In this entertaining primary series, a fun-loving hamster named Tumbleweed uses mathematics to solve problems in the world of fuzzy rodents. Tumbleweed models a variety of strategies in the problem-solving process and practices skills related to the big ideas in the math curriculum. The short, entertaining programs offer opportunities for students to discuss concepts such as capacity, perimeter, quantity, division, data analysis, and patterning.

The accompanying teacher’s guide offers additional activities that encourage students to further explore how math is helpful in practical ways. Each activity includes tips on how to extend the learning beyond the broadcast.

Program of Studies:
Mathematics: Number Properties and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability, and Algebraic Thinking

The Math Can Take You Places curriculum uses travel as a backdrop and five professionals in travel-related positions to show how algebraic thinking is used during everyday situations in the workplace. Studies have found that math concepts presented in real-world situations are critical to students’ understanding and long-term retention. The mathematical applications in the program are patterning, equivalency, reasonableness, measurement and problem solving.

Program of Studies:
Mathematics: Number Properties and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability, Algebraic Thinking
Practical Living/Vocational Studies: Employability Skills; and Career Awareness, Exploration, Planning.

Through the eyes of Eddie, a fictional 5th grade student in real-life East Harlem math teacher Kay Toliver’s class, viewers discover how people use key math concepts and skills in the workplace. The series includes four “fileboxes” each with 4 episodes and accompanying teacher guide.

Program of Studies
Mathamatics: Number Properties and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability, Employability Skills, and Career Awareness, Exploration, and Planning

Three kids take a wild ride through cyberspace in this animated series. Summoned out of the library by a computer named Motherboard, they use the power of math and logic to defeat the schemes of a villain who is on a quest to take over the cyberworld. Each episode focuses on one “big idea.”

Scheduling Note: The distributor does not allow block feeds of this series.

Program of Studies
Mathematics: Number Properties and Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Data Analysis and Probability, and Algebraic Thinking

Scale City, KET’s new online math resource, offers middle school teachers and students an engaging way to learn about proportional reasoning.

Eight short videos ranging in length from three to six minutes take viewers to places throughout Kentucky that illustrate scale and scaling. Each video is accompanied by a Flash interactive that allows students and teachers to explore the math and apply it to problems.

The web site includes a wealth of teacher materials—lesson plans, assessments, handouts and activities, vocabulary, resource lists—as well as links to online middle grades math resources developed by KET’s public television partners in Alabama, Arkansas, and Maryland.

The eight modules in Scale City are designed to go from simpler proportional reasoning concepts to more complex ones. They also can be used individually to help students understand specific topics related to proportional reasoning.