numbers in a column.

FormulaStudents use Formula to set up simple calculations with the data in the columns or cells. Students can add, subtract, multiply, and divide the data, as well as perform calculations using pi.

1. Students click Select on the Button Bar and click the column heading of an empty column where they want the formula result to appear.

2. Students click Formula on the Button Bar. The Formula screen appears.

3. In the small table near the top of the Formula screen, students select a column or cell of data. The column they select appears in the formula field. For example, Col 1.

4. Using the keypad at the bottom of the screen, students click an operator key tochoose a calculation to perform. The calculation they select appears in the formula field. For example, Col 1 +.

5. Students click another heading of column data they want to use. The second column they select appears in the formula field. For example, Col 1 + Col 2.

6. The results of the formula appear in the pink column in the small table near the top of the Formula screen. If students make a mistake while entering a formula, they can click Delete Term to remove the item last entered. They can also click Clear Formula to erase the entire formula.

7. Students click OK to close the Formula screen and return to the table. The column with the results from the Formula screen appears in the table.

NoteStudents can use only one set of parentheses in a formula.

Select

Students use Select to choose a row, column, or single cell, or to edit data. In addition, students use Select to choose a cell to type a heading in.

1. Students click Select on the Button Bar.

2. To select a row, students click the row heading. To select a column, students click the column heading. To select a cell, students click the cell.

3. To add or change text in a heading, students click the cell they want to change. Students drag the cursor to highlight existing text and press Delete. Then they can type new text.

SortStudents use Sort to rearrange the data in a column from least to greatest. Students can also sort row headings in alphabetical order.

1. Students click Sort on the Button Bar. The cursor changes.

2. Then students click a cell in the column they want to sort. The data is automatically sorted in ascending numeric or alphabetic order.

AddStudents use Add to insert columns or rows in the table.

1. Students click Add on the Button Bar. The cursor changes to a plus sign in a box.

2. To add a column, students click to the right of where they want the new column to appear.

3. To add a row, students click below where they want the new row to appear.

MoveStudents use Move to relocate columns or rows on tables.

1. Students click Move on the Button Bar. The cursor changes to a hand.

2. Students drag the column or row heading and release the mouse at the new location, delineated by a thick line.

Coin Toss

TrialsStudents can change the number of Coin Toss trials using the arrows next to the number. The default is 10. Students can perform a maximum of 500 trials at a time.

GoStudents click Go to start the Coin Toss run. Students can perform a maximum of 15 runs.

StopStudents click Stop to pause Coin Toss with the results up to that point displayed in the Data area. Students click Go to continue.

Toss OnceStudents click Toss Once to activate Coin Toss for one trial. The result of the toss appears at the end of the data for the last run.

Toss SlowStudents click Toss Slow to watch each coin toss and see each result. (Toss Fast may be the best option for students performing numerous trials.)

Toss Fast

Students click Toss Fast to run Coin Toss trials quickly without showing each animation.

The Coin Toss Data AreaThe Coin Toss Data area displays the data generated by Coin Toss trials. It shows the flip number of each coin toss and the results of each coin. Up to 10 flip results are displayed at a time. If students perform a trial of more than 10, they can see the additional results by using the scroll arrows at the right of the Data area.

Run #The run number represents the number of trials completed at a time. Each time students start a Coin Toss trial, a new run number and set of results appear. Students can perform up to 15 runs. If students perform more than one run, the most current results appear in the Data area. Students can see other results by using the arrows on the right of the Run Number box.

The Coin Toss Button BarThe Coin Toss Button Bar offers eight buttons for students to use. Two buttons—Setup and Hide Data—perform functions specific to Coin Toss. For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Paint, Undo and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Setting Up Coin TossStudents click Setup on the Button Bar to open the Setup screen, which they use to change the Coin Toss settings.

Number of CoinsStudents can use one or two coins in the coin toss.A filled circle indicates the selection.

Hide DataStudents click Hide Data to hide the Data area that displays to the right of the Coin Toss window. To view the Data area and the data, students click Hide Data again.

Spinner

TrialsStudents can change the number of Spinner trials by using the arrows next to the Trials box. The default is 10. Students can run a maximum of 500 trials at a time.

GoStudents click Go to start a Spinner run. Students can perform a maximum of 15 runs.

\StopStudents click Stop to suspend the run, with the results up to that point displayed in the Data area. Spin OnceStudents click Spin Once to activate the Spinner arrow one time. The result of the spin appears at the end of the data for the last run.

Spin SlowStudents click Spin Slow to watch each revolution and each ending position of the Spinner arrow. (Spin Fast may be a better option for students performing numerous trials.)

Spin FastStudents click Spin Fast to run Spinner trials quickly without showing each revolution or ending position of the Spinner arrow.

The Spinner Data AreaThe Spinner Data area shows the number and results of each spin, displaying up to 10 trial results at a time. If students perform a run of more than 10, they can see the additional results by using the scroll arrows at the right of the Data area. Run #The run number represents the number of trial sets completed. Each time students click Go to start a Spinner trial, a new run number and set of results appear. If students perform more than one run, the most recent run results appear in the Data area. Students can perform up to 15 runs.

Students can see other run results by using the arrows on the right of the Run Number box.

The Spinner Button BarThe Spinner Button Bar offers five buttons for students to use. Two buttons—Setup and Hide Data—perform functions specific to Spinner. The Start Over, Eraser, Camera, Paint, and Undo buttons appear whenever any tool except the Calculator is open. The Camera button appears for all tools except Calculator.

For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Paint, Undo and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Setting Up SpinnerStudents click Setup on the Button Bar to change Spinner settings.

Number of SpinnersStudents can use one or two spinners. The number of spinners displays at the bottom of the Setup screen. A filled circle indicates the selection.

Type of SpinnersStudents can choose between a number spinner and a color spinner. A filled circle indicates the selection.

NumberA number spinner uses numbers and colors to distinguish each wedge. Students can use up to 10 wedges per spinner. When students first open a number spinner, it appears with 10 different colored and numbered wedges of equal size.

Color

A color spinner uses colors to distinguish each wedge of the spinner. Students can use up to four wedges per spinner. When students first open a color spinner, it appears with four different colored wedges of the same size.

Show ProbabilityWhen students choose Show Probability, the probability of the Spinner arrow stopping on a specific wedge will appear on that wedge in the sample spinner at the bottom of the Setup screen. If students use a color spinner, the probability appears when students return to the Spinner window.

Number FormatStudents can click a choice in the Number Format field to display probability in percentages, decimals, or fractions. The Number Format options display only if students choose Show Probability.

Changing Wedge SizesWhen students first open the Spinner window, each wedge is the same size. Students can alter the size of a wedge to change its probability of being chosen by the Spinner arrow. Students can resize wedges by dragging the white circles on the sample spinner in the Setup screen.

Adding and Removing WedgesStudents can add or remove wedges from the Spinner by clicking the check boxes that appear beneath the sample spinner. A check mark above a number or color indicates that the wedge will appear on the Spinner. Students click a check mark to remove the matching wedge from the Spinner.

Hide DataStudents click Hide Data to hide the Data area that displays to the right of the Spinner. To redisplay the Data area, students click Hide Data again.

Number Line

The Number Line tool has four different activities, which provide students with four activities to explore addition, subtraction, number order, and rounding fractions.

Using Number LinesThe Number Line tool lets students practice adding, subtracting, counting, and rounding numbers.

Getting Started1. Students click the Number Line tool to open it.2. Students click a workmat type on the Number Line.3. If students are working in the addition or subtraction workmats, they can put

numbers in the question boxes to solve problems.4. If they are working in the representation or rounding fraction workmats, they

can answer questions by putting numbers in the answer boxes.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of all the Number Line workmats. The Button Tray contains tools that students can use to work with Math Tool Chest.


Choosing a WorkmatThere are four workmat types: Addition, Subtraction, Representation, and Round of Fraction. At the Number Line selection screen, students can select a mat type or click Cancel to return to the Tools menu.

Each workmat lets students practice specific math skills. For example, the Addition and Subtraction workmats let students practice adding and subtracting, and the Round of Fraction workmat lets students round fractions. The Representation workmat is especially useful for helping students understand counting and number order.

Using the Number Line Addition WorkmatThe Addition Workmat has three parts─A, B, and Sum─and an addition sentence at the bottom. As Students enter numbers in the question boxes in the addition sentence at the bottom, the animal markers jump, hop, or fly to the appropriate marker in the addend number lines. When students enter the answer in the answer box, the animal marker jumps, hops, or flies to the appropriate marker in the Sum number line.

Students can click Show Answer to check their answer. A green check mark indicates the student answered correctly. If a student answers incorrectly, a red X will appear.

Animal MarkersStudents can choose a bee, frog, or kangaroo as the marker on their number lines. They can click the buttons on the left to change markers.

Using the Number Line Subtraction WorkmatThe Subtraction Workmat has three parts─A, B, and Difference─and a subtraction sentence at the bottom. As Students enter numbers in the question boxes in the subtraction sentence at the bottom, the animal markers jump, hop, or fly to the appropriate marker in the first and second term number lines. When students enter the answer in the answer box, the animal marker jumps, hops, or flies to the designated marker in the Difference number line.

Students can click Show Answer to check their answer. A green check mark indicates the student answered correctly. If a student answers incorrectly, a red X will appear.

Animal MarkersStudents can choose a bee, frog, or kangaroo as the marker on their number lines. They can click the buttons on the left to change markers.

Using the Representation Number Line

The Representation Number Line consists of a question, number line, and answer box. Students can use the number line to answer the question at the top of the screen. To type in an answer, click inside the answer box and begin typing. After answering the question, click Submit. If the student has answered correctly, a green check mark will appear. If a wrong answer is given, a red X will appear. The student can click Show Me to see the correct answer to the question. To receive another question, click Next.

Using the Round of Fraction Number LineThe Round of Fraction Number line consists of a question, number line, and answer box. Students can use the number line to answer the question at the top of the screen. The question will direct the student to round a fraction to either 0, 1/2, or 1. The student can mark the answer on the number line. Click Show Me to see if the answer is correct. Click Next to receive the next question.

Counters

Level 1

The Counters tool provides students with 48 counters to explore the principles of counting. Students can stamp, count, group, order, and compare counters on four types of workmats: Open, Part-Part-Total, Addition, and Subtraction.

Using CountersThe Counters tool lets students practice grouping, organizing, counting, adding, and subtracting.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Counters tool to open it.2. Students click a workmat type on the Counters selection screen.3. Then they click a counter in the stamp tray and click the mat to stamp it.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of all the Counters workmats. The Button Tray contains tools that students can use to work with Math Tool Chest.


Choosing a WorkmatThere are four workmat types: Open, Part-Part-Total, Addition, and Subtraction. At the Counters selection screen, students can select a mat type or click Cancel to return to the Tools menu. Each workmat lets students practice specific math skills. For example, the Open workmat lets students group counters, and the Addition and Subtraction workmats let students practice adding and subtracting. The Part-Part-Total workmat is especially useful for helping students understand the concepts of addition and subtraction because it allows students to rearrange a given number of stamps in several ways to achieve the same solution.

Note

Math Tool Chest will not allow students to stamp one block directly on top of another or stamp too close to the mat’s edge.

Counters ButtonsThe Counters mat type determines which buttons are available. For example, the Open mat has two buttons, Select and Flip, but the Addition and Subtraction mats offer more buttons to help students add and subtract.

MoveStudents click Move to move counters on the mat. The cursor changes to a pointing finger. A red line highlights each counter as the cursor moves over it. When the counter is clicked, the red line turns blue. The counter can now be dragged and placed. The blue outline remains around the counter until another one is selected or another button is clicked.

Flip

Students click Flip to turn over counters on the mat. Flipping a counter changes its color. Students click the counter again to flip it back.

NoteTo hear the name of a button, students hold the cursor over it.

Recording and Checking AnswersTwo boxes appear at the bottom of Open, Addition, and Subtraction mats: the Answer Box and the Typing Box.

The Typing BoxThe Typing Box provides an area for students to type answers. When students first open the mat, the box is closed. When students click the Typing Box, a blinking cursor appears inside the box indicating that they can type their answer.

The Typing Box closes automatically when students change the number of counters on the mat. If students make a mistake in the Typing Box, they can highlight their answer and press Delete (Macintosh) or Backspace (Windows) to erase. Then they can type another response.

The Answer BoxThe Answer Box shows the total number of counters on the mat. Students click the Answer Box to check their work once they have entered a solution in the Typing Box.

The Answer Box closes automatically when students change the number of counters on the mat.

Using the Counters Open WorkmatThe Open workmat helps students practice counting and reinforces correct answers with encouraging messages.

To use the Open mat, students click a counter in the stamp tray and then click the mat to place the counter. Students can click Move to drag counters on the mat, use Flip as an aid to counting the total number of counters they have stamped, and then type their answer in the Typing Box.

After students have stamped a counter on the mat, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. Students can click the Answer Box to see the total number of counters they have stamped on the mat.

Using the Counters Part-Part-Total WorkmatThe Part-Part-Total workmat has two sections, Part A and Part B. Each has its own answer box. The Total Answer Box, located between them, tells the total number of counters in both parts.

To use the Part-Part-Total mat, students click a counter in the stamp tray and then click inside a mat section to place the stamp. Students can then click Select to drag counters between the parts of the mat.

Students can count the counters in Parts A and B and then check their answers by clicking the answer boxes for each part. Students can also count the total number of counters on the workmat and check their answer by clicking the Total Answer Box.Students can also drag counters between the two parts of the mat to change the addends without changing the total.

Using the Counters Addition WorkmatThe Addition workmat has three parts—A, B, and Sum—and an addition sentence at the bottom. As students stamp counters in parts A and B, the total counters in each part appear in the number sentence at the bottom of the mat. If specified in Teacher Options, the numbers will also appear in a vertical number sentence at the bottom of the mat. For details on using the teacher options, see the Teacher Options & Assessment Techniques chapter.

SumStudents click Sum to automatically move all counters in the two sections of the Addition mat to the Sum area. When students click Sum, the sum becomes available at the bottom of the mat. Students type the answer in the Typing Box and click the Answer Box to check their work.

Sum is only available on the Addition mat. To find the sum, students can use one of these options:

-click Sum-click Move, and drag each counter to the Sum area-click Move, and drag a group of counters to the Sum area

After students drag all the counters to the Sum area, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. When students drag counters to the Sum area, dimmed counters remain in parts A and B to help students visualize the original addition problem.

The numbers in the addition sentence at the bottom of the mat reflect the addition problem on the mat.

NoteStudents can select several counters at once by dragging the mouse to create an outline around the counters.

Using the Counters Subtraction WorkmatThe Subtraction workmat looks similar to the Open workmat and has a subtraction sentence at the bottom. As students stamp counters on the mat, the total number of counters appears in the first term of the subtraction sentence. Students can use Move to

arrange counters on the mat and they can use Flip as an aid for counting the total number of counters they stamped.

SubtractStudents click Subtract to subtract counters from the total number of counters on the mat. When they click Subtract, the cursor changes to a minus sign and students can click counters to subtract them. Subtracted counters appear dimmed on the mat and the second term in the subtraction sentence shows the number of counters the student clicked. Thecursor remains a minus sign until students click another counter in the stamp tray or until they click a different button.

After students subtract counters, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. Students can click the Answer Box to see the answer.

NoteSubtract is only available on the Subtraction mat.

Counters

Level 2

Using Counters Open MatsThere are three types of Open mats—those with one, two, or three sections.

Open mats do not display number problems.

NoteRemind students that when they stamp a large quantity of objects on a manipulatives mat, Math Tool Chest will take a little longer to perform operations.

Jump Start

1. Students click a counter.

2. Then they click the mat to stamp the counter.

When students use an Open mat with two or three sections, they can stamp counters in each or drag counters between them. The total number of counters appears in the number box near the bottom of the mat or at the side of the sections.

Stamping More Than One CounterStudents can stamp up to 500 counters.

Using Counters Addition MatsThe Addition mat is divided into three sections—the top two for addends and the bottom for the sum.

For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Counters mats, see The Counters Button Bar later in this chapter.

Jump Start

1. In the top two parts of the mat, students stamp counters they want to add.

2. Then they click the Answer button to have Math Tool Chest solve the problem. The program automatically drags the counters to the bottom part of the mat and solves the problem.

3. If the number box switch is up, the answer displays.

Solving ProblemsWhen solving a problem, students can click the number box switch to hide the answer.

1. Students stamp counters in the top parts of the mat.

2. Then, using the Select (Move) button, they drag the counters they want to add to the bottom (sum) part of the mat. The counters at the top of the mat change to look almost transparent.

3. If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch to show the answer.


Using Counters Subtraction MatsStudents use the Counters Subtraction mat to explore the concept of subtraction.


Solving Problems

1. Students stamp any number of counters on the mat.

2. They click the Subtract button at the bottom of the mat.

3. Students place the cursor on the counter they want to subtract.

4. When an outline appears around the counter, students click the counter to subtract it.

5. When they solve the subtraction problem, the question mark in the number box disappears. If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch.


Adding Back a Subtracted CounterAfter students subtract a counter, it becomes almost transparent. To restore a counter they subtracted, students click it. The counter looks solid again, and the answer reflects the change in value.

Using Counters Multiplication MatsThe Counters Multiplication mat holds groups in which students stamp counters to multiply.


Jump Start

1. Students place groups on the mat to change the multiplier in the number problem.

2. Then students stamp counters inside a group to put the counters on the mat.

3. Math Tool Chest automatically multiplies the counters and solves the problem.



1. Students stamp groups of counters on the mat.

2. Then students select a group of counters and drag them to the bottom of the mat.

3. When students solve the multiplication problem, the question mark in the number box disappears. If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch.

Stamping More Than One CounterStudents can include a maximum of 50 counters in each group.

Adding GroupsWhen students add a group, a new group with identical counters appears on the mat. Students can use up to 10 groups with a maximum of 50 counters in each.

1. Students click the Group button at the top of the mat.2. Then they click the mat to add the new group.

Removing Groups

1. Students click Erase on the Button Bar.2. Then they click an empty spot in the group they want to remove.

Changing the Content of GroupsWhen students add or remove a counter from one group, the identical counter is added or removed from all groups on the mat.

Using Counters Division MatsThe Counters Division mat has two parts—the top for the dividend and the bottom for the answer, including the remainder.


Jump Start

1. Students stamp the number of counters they want to divide (the dividend) in the top part of the mat.

2. Then they click a division method and specify the number to divide by (the divisor) in the box at bottom left.

3. They click the Answer button to have Math Tool Chest solve the problem. Math Tool Chest automatically moves the counters to the bottom part of the mat and solves the problem. Any remainder appears in the Remainder box.



1. Students stamp counters to show the dividend.

2. Then they click the circle next to In a Group or Groups at the bottom of the mat.

3. If students click In a Group, they use the arrows on the bottom left of the mat to select a divisor or the number of counters to place in each group. If students select Groups, they use the arrows on the bottom left of the mat to select the number of groups in which to place an equal amount of counters.

4. Students drag the counters to the bottom part of the mat.

5. Students should drag any remainder to the Remainder box.

6. When students solve a problem, the question mark in the number box disappears. If students hid the answer, they can click the number box switch to check their work.

Changing the Dividend and DivisorStudents change the dividend by stamping counters or by clicking the arrows next to the dividend in the number problem at the bottom of the mat. Students can use a value up to 100 for the dividend. Students change the divisor by clicking the arrows next to the divisor in the number problem or by changing the number next to In a Group or Groups. Students can use a value up to 10 for the divisor. A maximum of 100 counters can display.

The Counters Button BarThe Counters Button Bar offers nine buttons for students to use. Five buttons—Mat Type, Select, Flip, and Stamp—perform functions specific to the Counters tool. The Start

Over, Eraser, Camera, Paint, and Undo buttons appear whenever any tool except the Calculator is open. The Camera button appears for every tool except Calculator.

For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Paint, Undo, and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Mat TypeStudents click Mat Type on the Button Bar to open the Mat Type window and select a mat to use. There are five types of Counters mats: Open, Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division. A filled circle indicates the selection. See Selecting a Mat Type earlier in this chapter for details on types of mats.

SelectStudents use Select to choose a counter on which to perform an action.


2. Then they click a counter and click a button to perform an action on it. Or, they drag the counter to move it. Students can select more than one counter by dragging an outline around the counters. Selected counters appear highlighted.

FlipStudents click Flip to turn the counters to face the opposite direction.

1. Students click Flip on the Button Bar.

2. Then they click the counter they want to flip. The counter flips and changes color.

EraseStudents use Erase to remove counters from the mat.

1. Students click Erase on the Button Bar. When the cursor is moved over the mat, it changes to an eraser.

2. Students click the counters they want to erase.

StampStudents click the Stamp button, and then click a counter and stamp it on the mat.

Graphs

Level 1

The Graphs tool allows students to use graphs to organize, analyze, and compare data using various methods and formats.

Using GraphsThe Graphs tool can create bar graphs and pictographs displayed in horizontal or verticalformats. Graphs can be titled and labeled at each axis and at individual bars.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Graphs tool to open it.

2. Students begin working with a vertical bar graph, click the View Dial button to change to a horizontal graph, or click the Pictograph button to make a pictograph.

3. Next they can set a scale for their graph.

4. Students click in the boxes to type a title for the graph, and to label the bars and each axis.

5. Then they click a picture or square in the stamp tray and click the graph to stamp it.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of all graphs. It contains tools that students need to work with Math Tool Chest.


Stamping Squares and PicturesThe stamp tray at the right of each graph provides six colored squares for bar graphs and 48 pictures for pictographs. Students click the arrows at the bottom of the tray to see all the stamps. The forward arrow dims and becomes inactive when students reach the last pictograph in the tray.

Students click a square or picture in the tray. A black border appears around the selected stamp. Students click a column to stamp the image in a graph. The stamp remains selected until students click a different one or click a button.

Students can stamp squares or pictures in boxes one at a time, or they can click in the highest box desired and Math Tool Chest will automatically fill the boxes below.

Labeling GraphsAll graphs have boxes where students can type graph titles and labels for each axis and bar. When students click in the vertical label box, the box turns horizontal so that students can easily read what they type. The box returns to vertical after students click outside the box. To remove an existing label, students can click inside the label box, highlight the label, and press Delete (Macintosh) or Backspace (Windows).

Setting the ScaleStudents can set the scale on each graph they create. The scale is set differently for eachgraph type.

Bar Graph ScaleStudents can set the scale to 1s, 2s, 5s, or 10s. When the Graphs tool is first opened, the scale is set to 1. Students can change the scale by clicking the yellow arrow on the scale column.

Scales for bar graphs:

o 1s – for a range of 0 to 10. Each box in a barstands for 1 unit.

o 2s – for a range of 0 to 20. Each box in a barstands for 2 units.

o 5s – for a range of 0 to 50. Each box in a barstands for 5 units.

o 10s – for a range of 0 to 100. Each box in a

bar stands for 10 units.

Pictograph ScaleStudents set the scale by selecting a number value for the pictures they stamp in their graph. Students can change the scale by clicking the arrow at the bottom of the graph. The number in the box changes each time students click the arrow.

Scales for pictographs:

o 1 – for a range of 0 to 10. Each box in a barstands for 1 unit.

o 2 – for a range of 0 to 20. Each box in a barstands for 2 units

o 5 – for a range of 0 to 50. Each box in a barstands for 5 units.

o 10 – for a range of 0 to 100. Each box in abar stands for 10 units.

Graphs

Level 2

The Graphs tool allows students to organize data and record mathematical information in bar, line, circle, and coordinate graphs. The graph format allows students to easily identify data and trends. Students can create graphs by using Quick Link to import data generated in the Math Tool Chest Probability tools or in the Tables tool. Students can also start with a blank graph and supply their own data.

Graph TypeThe Graph Type screen appears when students click the Graphs tool on the Tool Strip. It allows students to choose one of four graph types. A filled circle indicates the selection.

Bar GraphStudents click the box to select a bar graph.

Circle GraphStudents click the box to select a circle graph.

Line GraphStudents click the box to select a line graph.

Coordinate GraphStudents click the box to select a coordinate graph.

Function GraphStudents click the box to select a function graph.

Working with GraphsQuick-Linking Graph DataQuick Link is used to link graph data to a table or to another graph. Students first click the Quick Link button and then click Bar Graph, Line Graph, Circle Graph, or Table on the screen that appears. The current graph data is automatically transferred to another graph or to a table, and then the new graph or table is displayed.

NoteWhen students create more than one graph, Math Tool Chest places new graphs directly on top of existing ones. Students will need to drag the top graph to one side to see the others.

Moving a Graph WindowTo move the Graph window, students drag the border and place the window.

Resizing a Graph WindowStudents can make the Graph window smaller or larger by dragging the resize box at the bottom right corner.

Using Bar Graphs

The Bar Graph window can appear in several variations depending on the options selected on the Graph Setup screen.

Changing Bar ValuesStudents change the bar value by clicking a bar and dragging the small box that appears.

Changing the Scale of the AxisTo change the scale of the bar graph, students click the arrows that appear on the scale number box near the numbered axis. The scale changes as students click the arrow. Students can set a scale between 10 and 100,000 units.

NoteStudents can move through the scale number box more quickly by holding the mouse on the arrow in the box.

Changing LabelsTo add or change labels in the bar graph, students click in a label box. When the blinking cursor appears, students can type a label up to 25 characters long. To remove an existing label, students highlight the label and press Delete.

Using Line GraphsThe Line Graph window can appear in different variations, depending on the options selected in the Graph Setup screen.

Changing Point ValuesStudents change the value of a point by dragging it.

Changing the Scale of the AxisTo change the scale of the line graph, students click the arrows that appear on the scale number box near the numbered axis. The scale changes as students click the arrow. Students can set a scale between 10 and 100,000 units.

Changing LabelsTo add or change labels in the line graph, students click in a label box. When the blinking cursor appears, students can type a label up to 25 characters long. To remove an existing label, students highlight the label and press Delete.

Using Circle GraphsThe Circle Graph window can appear in different variations, depending on the options selected in the Graph Setup screen.

Changing Wedge ValuesTo change the value of a wedge, students drag the small circle at the marked point.

Changing LabelsTo add or change labels in the circle graph, students click in the key at the lower right to make a label box appear. When the blinking cursor appears, students type a label up to 25 characters long. To remove an existing label, students highlight it and press Delete.

Using Coordinate GraphsThe Coordinate Graph window can appear slightly different, depending on the options selected in the Graph Setup screen.

Adding Points to a Coordinate GraphTo add points, students click the appropriate part of the graph. Points appear in different colors, and if Show Ordered Pairs is turned on, point coordinates appear in matching colors next to the point. Students can add up to 50 points.

Quick-Linking Coordinate Graph DataWhen students use Quick Link to link to a table, the numbers from the horizontal axis of the coordinate graph appear in the first column of the table and those from the vertical axis appear in the second column.

Using Function GraphsThe Line Graph window can appear in different variations, depending on the options selected in the Graph Setup screen.

Adding Points to a Function GraphTo add points, students click the appropriate part of the graph. Points appear in different locations, with a red line connecting them. The ordered pair appears to the right of each point. Students can add up to 50 points.

Quick-Linking Function Graph DataWhen students use Quick Link to link to a table, the numbers from the horizontal axis of the function graph appear in the first column of the table and those from the vertical axis appear in the second column.

The Graphs Button BarThe Graphs Button Bar displays above all Graph windows and offers students up to nine buttons. Five buttons—Setup, Select, Add, Delete, and Move—perform functions specific to Graphs. The Move button is not available when students work with circle graphs. The Start Over, Eraser, Camera, Paint, and Undo buttons appear whenever any tool except the Calculator is open. For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Paint, Undo, and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Setting Up GraphsStudents click Setup on the Button Bar to open the Setup screen for the current graph. Students use the Setup screen to select a different graph type and to change the settings of the selected graph.

NoteStudents cannot switch to a coordinate or function graph through the Setup button on the Button Bar. They must click the Graphs tool on the Tool Strip.

Bar Graph SetupThe Bar Graph Setup screen allows students to change bar graph settings or to choose a different type of graph.

Graph TypeStudents select the type of graph they want to use. A filled circle indicates which graph type is selected.

Type of Bar GraphStudents can choose bar graph types. Filled circles indicate selections.

HorizontalThe graph appears with horizontal bars. Students can use Horizontal with either a single- or multiple-bar graph.

VerticalThe graph appears with vertical bars. Students can use Vertical with either a single- or multiple bar graph.

SingleThe graph appears with a single bar in each column or row. Students can use Single with either a horizontal or vertical bar graph.

MultipleWhen students select a number using the arrows next to the number box, the graph displays a corresponding number of bars within each column or row. Students can select up to five bars with either a horizontal or vertical bar graph.

Graph OptionsTwo graph options are available for bar graphs. A filled circle indicates the selected option.

Show Bar ValuesWhen students click this box, the value of each bar appears on the graph.

Show GridWhen students click this box, a background grid appears on the graph.

Value OptionTwo value options are available for bar graphs when students have already clicked Show Bar Values. A filled circle indicates the selected option.

Whole NumberWhen students click here, the program displays graph bar values rounded to the nearest whole number.

DecimalWhen students click here, the program displays graph bar numbers in decimal form.

Line Graph SetupThe Line Graph Setup screen allows students to change line graph settings or to choose a different type of graph.

Graph TypeStudents select the type of graph they want. A filled circle indicates the selection.

Type of Line GraphWhen students select Line Graph, they can choose from two types. A filled circle indicates the selected type.

SingleWhen students click here, the graph appears with a single line.

MultipleWhen students click here and select a number using the arrows next to the number box, the graph appears with the set number of lines. Students can select from two to five lines, and each will appear in a different color.

Graph OptionsTwo graph options are available for line graphs.A checked box indicates the selected option.

Show Point ValuesWhen students click this box, the value of each point appears above it.

Show GridWhen students click this box, a background grid appears on the graph.

Value OptionTwo value options are available for line graphs when students click Show Point Values. A filled circle indicates the selected option.

Whole NumberWhen students click here, the program displays graph bar values rounded to the nearest whole number.

DecimalWhen students click here, the program displays graph bar numbers in decimal form.

Circle Graph SetupThe Circle Graph Setup screen allows students to change circle graph settings or to choose a different type of graph.

Graph TypeStudents select the type of graph they want. A filled circle indicates the selected type.

Format of Circle Graph

When students select Circle Graph, they can choose from three formats. A filled circle indicates the selected format.

PercentWhen students click here, the total graph value is 100 percent and wedge values are shown as percentages.

FractionsWhen students click here, the total graph value is one unit and wedge values are shown asfractions.

Whole NumberWhen students click here, they can set the total graph value. Students can enter a total value from 1 to 100,000. The program is preset to 12.

Graph OptionsOne graph option is available for circle graphs. A checked box indicates that it is selected.

Show Wedge ValuesWhen students click this box, the value of each wedge appears in the selected format.

Coordinate Graph SetupThe Coordinate Graph Setup screen allows students to change coordinate graph settings and to choose different types of coordinate graphs.

NoteStudents choose a coordinate graph through the Graph Type screen when they click the Graphs tool.

Type of Coordinate GraphStudents select the type of graph they want. A filled circle indicates the selection.

Students click here to select a one-quadrant coordinate graph with a range of 0 to 10 on each axis.

Students click here to select a four-quadrant coordinate graph with a range of -10 to 10 oneach axis.

Students click here to select a one-quadrant coordinate graph with a range of 0 to 20 oneach axis.

Students click here to select a four-quadrant coordinate graph with a range of -20 to 20 oneach axis.

Graph OptionsTwo graph options are available for coordinate graphs. Checked boxes indicate the selected option.

Show Ordered PairsWhen students click here, ordered pairs appear next to the corresponding points on the graph.Connect PointsWhen students click here, the points on the graph are connected in the order in which they were added.

SelectStudents use Select on the Graphs Button Bar to change the values of a bar, a wedge, or a point on bar, circle, or line graphs, and to change the location of a coordinate on a coordinate graph. In addition, students use Select to choose a label they want to add or change.


2. If students are working with a bar graph, they click the bar they want to change.

3. Then, to change the value of a bar, point, or wedge, or to change a coordinate location, students drag the point or box.

4. To add or change text in a label, students click the label box they want to change. Students drag the cursor to highlight existing text and remove it by pressing the Delete key (Macintosh) or the Backspace key (Windows).Then they can type new text. Labels can contain up to 25 characters, including spaces.

AddStudents use Add to insert bars, wedges, points, or coordinates on graphs.

1. Students click Add on the Button Bar. The cursor changes to a plus sign in a box.

2. Then students click a location to place a bar, wedge, line, or coordinate. The new item appears on the graph.

3. Students use Select to change the value of the new bar, point, or wedge, or to change the location of a coordinate pair.

Bar Graph TipsWhen students add a bar, the new bar appears with a value of zero immediately to the left of where they click.

Line Graph TipsWhen students add a point, the new point appears with a value of zero immediately to the left of where they click.

Circle Graph TipsWhen students add a wedge, the new wedge appears with a value of zero.

Coordinate Graph TipsEach time students add a point, the new point appears in one of 10 different colors. If students add a point between two intersecting lines of the grid, the new point moves to the intersection. Students can use only integer values in coordinate graphs.

DeleteStudents use Delete to remove bars, wedges, lines, or coordinates from graphs.

1. Students click Delete on the Button Bar. The cursor changes to a minus sign in a box.

2. Then students click the object they want to remove.

Bar Graph Tips

When students delete a bar, the remaining bars stay in order and shift left. If the bar on the far right is deleted, the bars shift right.

Line Graph TipsWhen students delete a point on a line, the points on either side are connected and shift left. If the point on the far right is deleted, the points shift right.

Circle Graph TipsWhen students delete a wedge, the value of the deleted wedge is added to the value of abordering wedge.

MoveStudents use Move to relocate bars, points, or coordinates on graphs. Move is not available with circle graphs.

1. Students click Move on the Button Bar. The cursor changes to a hand.

2. Students drag and place the object they want to move.

Fractions

Level 1

The Fractions tool allows students to create graphical examples of fractional relationships. Students can show a fraction as part of a shape or as part of a set.

Using FractionsStudents use a shape to show fractions by dividing up the shape and coloring some of the parts. Students use sets to show fractions by placing a group of stamps on the mat and coloring some of them.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Fractions tool to open it.

2. Students can work with Parts of a Shape or click a button to choose Parts of a Set.

3. Then they click a picture or shape in the stamp tray and place it by clicking the mat.

4. If students are working with a shape, they click More Parts to divide it.

5. Students use Paint Dots and the Mop to color part of a shape or to color individual stamps in a set.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of the Fractions mat. It contains tools that students can use to work with Math Tool Chest.


Stamping Shapes and PicturesThe stamp tray at the right of the Fractions mat provides 12 shapes or pictures. Students click the arrows at the bottom of the tray to see more shapes or pictures. The forward arrow dims and becomes inactive when students reach the last set of stamps.

Students click a shape in the tray to make it appear on the mat. To stamp a picture, students first click the Parts of a Set button. Next, students click a picture in the tray, and then place it by clicking the mat. A red border appears around the selected picture in the tray. The picture remains selected until students click a different one or click a button.

NoteMath Tool Chest will not allow students to stamp one block directly on top of another or stamp too close to the mat’s edge.

Fractions ButtonsThe Fractions tool provides these buttons: Select, Parts of a Shape, More Parts, Fewer Parts, Parts of a Set, and Paint Dots and the Mop.NoteNote

To hear the name of a button, students hold the cursor over it.

MoveStudents click Move to move stamps on the mat. The cursor changes to a pointing finger. A red line highlights each stamp as the cursor moves over it. When the stamp is clicked, the red line turns blue. The stamp can now be dragged and placed. The blue outline remains around the stamp until another one is selected or another button is clicked.

Students can only use Move with Parts of a Set.

Parts of a ShapeIf students are working with Parts of a Set, they can click Parts of a Shape to make fractions with shapes.

More PartsStudents click More Parts to increase the number of sections.

Fewer PartsStudents click Fewer Parts to remove sections.

Parts of a SetStudents click Parts of a Set to make fractions with stamps.

Paint Dots and the MopStudents use Paint Dots and the Mop to add and remove colors from parts of shapes and from picture stamps. Students click a paint dot and apply the color by clicking a part of a shape or a picture stamp. To change the color of parts or stamps, students click a paint dot and then click the colored area. All the colored parts or all the stamps fill with the new color.

To remove color from a shape or stamp, students click the Mop and then click the colored area. The color disappears from the area or from the colored stamps.

Recording and Checking AnswersTwo boxes appear at the bottom of Fractions mats: the Typing Box and the Answer Box.

The Typing BoxThe Typing Box provides an area for students to type the numerator and denominator of the fraction they created with the shape or set on the mat.

When students first open the Fractions mat, the box is closed. When students click the Typing Box, a blinking cursor appears inside at the top of the box indicating that they can type the numerator. Students must tab down or click the bottom of the box to type the denominator.

If students make a mistake in the Typing Box, they can highlight the text and then press Delete (Macintosh) or Backspace (Windows). Then they can type another response.

The Answer BoxThe Answer Box shows the numerator and denominator of the fraction students have created. When students first open the mat, the box is closed.

If the Fractions mat is empty, the Answer Box is blank. After students divide a shape or stamp pictures, the Answer Box shows 0 as the numerator and shows the number of parts in the shape, or the number of pictures on the mat, as the denominator. After students color parts of the shape or parts of the set, the numerator changes from 0 to the number of colored parts.

After students type their fraction in the Typing Box, they can check it by clicking the Answer Box.The Answer Box closes automatically when students change the fraction on the mat.

Working with Parts of a ShapeDividing ShapesWhen students first enter Fractions, the Parts of a Shape button is selected and shapes appear in the stamp tray. Students click a shape in the tray to stamp it on the mat.

Only one shape can appear on the Fractions mat at a time.

Students click More Parts or Fewer Parts to increase or reduce the number of sections. The buttons dim and become unavailable when the shape is divided into as many parts as Math Tool Chest allows or when the shape is whole.

Students can create different fractions with each shape. For example, if students stamp a rhombus and then click More Parts, it divides in half. If students click More Parts again, it divides into thirds, and if they click again it divides into fourths. The chart below shows the fractions that can be made with each shape.

Coloring Parts of ShapesStudents can show fractions by coloring parts of shapes with Paint Dots. Once the shape has been divided, students click a paint dot and then click a part to fill it with that color. Students can color other parts in the same way.To remove color from a shape, students click the Mop and then click the colored part. The color disappears from the entire section. To make the shape a different color, students click a paint dot and then click a colored area. All parts with the old color fill with the new color.

NoteStudents can use only one color in a shape.

Working with Parts of a SetCreating SetsTo make a set, students click a picture in the stamp tray and then click the mat several times to stamp a group of pictures. Students can stamp only one kind of picture on the Fractions mat at a time. For example, if students stamp dogs on the mat and then stamp a cat, all the dogs will become cats.

Students can put up to nine stamps on the Fractions mat at a time. If they try to add more, Math Tool Chest displays a warning message.NoteNote


Coloring Parts of SetsStudents can show fractions by coloring pictures with Paint Dots. After students stamp pictures on the mat, they can click a paint dot and then click a picture to fill it with that color.

To remove color, students click the Mop and then click a picture. To make pictures a different color, students click a new paint dot and then click a colored picture. All the pictures with the old color fill with the new color.

NoteWhen working with a set, students can use only one color.

Fractions

Level 2

Using Fractions Open MatsThere are three types of Open mats—those with one, two, or three sections.

Open mats do not display number sentences at the bottom of the mat. A number box at the bottom of an Open mat displays the total value of the fraction strips and their lowest common denominator. Students click the number box at the bottom of the screen to switch between displaying the answer as an improper fraction and as a mixed number.

Younger learners find Open mats especially helpful for exploring the concepts behind fractions.

For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Fractions mats, see The Fractions Button Bar in this chapter.

Solving Problems

1. Students click a fraction strip.

2. Then they click the mat to stamp the strip. If students use an Open mat with two or three sections, they can stamp fraction strips in each. The total value of the fraction strips in each section appears in the number box near the bottom of the mat or at the side of the sections. Students can drag fraction strips from one section to another.

3. Students can select several fraction strips and use Trade Up and Trade Down to convert them to different but equal fraction strips.

Stamping More Than One Fraction StripStudents can stamp a maximum of 500 strips.

Showing or Hiding Fraction Strip ValuesThe number box appears on the side of two- and three-section Open mats. Students click the switch on the number box to show or hide the value of fraction strips.

Switching the Answer from a Mixed Number to an Improper FractionStudents click the number box to change the answer to an improper fraction or a mixed number. Students click the box again to change the answer back.

Using Fractions Addition MatsThe Fractions Addition mat is divided into three parts—the top two parts are for addends and the bottom part is for the sum. For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Fractions mats, see The Fractions Button Bar in this chapter.

NoteThe question mark in the number box disappears only after students convert all the fraction strips to a common denominator.

Jump Start1. In the top two parts of the mat, students stamp fractions they want to add.

2. Then they click the Answer button to have Math Tool Chest solve the problem. The program automatically drags the fraction strips to the bottom part of the mat and renames them just as students would when adding on paper.

3. If the number box switch is up, the answer is displayed.

Solving Problems1. Students stamp fractions they want to add in the top two parts of the mat.

2. To have Math Tool Chest solve the problem, students click Answer.

3. To solve the problem themselves, students click Select and drag the addend strips to the bottom (sum) part of the mat. The fraction strips at the top of the mat become almost transparent.

4. Students use Rename, Trade Up, or Trade Down to give all the strips a common denominator.

5. The question mark in the number box disappears (students may need to click the Answer button first). If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch.

Stamping More Than One StripStudents can stamp a maximum of 500 strips.

Switching the Answer from a Mixed Number to an Improper FractionStudents click the number box to change an answer to either an improper fraction or a mixed number. Students click the box again to change the answer back.

Using Fractions Subtraction MatsStudents use the Fractions Subtraction mat to experiment with the principles of subtraction.

For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with the Fractions mat, see The Fractions Button Bar in this chapter.

Solving Problems1. Students stamp fraction strips on the mat.

2. Students can use Trade Up or Trade Down to modify the strips. They can also select a fraction strip and then click Rename.

3. Then they click the Subtract button at the bottom of the mat.

4. Students place the cursor on the mat fraction strip they want to subtract.

5. When an outline appears around the strip, students click the strip to subtract it.

6. If the number box switch is up, the answer displays. If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch.

Stamping More Than One StripStudents can stamp a maximum of 500 strips.

Adding Back a Subtracted StripAfter students subtract a strip, it becomes almost transparent. To restore the strip, students click it. The strip looks solid again, and the answer reflects the change in value.

Switching the Answer from a Mixed Number to an Improper FractionStudents click the number box to change an answer to either an improper fraction or a mixed number. Students click the box again to change the answer back.

Showing or Hiding the AnswerStudents click the switch on the number box to show or hide the answer.

The Fractions Button BarThe Fractions Button Bar offers 12 buttons for students to use. Six buttons—Mat Type, Rename, Select, Eraser, Stamp, Trade Up, and Trade Down—perform functions specific to fractions. The Start Over, Eraser, Camera, Paint, and Undo buttons appear whenever any tool except the Calculator is open. The Camera button appears for every tool except Calculator.

For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Undo, Paint, and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Mat TypeStudents click Mat Type on the Button Bar to open the Mat Type window and select one of three Fractions mats: Open, Addition, or Subtraction. A filled circle indicates the selection.

For details on types of mats, see Selecting a Mat Type earlier in this chapter.

RenameStudents use Rename to change a fraction to an equivalent with a lower denominator. Denominator choices vary depending on the fraction strip selected.

1. Students click Select on the Button Bar and click the fraction strip they want to rename.

2. Students click Rename on the Button Bar. The Rename window appears.

3. Students click a fraction choice in the Rename window and click OK.

SelectStudents use Select to choose a fraction strip.


2. Then they click a fraction strip and click a button to perform an action on it. Or, they can drag the fraction strip to move it. Students can select more than one fraction strip by dragging an outline around the strips. Selected strips have a highlighted outline.

EraserStudents use Eraser to remove fraction strips from the mat.

1. Students click Eraser on the Button Bar. When the cursor is moved over the mat, it changes to an eraser.

2. Students click the fraction strip they want to erase.

StampStudents use Stamp to click fraction strips and place them on the mat.

Trade UpStudents use Trade Up to automatically rename fraction strips to an equivalent with a lower denominator.

1. Students click Trade Up on the Button Bar.

2. Then they click the strips they want to trade up. Students can select fraction strips by clicking them individually or by dragging an outline around them.

For example:If students click Trade Up and then select two fraction strips, the two 1/4 strips are automatically converted, or traded up, to one 1/2 fraction strip.

Trade DownStudents use Trade Down to automatically rename fraction strips to an equivalent fraction with a higher denominator.

1. Students click Trade Down on the Button Bar.

2. Then they click the strip they want to trade down.

For example:If students click Trade Down and then select one 1/2 fraction strip, the strip is automatically converted, or traded down, to two 1/4 fraction strips.

Attributes

The Attributes tool allows students to use models to create patterns and to display mathematical similarities and differences.

Using AttributesThe Attributes tool allows students to organize, count, measure, and group different shapes, or attribute blocks.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Attributes tool to open it.

2. Students work on the Open mat or click a button to choose one or two sorting rings.

3. Then they click an attribute block in the stamp tray and click the mat to stamp it.

4. Students click Move to drag blocks on the mat to practice grouping, organizing,counting, sorting, and making patterns.

5. Students click Measure to measure the attribute blocks on the mat.

NoteWhen students switch between the Open mat, one sorting ring, and two sorting rings, all shapes and measuring objects on the mat remain unchanged. To remove all items from the mat, students must click Start Over in the Button Tray.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of each Attributes mat. It contains tools that students need to work with Math Tool Chest.


Stamping Attribute BlocksThe stamp tray at the right of the Attributes mat provides 48 attribute blocks in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Students click the arrows at the bottom of the tray to see all the blocks. The forward arrow dims and becomes inactive when students reach the last group of stamps.

To stamp an attribute block, students click a block in the tray and then click the mat where they want the block to appear. A black border appears around theselected attribute block in the tray. The block remains selected until students click a different one or click a button.Note

NoteMath Tool Chest will not allow students to stamp one block directly on top of another or stamp too close to the mat’s edge.

Attributes ButtonsThe Attributes tool provides the following buttons: Move, Open Mat, One Sorting Ring, Two Sorting Rings, and Measure.

MoveStudents click Move to move attribute blocks on the mat. The cursor changes to a pointing finger. A red line highlights each attribute block as the cursor moves over it. When the attribute block is clicked, the red line turns blue. The attribute block can nowbe dragged and placed. The blue outline remains around the attribute block until another one is selected or another button is clicked.

Open MatWhen students first enter Attributes, the Open mat displays. Students can click the One Sorting Ring button or the Two Sorting Rings button to add rings to the mat. They can click Open Mat to remove the rings from the mat.

One Sorting RingStudents can click One Sorting Ring to display one sorting ring on the mat.

Two Sorting RingsStudents can click Two Sorting Rings to display two sorting rings on the mat.

MeasureStudents can measure the height and width of the shapes on the mat in customary units (inches or centimeters) or non-standard units such as ants, paper clips, crayons, or shells.

When students click Measure, a selection screen appears where they can choose a horizontal or vertical ruler or object. Students can click a ruler or object to select it, or click Cancel to return to the mat without selecting a measuring object.

To use the ruler or object, students click the mat to stamp it. They can then use Move to drag the ruler or object and align it with the edge of the shape they want to measure.

Students can continue to click the mat to place rulers or objects along the bottom or the side of the shape to be measured.

NoteTo hear the name of a button, students hold the cursor over it.

Using the Attributes Open WorkmatThe Attributes Open workmat helps students practice counting, grouping, and creating patterns.

When students first enter Attributes, the Open mat displays. Students click an attribute block in the stamp tray and then click the mat to stamp the block. Students can then click Move to drag blocks on the mat to create different patterns and groupings.

Using One Sorting RingStudents use one sorting ring to practice sorting by shape, size, or color. For example, students may place all the green blocks inside the ring and leave the other colored blocks outside.To use one sorting ring, students click the One Sorting Ring button to display a single ring on the mat. They click an attribute block in the stamp tray and then click the mat to stamp the block. Students can then click Move to drag blocks into or out of the ring to create different groupings.

Using Two Sorting RingsTwo sorting rings are used to practice sorting by two attributes: shape and color, shape and size, or color and size. For example, students may place all the large green blocks in one ring, the small green blocks in another, and leave the other colored blocks outside the rings.

Students start by clicking the Two Sorting Rings button to display two rings on the mat. They click an attribute block in the stamp tray and then click the mat to stamp the block.

Students can then click Move to drag blocks into or out of the rings to create different groupings.

Place Value

The Place Value tool uses models to introduce and reinforce understanding of place value. Students can stamp, move, group, and regroup place-value blocks on three types of workmats and on a Place Value Chart.

Using Place ValueThe Place Value tool lets students practice grouping, organizing, counting, adding, and subtracting.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Place Value tool to open it.

2. Students click a workmat type on the Place Value selection screen.

3. Then they click a place-value block in the stamp tray and click the mat to stamp it.

The Button Tray

The Button Tray appears in the upper left area of all Place Value workmats. It contains tools for using Math Tool Chest.


Choosing a WorkmatThere are four workmat types: Open, Place Value Chart, Addition, and Subtraction. At the Place Value selection screen, students select a mat type or click Cancel to return to the Tools menu.

Each workmat lets students practice specific math skills. For example, the Open workmat lets students practice regrouping, and the Addition and Subtraction workmats let students practice adding and subtracting. The Place Value Chart is especially useful for introducing students to the concept of place value.

Stamping Place-Value BlocksThe stamp tray at the right of each Place Value mat provides a 1s block, a 10s block, and a 100s block for students to stamp on the mat.

To stamp a block, students first click a block in the tray. A black border appears around the selected block. Then students click the mat where they want the block to appear. The block remains selected until students click a different block or button.NoteNote


Place Value ButtonsThe Place Value mat type determines which buttons are available. For example, the Open mat has three buttons, Move, Trade Up, and Trade Down. The Addition and Subtraction mats offer more buttons.

MoveTo move place-value blocks on the mat, students click Move. The cursor changes to a pointing finger. A red line highlights each block as the cursor moves over it. When the block is clicked, the red line turns blue. The block can now be dragged and placed.The blue outline remains around the block until another one is selected or another button is clicked.

Trade UpStudents use Trade Up to regroup selected placevalue blocks to a larger block. For example, students can regroup ten 1s blocks into one 10s block.

Students click Trade Up, click the blocks they want to regroup, and click Trade Up again.

Trade Down

Students use Trade Down to regroup selected place value blocks to smaller blocks. For example, students can regroup one 10s block into ten 1s blocks. Students click Trade Down, click the block they want to regroup, and then click Trade Down again.

Students can select several blocks at once by dragging the mouse to create an outline box around the blocks.NoteNote


Recording and Checking AnswersTwo boxes appear at the bottom of each mat: the Typing Box and the Answer Box.

The Typing BoxThe Typing Box provides an area for students to type answers. When students first open the mat, the box is closed. When students click the Typing Box, a blinking cursor appears inside the box indicating that they can type their answer.

The Typing Box closes automatically when students change the number of place-value blocks on the mat.

If students make a mistake in the Typing Box, they can highlight the text and press Delete (Macintosh) or Backspace (Windows) to erase their answer. Then they can type another response.

The Answer BoxThe Answer Box shows the total number of counters on the mat. Students click the Answer Box to check their work once they have entered a solution in the Typing Box.

The Answer Box closes automatically when students change the number of place-value blocks on the mat.

Using the Place Value Open WorkmatThe Open workmat helps students learn how to count, regroup, and combine place-value blocks.

To use the Open mat, students click a place-value block in the stamp tray and then click the mat to place the block. Students can click Move to arrange blocks on the mat in order of place value and then type the answer in the Typing Box.

After students have stamped a block on the mat, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. Students can click the Answer Box to see the total value of the blocks they have stamped on the mat.

Using the Place Value ChartStudents click a place-value block in the stamp tray and then click the appropriate column in the chart to stamp the block. Math Tool Chest will not allow students to stamp a block in the wrong column. Students can then click Move to make room for more blocks, and check the tally boxes to see how many blocks are stamped in each column.

The tally boxes at the bottom of each column show students the total number of hundreds, tens, and ones blocks in the chart. As students stamp, erase, or regroup blocks, the numbers in the boxes change to show the current number of stamps in each column.

To regroup blocks and change the numbers in the tally boxes, students click Trade Up or Trade Down, click a block or blocks in the chart, and click Trade Up or Trade Down again. When students regroup, the new block or blocks appear in the correctcolumn in the chart.

Using the Place Value Addition WorkmatThe Addition workmat has three parts—A, B, and Sum—and an addition sentence at the bottom. As students stamp place-value blocks in parts A and B, the value of the blocks appears in the number sentence at the bottom of the mat.

SumStudents click Sum to automatically add all of the blocks in parts A and B. When students click Sum, the sum becomes available in the Answer Box at the bottom of the mat. Students write the answer in the Typing Box and click the Answer Box to checktheir work.

Sum is only available on the Addition mat.

To find the sum, students can use these options:

- click Sum- click Move and drag place-value blocks to the Sum area- click Move and drag a group of blocks to the Sum area

After students have dragged all of the blocks to the Sum area, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. When students drag place-value blocks to the Sum Area, dimmed blocks remain in parts A and B to help students visualize the original addition problem.

The numbers in the addition sentence at the bottom of the mat reflect the addition problem on the mat.

NoteStudents can select several place-value blocks at once by dragging the mouse to create an outline box around the blocks.

Using the Place Value Subtraction WorkmatThe Subtraction workmat looks similar to the Open workmat and has a subtraction sentence at the bottom. As students stamp place-value blocks on the mat, the total value of the blocks appears in the first term of the subtraction sentence. Students can use Move to arrange blocks on the mat to easily count how many of each kind they stamped.

SubtractTo remove blocks from the total on the mat, students first click Subtract. The cursor changes to a minus sign and students click blocks to subtract them. Subtracted blocks appear dimmed on the mat and the second term in the subtraction sentence changes to reflect the value of clicked blocks. The cursor remains as a minus sign until students clickanother block or button.

When students subtract blocks, the number inside the Answer Box changes to reflect the subtracted amount. Students can click the Answer Box at any time to see the answer.Note

Note

Subtract is only available on the Subtraction mat.

Money

Level 1

The Money tool introduces and reinforces bill and coin identification. It allows students to explore value, make change, and add and subtract. Students can stamp, identify, organize, group, and regroup money amounts on Open, Addition, and Subtraction mats.

Using MoneyWhen students click Money on the Tools Menu, the menu disappears and the Money selection screen displays, allowing students to choose a workmat. Students can work with dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies.

Getting Started

1. Students click a mat type on the Money selection screen.

2. Then they click a coin or bill in the stamp tray and click the mat to stamp it.

3. Students can use Trade Up or Trade Down to regroup money on the mat.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of all the Money workmats. It contains tools that students can use to work with Math Tool Chest.


Choosing a WorkmatThere are three workmat types: Open, Addition, and Subtraction. At the Money selection screen, students can choose a mat type, or they can click Cancel to return to the Tools Menu.

Each workmat lets students practice specific math skills. For example, the Open workmat lets students explore the value of coins and bills. The Addition and Subtraction workmats let students practice adding and subtracting different money amounts.

Stamping Coins and BillsThe stamp tray at the right of each Money mat provides a penny, a nickel, a dime, a quarter, and a $1 bill for students to stamp on the mat.

To stamp a coin or bill, students click a stamp in the tray and then click the mat. A black border appears around the selected stamp in the tray. The coin or bill remains selected until students click a different one or click a button.NoteNote


Money ButtonsThe Money mat type determines which buttons are available. For example, the Open mat has four buttons, and the Addition and Subtraction mats offer more buttons to help students add and subtract.

MoveStudents click Move to move money on the mat. The cursor changes to a pointing finger. A red line highlights each coin or bill as the cursor moves over it. When the coin or bill is clicked, the red line turns blue. The money can now be dragged and placed. The blue outline remains around the coin or bill until another one is selected or another button is clicked.

FlipStudents click Flip and then click a coin or bill to see the opposite side. Students can click the coin or bill again to flip it back.

Trade UpTrade Up exchanges coins for coins or bills of a higher denomination. Students click Trade Up, click the coins they want to regroup, then click Trade Up again. The highest denomination students can trade up to is a $1 bill.

Trade DownTrade Down exchanges coins or bills for lower denominations. Students click Trade Down and then click the bills or coins they want to exchange.NoteNote


Recording and Checking AnswersTwo boxes appear at the bottom of each mat: the Typing Box and the Answer Box.

The Typing BoxThe Typing Box provides an area for students to type their own answers. When students first open the mat, the box is closed. When students click the Typing Box, a blinking cursor appears inside the box where they can type their answer. When students represent dollars in the Typing Box, they must use a dollar sign or decimal point, or they must enter the value as cents. If they enter a single number in the Typing Box to represent the quantity of bills on the mat (not the value of bills), Math Tool Chest will interpret the number as cents.

For example, if students stamp three dollar bills on the workmat and then enter a number in the Typing Box to reflect the value on the mat, their answer must appear as one of the following:

$3 (dollar sign)$3.00 (dollar sign and decimal point)3.00 (decimal point)300 (cents)

The Typing Box closes automatically when students stamp more coins or bills on the mat.

If students make a mistake in the Typing Box, they can highlight it and press Delete (Macintosh) or Backspace (Windows). Then they can type a new text answer.

The Answer BoxThe Answer Box tells the total value of money on the mat. When students first open the mat, the box is closed. After students type their answer in the Typing Box and they can check it by clicking the Answer Box.

The Answer Box closes automatically when students stamp more coins or bills on the mat.

Using the Money Open WorkmatThe Open workmat helps students learn how to count and group money.

Students click a coin or bill in the stamp tray and then click the mat to place the money. Students can click Move to drag coins and bills on the mat, use Flip to help them count how much money they have stamped, and then type their answer in the Typing Box.

After students have stamped a coin or bill on the mat, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. Students can click the Answer Box to see the total value of coins and bills they have stamped.

Using the Money Addition WorkmatThe Addition workmat has three parts—A, B, and the Sum area—and an addition sentence at the bottom. As students stamp coins and bills in parts A and B,the amount of money in each part appears in the number sentence at the bottom.

SumAdd All automatically totals all the money in the two sections of the Addition mat. When students click Add All, the sum becomes available in the Answer Box at the bottom of the mat. Students write the answer in the Typing Box and click the Answer Box to check their work.

Sum is only available for the Addition mat.

To find the sum, students can use one of these options:

o click Sumo click Move and drag counters to the Sum areao click Move and drag a group of coins and bills

to the Sum area

After students have dragged all the money to the Sum area, the number inside the Answer Box becomes available. Dimmed coins and bills remain in parts A and B to help students visualize the original addition problem.

The numbers in the addition sentence at the bottom reflect the equation on the mat.NoteNote

Students can select several bills and coins at once by dragging the mouse to create an outline around the money.

Using the Money Subtraction WorkmatThe Subtraction workmat looks similar to the Open workmat and has a subtraction sentence at the bottom. As students stamp bills and coins on the mat, the value of the money appears in the first term of the subtraction sentence. If specified in Teacher

Options, the numbers will also appear in a vertical number sentence. Students can use Move to arrange coins and bills on the mat to easily count how much money they stamped.

SubtractStudents click Subtract to remove coins or bills from the total amount of money on the mat. The cursor changes to a minus sign and students click coins or bills to subtract them. Subtracted coins and bills appear dimmed on the mat and the second term in the subtraction sentence changes to show the subtracted amount. The cursor remains as a minus sign until students click another coin or bill in the tray, or another button. When students subtract bills and coins, the number inside the Answer Box changes to reflect the subtracted amount. Students can click the Answer Box at any time to see their answer.

Note

Subtract is only available on the Subtraction mat.

Money

Level 2

Using Money Open Mats

There are three types of Open mats—those with one, two, or three sections.

Open mats do not display number sentences at the bottom of the mat.

Younger learners find Open mats especially helpful for exploring the concepts behind money.

For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Money mats, see The Money Button Bar later in this chapter.

NoteWhen students stamp a large quantity of objects on a manipulatives mat, Math Tool Chest will take a little longer to perform operations.

Solving Problems

1. Students click a bill or coin.

2. Then they click the mat to stamp the money. When students use an Open mat with two or three sections, they can stamp money in each and drag money between them. The total value of the money appears in the number box near the bottom of the mat or at the side of the sections.

3. Students can select several bills and coins and use Trade Up and Trade Down to convert them to different but equal bills and coins.

Stamping More Than One Bill or CoinStudents can stamp a maximum of 200 bills and coins on a mat.

Showing or Hiding Money ValuesStudents click the number box to show or hide the value of money on the mat. The number box appears in the bottom right area of one-, two-, and three-section Open mats.

Showing or Hiding the Word RepresentationStudents click the Show/Hide button on the bottom left of the mat to show or hide the word representation of the money (such as fifteen dollars).

Using Money Addition MatsThe Money Addition mat is divided into three parts—the top two parts are for addends and the bottom part is for the sum.

For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Money mats, see The Money Button Bar later in this chapter.

Jump Start

1. In the top two parts of the mat, students stamp bills and coins to be added.

2. Then they click the Answer button to have Math Tool Chest solve the problem. The program automatically drags the money to the bottom (sum) part of the mat and solves the problem.


Solving Problems

1. After they stamp bills and coins, students drag the money to the bottom (sum) part of the mat. The money at the top of the mat becomes almost transparent.

2. When students solve the addition problem, the question mark in the number box disappears. If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch.

Stamping More Than One Bill or CoinStudents can stamp a maximum of 200 bills and coins on a mat.

Using Money Subtraction MatsStudents use the Money Subtraction mat to experiment with the principles of subtraction.For details on using specific Button Bar buttons with Money mats, see The Money Button Bar later in this chapter.

Solving Problems

1. Students stamp money to create a number. Students can use Trade Up or Trade Down to modify it.

2. They click the Subtract button on the bottom of the mat.

3. Students place the cursor on the money they want to subtract.

4. When an outline appears around the money, students click the money to subtract it.

5. If the number box switch is up, the answer displays. If students hid the answer, they can check their work by clicking the number box switch.

Stamping More Than One Bill or CoinStudents can stamp a maximum of 200 bills and coins.

Adding Back a Subtracted Bill or Coin

After students subtract money, it becomes almost transparent. To restore a bill or coin they subtracted, students click it. The bill or coin looks solid again, and the answer reflects the change in value.

The Money Button BarThe Money Button Bar offers 11 buttons for students to use. Seven buttons—Mat Type, Select, Flip, Stamp, Trade Up, and Trade Down—perform functions specific to the Money tool. The Start Over, Eraser, Paint, and Undo buttons appear whenever any tool except the Calculator is open. The Camera button appears for every tool except Calculator and Notes.

For information on the Start Over, Eraser, Paint, Undo, and Camera buttons, see that section in Math Tool Chest Basics.

Mat TypeStudents click Mat Type on the Button Bar to open the Mat Type window and select a mat to use. There are three types of Money mats: Open, Addition, and Subtraction. A filled circle indicates the selection.

See Selecting a Mat Type earlier in this chapter for more details.

SelectStudents use Select to choose a bill or coin on which to perform an action.


2. Then they click a bill or coin and click a button to perform an action. Or, they can drag the money to move it. Students can select more than one bill or coin by dragging an outline around the money. Selected money appears highlighted.

FlipStudents use Flip to turn over the money and display the opposite side of bills and coins. Using Flip reinforces recognition of different coins and bills.

1. Students click Flip on the Button Bar.

2. Then they click the bill or coin they want to flip.

EraseStudents use Erase to remove bills and coins from the mat.

1. Students click Erase on the Button Bar. When the cursor is moved over the mat, it changes to an eraser.

2. Students click the money they want to erase.

StampStudents click the Stamp button and then click money and stamp it on the mat.

Trade UpStudents use Trade Up to automatically convert money to coins and bills of equal value in larger denominations.

1. Students click Trade Up on the Button Bar.

2. Then they click the money they want to trade up. Students can select more than one bill or coin by dragging an outline around all of the money they want to select, or they can click each bill or coin individually.

For example, if students click Trade Up and then click two nickels, the nickels are automatically converted, or traded up, to one dime.

Trade DownStudents use Trade Down to automatically convert money to coins and bills of equal value in smaller denominations.

1. Students click Trade Down on the Button Bar.

2. Then they click the money they want to trade down.

For example, if students click Trade Down and then click one dime, the dime is automatically converted, or traded down, to two nickels.

Pattern Blocks

The Pattern Blocks tool allows students to explore geometric shapes and relationships. Students can stamp, move, rotate, and color blocks to build shapes and create geometric patterns. Then they can use a customary or non-standard unit (an inch or a centimeter ruler; an ant, a paper clip, a crayon) to measure the height and width of each shape and pattern.

Using Pattern BlocksThe Pattern Blocks tool lets students move, rotate, color, and measure blocks they stamp on the mat to create patterns and build complex shapes.

Getting Started

1. Students click the Pattern Block tool to open it.

2. Students click a pattern block in the stamp tray and click the mat to stamp it.

3. Students click Move to drag blocks on the mat to create complex patterns or shapes.

4. Students use Paint Dots and the Mop to add and remove color from blocks on the mat.

5. Students click Measure to measure the pattern blocks on the mat.

The Button TrayThe Button Tray appears in the upper left area of the Pattern Blocks mat. It contains tools that students can use to work with Math Tool Chest.


Stamping Pattern BlocksThe stamp tray at the right of the Pattern Blocks mat provides six pattern blocks for students to stamp on the mat.

To place a pattern block, students click a block in the tray and then click the mat. A black border appears around the selected pattern block in the tray. The block remains selected until students click a different one or click a button

Paint Dots and the MopStudents can use the Paint Dots and the Mop to add and remove colors from the blocks on the mat. Students click a paint dot and then click a block to fill it with the color. Students can only use one color for each block.

To remove color from pattern blocks, students click the Mop and then click a colored block on the mat. To change a block color, students click a paint dotand then click the colored block. The block will fill with the new color.NoteNote


math tool chest reference guide - mhschool · web viewmath tool chest reference guide welcome to...

Documents