Guide
Math resources: XY Coordinate Pegboards
Try this coordinate grid—ideal for helping students learn to plot data points, whether they’re preparing to use or actively using the Desmos Graphing Calculator.
Pegboards are important for algebra because they offer a tactile and visual way to represent abstract concepts, making them accessible to all learners, especially those with visual impairments. They help students understand algebraic principles such as graphing linear equations, plotting points and exploring geometric relationships. Pegboards allow for hands-on manipulation of data points and lines, reinforcing concepts like slope, intercepts and equations through spatial and kinesthetic learning. This concrete approach bridges the gap between abstract algebraic ideas and real-world understanding.
John Rose, a 7-12th grade mathematics teacher with Short-Term Programs at TSBVI, heavily relies on the XY Coordinate Pegboards by Hand2Mind. These pegboards are smaller and more portable than the traditional APH Graphic Aid for Mathematics, making them easier for students to handle and carry in their backpacks. Additionally, the APH Graphic Aid for Mathematics, available through quota funds, costs $319, while the Hand2Mind Pegboards are a budget-friendly alternative at 6 for $50. The 6 pegboards come with plenty of red and green pegs and red, green and white rubber bands.
Image 1: XY Coordinate Pegboard with pegs and rubber bands demonstrating data points and an equation.
Ideal for algebraic thinking lessons, this versatile pegboard features sliding axes for maximum flexibility in coordinate graphing. With a 15 x 15 grid, it allows users to model points, line segments, functions and conic sections using the included pegs and rubber bands.
Image 2: XY Coordinate Pegboard with x-axis moved close to the bottom of the grid.
Important detail about pegboard setup!
The pegboards do not come with detailed instructions for their setup. You must attach the y-axis before the x-axis. Snap the y-axis in place and the x-axis snaps on OVER the y-axis. If you attach the x-axis first, it will cause one of them to break!
Video demonstrating XY Coordinate Pegboard set up:
Accessibility
The Hand2Mind pegboards offer excellent high contrast with a bright yellow board, red and blue pegs, and optional red, green, or white rubber bands. Students with low vision may prefer using red and green rubber bands for better visibility against the yellow background. The sliding axes, made of clear plastic, also feature black dotted lines for contrast.
Adaptations for Accessibility
- Add a tactile dot or mark to the edge of the x-axis to differentiate it from the y-axis.
- Place a peg at the origin to prevent the axes from moving during use.
- Use small, clear containers to organize and contain pegs and rubber bands. Label the containers to distinguish colors, if needed.
Additional Hand2Mind manipulatives
The Hand2Mind website offers a variety of math manipulatives including resources for number sense and operations, algebra, geometry and data/probability.
By Diane Brauner
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