Polypad
Polypad is a collection of interactive digital manipulatives for teachers and students. The unique tools and features on Polypad enable exploration, creativity, and problem solving.
Audience
Educators,
Students,
Caregivers
Subject
Numeracy
Grade level
Grade K - 3,
Grade 4 - 5,
Grade 6 - 8,
Grade 9 - 12,
Everyone
Approval status
Approved
Compatible devices
Chromebook,
iPad,
Mac,
Windows Desktop & Laptop
Description
Polypad (by Mathigon/Amplify) is a free, web-based virtual manipulative toolkit offering interactive tools like algebra tiles, base-ten blocks, geometric shapes, and logic gates to help K-12 students explore math concepts visually and collaboratively on any device, supporting diverse learning needs in various settings (online, hybrid, in-person).
Key Features
- Virtual Manipulatives: Digital versions of physical tools (algebra tiles, base-ten blocks, tangrams, 10-frames, shapes) for hands-on learning.
- Versatile Tools: Includes logic gates, music tools, and support for geometry.
- Accessibility: Works on browsers, tablets, and smartphones, even offline via the app.
- Free & Easy Access: No login needed for basic use; accounts available for teachers and students.
- Customizable: Can be used with any curriculum, supports adding grids, and allows exporting projects (JPEG, PNG, SVG).
- Teacher Support: Offers lesson plans, tutorials, and webinars.
How it's Used
- Conceptual Understanding: Helps visualize abstract math ideas in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Exploration: Students can drag, drop, copy, and manipulate tiles to discover patterns and solve problems.
- Collaboration: While simultaneous editing isn't fully live, teachers can share canvases and guide discovery.
Cost and Access
Image
Polypad is free and accessible without login, but offers a login option for saving work.