These three books were picked to assist students in the 8th grade. The books will be used to ease a student's transition into Algebra I. Specifically, the books will be used in a unit that is introductory in nature and presents basic algebraic equations. In addition, the books can be used throughout the Algebra I curriculum. Overall, the books are suited for students with average ability in mathematics and the concepts are simple in nature. For instance, Mystery Math, A First Book of Algebra is suited for students between 9-12 years of age.
Adler, D. A. (2011). Mystery math: a first book of math. New York, NY: Holiday House.
Mystery Math: A First Book of Math
Rappaport, J. (2000). Algebra survival guide. Santa Fe, NM: Singing Turtle Press.
Algebra Survival Guide
Rappaport, J. (2010). Algebra survival guide workbook. Santa Fe, NM: Singing Turtle Press.
Algebra Survival Guide Workbook
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Why is STEM literacy a better option for our students?
http://youtu.be/zy4WmiM8lxI
Some experts believe that over the next 10 years approximately 80% of the jobs that will be created in the United States will require math and science skills. Unfortunately, this is coming at a time when our colleges and universities are producing an ever decreasing number of students that majored in science or math related fields. Many believe that this has occurred because most students are leaving high school poorly prepared to major in math or science disciplines. In retrospect, this is largely due to ineffective teaching methods in math and science. As a result, students are uninterested in the content areas. This has caused students to major in what they perceive to be "easier" or more interesting majors. Overall, if this trend continues there will be a significant shortage of qualified workers, in the United States, in fields that require math and science skills.
One of the options being implemented, and funded by our government, in many parts of our country is the idea of STEM literacy. STEM literacy is a meta-discipline that is based on the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into one subject. STEM literacy is driven by problem solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and requires students to actively engage a situation to find its solution. As can be assumed, STEM literacy is student centered in nature and provides students with real world applications at an early age.
The hyperlink above is an example of a STEM literacy program that has been successfully implemented. As can be seen from the video, STEM literacy is interactive in nature and is designed to teach the whole student. It is not built around lectures and just sitting in a classroom behind a desk. It is based on putting students in situation where they work in teams, or independently, and solve real world problems. In the long run, this creates students that are self-regulated, more innovative, interested in math and science, and better prepared to work in our technology driven economy. Overall, not withstanding math and science, self regulation should be a goal for every student. For that reason alone, all teachers and educators should understand the importance of STEM literacy.
In conclusion, corporations throughout our country are under increased pressure to compete in the global market. In many cases, our global competitors are producing innovative products that used to be created in the United States. In the long run, this lack of innovation and product development will lead to fewer high quality American jobs and a less prosperous society. STEM literacy offers real solutions for this problem and will develop students that can lead America back to relevance in math and science. Based on where we are at this point, is there a better option?
References:
http://www.orau.org/leadershipsummit/pdf/abts.pdf
http://www.partnership4learning.org/files/STEM%20Literacy.pdf
http://theapple.monster.com/stem_teachers/articles/9439-stem-ing-the-rising-education-tide
http://www.examiner.com/k-12-in-hartford/stem-literacy-can-the-u-s-afford-not-to-support-it
Some experts believe that over the next 10 years approximately 80% of the jobs that will be created in the United States will require math and science skills. Unfortunately, this is coming at a time when our colleges and universities are producing an ever decreasing number of students that majored in science or math related fields. Many believe that this has occurred because most students are leaving high school poorly prepared to major in math or science disciplines. In retrospect, this is largely due to ineffective teaching methods in math and science. As a result, students are uninterested in the content areas. This has caused students to major in what they perceive to be "easier" or more interesting majors. Overall, if this trend continues there will be a significant shortage of qualified workers, in the United States, in fields that require math and science skills.
One of the options being implemented, and funded by our government, in many parts of our country is the idea of STEM literacy. STEM literacy is a meta-discipline that is based on the combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math into one subject. STEM literacy is driven by problem solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and requires students to actively engage a situation to find its solution. As can be assumed, STEM literacy is student centered in nature and provides students with real world applications at an early age.
The hyperlink above is an example of a STEM literacy program that has been successfully implemented. As can be seen from the video, STEM literacy is interactive in nature and is designed to teach the whole student. It is not built around lectures and just sitting in a classroom behind a desk. It is based on putting students in situation where they work in teams, or independently, and solve real world problems. In the long run, this creates students that are self-regulated, more innovative, interested in math and science, and better prepared to work in our technology driven economy. Overall, not withstanding math and science, self regulation should be a goal for every student. For that reason alone, all teachers and educators should understand the importance of STEM literacy.
In conclusion, corporations throughout our country are under increased pressure to compete in the global market. In many cases, our global competitors are producing innovative products that used to be created in the United States. In the long run, this lack of innovation and product development will lead to fewer high quality American jobs and a less prosperous society. STEM literacy offers real solutions for this problem and will develop students that can lead America back to relevance in math and science. Based on where we are at this point, is there a better option?
References:
http://www.orau.org/leadershipsummit/pdf/abts.pdf
http://www.partnership4learning.org/files/STEM%20Literacy.pdf
http://theapple.monster.com/stem_teachers/articles/9439-stem-ing-the-rising-education-tide
http://www.examiner.com/k-12-in-hartford/stem-literacy-can-the-u-s-afford-not-to-support-it
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Two Math Websites for students
http://mathplayground.com/
Math Playground is a website that provides fun and meaningful games for math students. Overall, these games are very engaging and relevant for students ranging from K-12. As part of this, the website includes interactive games that cover a broad range of concepts including basic math games, word problems, and logic games. Further, the website covers every subject in the math spectrum including geometry and algebra. At the same time the site includes an interactive exercise for students, at the high school level, preparing for the SAT.
Besides interactive games, the websites has math videos that students can use to help them better understand topics. For instance, there is a video that explains to students what a prime numbers is. The video is very detailed and goes into great depth to explain the concept. More importantly, some of the videos have been uploaded by peers not just teachers.
http://www.brainpop.com/
Brain Pop is an interactive website that includes fun games and activities that can be used in group settings or on an individual basis. One of the great features about this website is the fact that it is based on the common core, so any learning done on the site is relevant to current teaching objectives. In addition, the games and programs are completely compatible with whiteboards, projectors, and Mac/PCs. Overall, the site is very user friendly and includes programs for students of all ages.
In reality, the games and interactive learning activities can be integrated into any curriculum. As part of this, the site includes specific games tied to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and other math topics. Further, the site includes instructional videos on math topics that are confusing to many students. The videos are very organized and can be used by students to better understand a topic.
More important to teaching in the 21st century, the website is friendly to ELL learners and children with other special needs. As part of this, the site is broken into different segments that cover students of all ages and needs. For instance, the site includes BrainPOP Jr. (K-3), BrainPOP (4-12), BrainPOP Espanol, and BrainPOP ESL. As can be seen, this website is a valuable resource for students.
How can I use these websites in the classroom?
Overall, these website can be used in several ways by any math teacher. Personally, I would use the websites in the classroom to help students better understand the subject matter. For instance, students could do word problems as part of an independent or group exercise. In addition, to make homework a little more attractive, problems from the website could be assigned to students. Further, the videos that explain different topics may be a great option to use when students are just not getting the concept, based on the way I am teaching it. For these students, maybe hearing an explanation, via a video, may be a better option. In reality, differentiating teaching methods is important in the inclusive classroom. Our students are not one size fits all. Fortunately, web sites like these make things a little easier.
It is also worth noting that I would personally use the websites to improve my own teaching skills. The sites are full of ideas for better instruction and the video explanations, of math concepts, are valuable. For instance, the videos could give me insight into different ways to approach a complex math topic. Overall, as a new teacher, every resource is valuable and should be used.
Math Playground is a website that provides fun and meaningful games for math students. Overall, these games are very engaging and relevant for students ranging from K-12. As part of this, the website includes interactive games that cover a broad range of concepts including basic math games, word problems, and logic games. Further, the website covers every subject in the math spectrum including geometry and algebra. At the same time the site includes an interactive exercise for students, at the high school level, preparing for the SAT.
Besides interactive games, the websites has math videos that students can use to help them better understand topics. For instance, there is a video that explains to students what a prime numbers is. The video is very detailed and goes into great depth to explain the concept. More importantly, some of the videos have been uploaded by peers not just teachers.
http://www.brainpop.com/
Brain Pop is an interactive website that includes fun games and activities that can be used in group settings or on an individual basis. One of the great features about this website is the fact that it is based on the common core, so any learning done on the site is relevant to current teaching objectives. In addition, the games and programs are completely compatible with whiteboards, projectors, and Mac/PCs. Overall, the site is very user friendly and includes programs for students of all ages.
In reality, the games and interactive learning activities can be integrated into any curriculum. As part of this, the site includes specific games tied to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and other math topics. Further, the site includes instructional videos on math topics that are confusing to many students. The videos are very organized and can be used by students to better understand a topic.
More important to teaching in the 21st century, the website is friendly to ELL learners and children with other special needs. As part of this, the site is broken into different segments that cover students of all ages and needs. For instance, the site includes BrainPOP Jr. (K-3), BrainPOP (4-12), BrainPOP Espanol, and BrainPOP ESL. As can be seen, this website is a valuable resource for students.
How can I use these websites in the classroom?
Overall, these website can be used in several ways by any math teacher. Personally, I would use the websites in the classroom to help students better understand the subject matter. For instance, students could do word problems as part of an independent or group exercise. In addition, to make homework a little more attractive, problems from the website could be assigned to students. Further, the videos that explain different topics may be a great option to use when students are just not getting the concept, based on the way I am teaching it. For these students, maybe hearing an explanation, via a video, may be a better option. In reality, differentiating teaching methods is important in the inclusive classroom. Our students are not one size fits all. Fortunately, web sites like these make things a little easier.
It is also worth noting that I would personally use the websites to improve my own teaching skills. The sites are full of ideas for better instruction and the video explanations, of math concepts, are valuable. For instance, the videos could give me insight into different ways to approach a complex math topic. Overall, as a new teacher, every resource is valuable and should be used.
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