Mathematics sites I like – and why
Posted by: Gary Ernest Davis on: March 22, 2011
There is some mathematical material out there that I simply do not like.
Some of it is written, and some is in video format.
I have my own reasons, based on may years of teaching mathematics, why I don’t like that material.
But rather than be negative, and push my point of view on this down your throat, I thought it might be useful to say why I DO like some mathematics blogs and web pages.
So in no particular order, here are some websites I especially like.
Jim Tanton’s website
You can find Jim at www.jamestanton.com, and you can follow him on Twitter: @jamestanton
On this site you will find an almost overwhelming array of mathematical material written by Jim.
What shines through in his writing is his constant focus on mathematical reasoning.
This is clear in his essay on “What Made Me A Mathematician“.
Jim’s mathematical engagement with teachers and students soars because he always goes beyond the obvious.
He explores, reasons, generalizes, and opens up new vistas of mathematical thinking to anyone who wants to engage with him.
This is a truly wonderful mathematics website.
Alex Bogomolny’s website
You can find Alex at www.cut-the-knot.org, and you can follow him on Twitter: @CutTheKnotMath
I have followed Alex’s postings on mathematics for many years.
His is a site I turn to for new and interesting slants on mathematics, and novel connections between different parts of mathematics.
Like James Tanton, Alexander Bogomolny is a highly educated and trained mathematician, vitally interested in education.
His website is so rich with interesting material it is hard to know where to begin.
To get a small taste of what Alex’s website offers, take a look at his Heads and Tails exploration, or his Hour Glass Problem and explanations.
+ plus magazine … living mathematics
This rich website does pretty much what it says – discusses living mathematics.
The website introduces teachers and students to new and interesting developments in mathematics.
The authors are chosen for their ability to write well.
This site is updated regularly – like a magazine – and is a constant source of inspiration for me.
It feels, to me, like what I think mathematics is really about.
Get The Math
What can I say?
This is a website that shows kids and teachers how cool math really is.
From using math in fashion to video games design, this website is hip.
There are many other beautiful mathematics websites out there, some of them mentioned in the links on this page.
Teachers and kids: follow the beautiful sites. Follow the care, the intellect, the love, that the authors put into these beautiful sites, and learn from them how mathematics can lift and ennoble the human mind and heart.
