Homeschool Math Newsletter, Vol. 18
April 2008
Greetings! In April's newsletter we talk about if mathematics can be thought of as an art form (based on Lockhart's Lament), solve a triangle problem, and learn about a great website called FuturesChannel, which contains movies about math in the real world.
In this month's newsletter:
1. Math Mammoth news
2. Mathematics as an art (Lockhart's Lament)
3. Movies of math in the real world
4. A triangle problem to solve
5. Tidbits
1. Math Mammoth news
- I've just added to the site placement tests for the Math Mammoth complete curriculum (LightBlue Series), for grades 1-4. These are actually end-of-year tests. They could also be used as diagnostic tests, to see what content areas a child might be lacking in.
- A new book for the Blue Series, Introduction to Fractions has simple fraction lessons with lots of picture-based visual exercises, and small denominators. Price: $3.50 download.
- A Frequently Asked Question. Will you make LightBlue 5th grade curriculum?
Answer: Yes. I haven't started yet, so it's hard to estimate when it'd be done, but my best guess is I'll shoot for the first half of 2009.
2. Mathematics as an art (Lockhart's Lament)
All this is based on an essay written by mathematician/teacher John Lockhart, called Lockhart's Lament. Lockhart's Lament makes for good reading and he raises some really interesting points, so I can heartily recommend reading it.
His MAIN point concerns mathematics as an art! And I don't mean math IN art, or mathematical art, but doing mathematics as BEING a form of art.
For starters, peek into this simple, yet intriguing example. Lockhart explains how mathematics IS really done using a very simple triangle problem.
Now, let's consider this... Lockhart starts out his lament with a comparison: WHAT IF music teaching only consisted of learning to write music, write notes on paper, and only after high school level would students be allowed to actually hear and make music? WHAT IT art instruction would consist of "paint by numbers" until high school, which is when they'd actually start applying paint...
Lockhart remarks that if he wanted to destroy a child's natural curiosity and love of pattern-making, "...I simply wouldn't have the imagination to come up with the kind of senseless, soul-crushing ideas that constitute contemporary mathematics education."
He calls school mathematics "pseudo-mathematics", where emphasis is on the accurate yet mindless manipulation of symbols.
So what then can we do? Continue reading....
3. Movies of math in the real world
I delved into this fascinating website just this past month, and I heartily recommend you visit it, too!
Most math teachers have faced the age-old question, "When will I ever need this?", especially when kids get into algebra and more. Well, FuturesChannel.com has the answer - in the form of short movies, lesson guides, and worksheets.
The topics are just fascinating, from skyscrapers, roller coasters, endangered animals, to inventing, the subway, bakery, bicycle design, etc.
For each movie, there is a worksheet or several for the student that concentrates on some math topic that is needed in the field shown in the movie.
You can see direct links to a few of my favorite movies on my blog. Or go simply visit the site directly using the link above.
4. A triangle problem to solve
The sides of triangles A and B measure 5, 5, 8 and 5, 5, 6 respectively. What is the ratio of the area of triangle A to that of triangle B? Express in simplest a:b form.
I like this problem because there are many ways to solve it and to use it with different grade-level students.
Try it yourself, and then read the solution.
5. Tidbits
Till next time,
Maria Miller
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