Math, Education, and Everything Else

Fun Math Friday: Alice in Wonderland

Rita — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:14:46 +0000

Perhaps you prefer the animated classic over Johnny Depp, or maybe you prefer the book over the myriad movie interpretations, either way if you’re like me there’s always something new to learn about the classic tale. I had some knowledge that Carroll was interested in and contributed to the field of recreational mathematics, but little of Carroll’s academic studies in math while attending Oxford where he was known not by his nom de plume but given name Charles Dodgson.

Let’s get straight to the point though – Alice in Wonderland is filled with Carroll’s ideas surrounding new math that was coming about in the 1800s. While Alice begins to shrink she wonders just how small she can get, will she continue to shrink forever or eventually disappear altogether? Carroll was known to cling to traditional view of mathematics (the axiomatic approach of Euclid), and the book can be read as satirical commentary on the changing landscape of the field.

There is quite a lot of information about the subject out there – certainly enough to keep one entertained well beyond the final credits or last page, below are some links to get you started down the rabbit hole.

Alice’s adventures in algebra: Wonderland solved by Melanie Bayley

A Math-Free Guide to the Math of Alice in Wonderland by Esther Inglis-Arkell

The Hidden Math Behind Alice in Wonderland by Keith Devlin

About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.

Math-Whizz is at the NCTM Annual Meeting in Philadelphia!

Sally — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:40:29 +0000

April 25th-28th we will be showcasing Math-Whizz at the NCTM Annual Meeting the nation’s largest math education event.

We encourage all attendees to stop by booth 427 to learn more about:

Engaging online lessons that are aligned to the Common Core
Tools to help effectively differentiate instruction in the classroom
Increasing math achievement through the use of Title I funds
Supporting the struggling student through personalized learning
Effectively using data to inform instruction

All students can be successful in math when they are part of a supportive online learning environment that engages them in meaningful responsive instruction. Math-Whizz is the leading K-8 online responsive learning environment that connects educators, students and parents. See you at the conference.

About the Author: Sally Andison lives in Seattle,WA and while she does not care for the rain she loves cooking and eating the seafood the area has to offer. Summer in Seattle is her favorite time of year. Any chance she gets she will jump on a ferry and cruise the Puget Sound in search of Northwest adventures.

Fun Math Friday: Sprinting into Spring

Rita — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:48:54 +0000

Spring is here… well aparently for some parts of the country more than others! Nonetheless, the weekend is upon us so without further ado let’s look at some recent bits of news and apps that make math fun.

Here’s a question for you, how do you get kids today inspired to perhaps pursue mathematics outside of it being “just a requirement?” How about create an iPad app? IBM is hoping their newly released app Minds of Modern Mathematics does just that, inspire and encourage today’s learners to think creatively – just like the minds they feature and spotlight in the app. Oh, did I mention it’s free?

Since we’re on the subject of apps and since spring is finally here, let’s take a quick look at one that can turn those weekend walks into an opportunity for data capturing! Yes, that’s right those of you with a smartphone can now look forward to filing your bird watching reports via a new app that was created in partnership with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The app allows users to track their sightings and report them to eBird, which allows you to help scientists collect and compile more data on our winged friends.

by nickpix2012

And finally, you don’t often hear of mathematicians inspiring athletes to beat their personal best, but a mathematician in Britain is doing just that. John Barrow, a professor at Cambridge University, has declared the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, could well be faster. How much faster you ask? You’ll have to read the article to find out! Have a great weekend and a very happy Passover and Easter to those celebrating.

Math-Whizz Is In Texas Ya’ll We’re Showcasing at NAA

Sally — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:01:09 +0000

This week we will be showcasing Math-Whizz at The National After-school Association Convention in Dallas, TX. You can visit Laurie at booth 323, to learn how Math-Whizz can support your Extended Day Instructional needs by providing a personalized learning tool that meets the needs of each child’s individual math ability for Grades K-8. 30 Day Free Trials are available for an unlimited number of students for all educators who stop by the booth. Educators can also register to win 30 student licenses for 1 year.

Our unique online tutoring program accelerates learning through:

Diagnostic Assessments that identify a student’s Math Age™ and prescribe a learning path specifically for the student.
Lessons are available 24/7 and are designed to build understanding and confidence while allowing After-School Professionals, Teachers and Parents the ability to monitor and support student progress and stay involved.
Engaging, interactive, online lessons which are aligned to the Common Core and State Standards including TEKS
Real-Time reporting help teachers gain insight into student proficiency while providing the data needed for Progress Monitoring.

Math-Whizz is used in more than 5000 schools and 50 countries around the world and most recently, approved as the only digital K-5 Math Intervention program in Round Rock ISD. To learn more visit our Math Pages.

About the Author: Sally Andison lives in Seattle, WA and while she does not care for the rain she loves the cooking and eating the seafood the area has to offer. Summer in Seattle is her favorite time of year. Any chance she gets she will jump on a ferry and cruise the Puget Sound in search of Northwest adventures.

Fun Math Friday: Multi-Millions Edition

Rita — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:23:46 +0000

MEGA MILLIONS. That’s right, the expected payout for the latest lottery jackpot is so large we prefer not to even use numbers. Currently, the jackpot sits at $640 million dollars and is only expected to increase. In the face of potential MEGA payout dreams, does the old adage “the lottery is a tax on people who can’t do math,” still hold true?

The short answer is yes, but when staring at a potential $462 cash payout (according to Mega Millions), why not? What’s a dollar here or even 20? Well firstly, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be taking home that whole jackpot – you’ll most likely be splitting it with at least one other lucky number picker. Yet, with the odds so overwhelming not in your favor, it almost demands you actually tempt fate and join in the frenzy. According to msnbc.com, you’d have to purchase 50 tickets to match the odds of winning the jackpot with the odds of being struck by lightning. While mathematicians will tell you repeated that no matter the payout the lottery is always a terrible bet, at least you’ll know your odds: 176 million to 1 (if you want to do the math, start here). So, how are you feeling?

Fun Math Friday: March Madness Addition

Rita — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 23:52:11 +0000

It’s nearly impossible to escape March Madness, but after this years unexpected upsets (we say this every year) many fans might want to do just that. Busted brackets have hit the Math-Whizz camp as well – leaving just 2 out of 7 brackets left with 3 or more possible correct picks left in the Final Four. We aren’t a bunch of self-proclaimed bracket brainiacs, but it’s fair to say we haven’t fared well. If filling out a bracket was a task for math class, Ginny, one of our Regional Managers, would be the only one scrapping by with a C (and barely). Having made 37 correct picks out of 52 possible leading up to tonight’s games, Ginny’s correctly predicted 71% of the teams moving forward. When cultural phenomena sweep the nation, you can expect it’s going to capture your students attention as well. Instead of fighting with your students for their attention, why not incorporate what’s current into your classroom? Here at Whizz, we’ve written about having fun with math and basketball before, and now I’d like to introduce you to a whole class activity made for March:

March Madness Basketball Challenge

Divide your class into two “teams” and sketch a simple basketball court on your blackboard.

5 at a time, send up students from each team to “compete” for a basket. Ask the “players” to answer a question – for example: “At halftime Michael had 10 points, while Sheryl had 3 times more. How many points did Sheryl have at halftime?” The beauty being the topic and level of difficulty are easily manipulated, making this game accessible for a wide range of students. You can have your “players” confer, and write the answer on their half of the court – if the first team answers incorrectly, the second team can answer for 1 point. You could always incorporate a “turnover” and be sure to add 3 point plays by tossing out some challenging questions. Don’t forget to set a timer and allow for the (un)expected “buzzer beater.”

This week we will be showcasing Math-Whizz Coast-To-Coast at NAESP & ASCD

Sally — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:11:45 +0000

We are on the road again bringing happiness in numbers everywhere we go! This week we will be showcasing Math Whizz in our hometown of Seattle, WA at NAESP ”Better Practices for Better Schools” booth 528 and on the East Coast at ASCD “A Collective Call to Action” booth 328.

Visitors to our booth will be able to experience Math-Whizz as each attendee can register for a 30 day pilot with an unlimited number of students. There will also be plenty of stickers, pens and other treats for teachers to take away for their school.

Our award-winning system creates positive learning outcomes by building confidence and encouraging shared, interactive learning at home and in schools. Real-time reports allow teachers to gain insight into students proficiency while providing the data needed for Progress Monitoring. This detailed reporting is very beneficial for schools wishing to access government funding and build professional development. Math-Whizz is easy to implement and will fulfill all your learning needs

Math-Whizz is ideal for:

Intervention, special education, before/after school programs, classroom supplement, gifted and talented.

We look forward to seeing you coast to coast. To learn more about Math-Whizz, please visit our Math Pages.

Fun Math Friday: Origami

Rita — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:57:49 +0000

March 14th was not only pi day, it was also Einstein’s birthday! One may have thought that perhaps Google would have celebrated one of these events with a Google Doodle. Instead, they celebrated what would have been Akira Yoshizawa’s 101st birthday. Yoshizawa, I learned, is considered the father of modern day origami. At first glance, origami might appear to be a nice hobby relegated to those with a fondness for small squares of colored paper. Of course, like so many other first impressions, you would be a bit off in your initial observation – origami is a complex world filled with mathematical equations and artistic flair. Yoshizawa himself said: “My origami creations, in accordance with the laws of nature, require the use of geometry, science, and physics. They also encompass religion, philosophy, and biochemistry. Over all, I want you to discover the joy of creation by your own hand…the possibility of creation from paper is infinite.” You can read more about the doodle and the fascinating Yoshizawa over on Google.

Yoshizawa’s birthday also reminded me of a great documentary which highlights the myriad ways origami contributes to the arts and sciences. “Between the Folds” is a fascinating look into some of the more original minds working with origami today. Looking to incorporate origami into your classroom? Check out Robert J. Lang‘s collection of resources for math and science origami here.

Whizz Education Is Touring The USA

Sally — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:37:37 +0000

Whizz Education Inc. exhibits at a variety of conferences across the nation. This week we will be at Northwest Council for Computer Education in Seattle, WA booth 308. Stop by to learn more about how schools across the nation have implemented Math-Whizz into their classroom using smart-board technology.

The week of the 22nd-26th we will be at ASCD in Philadelphia, and NAESP in Seattle.

We recently attended…

Virginia Council of Mathematics Teachers-VCTM March 9-10th Roanoke, VA. VP Kevin Judd hosted two speaker sessions

Math Whizz: The perfect digital tutor
Math-Whizz is the most engaging and effective online math tutoring program available. Using fun animation and games with a diagnostic assessment and prescriptive lessons. Math-Whizz motivates students, teaches math skills and concepts, reinforces prior learning and provides teachers with easy to understand and valuable reports of students strengths, weaknesses and growth.

Solving for X‘s and whys: Research into Practice
Based on brain research of how students learn and process information, this session will engage participants impractical ways to embed research into their classroom.We had an impressive turn out for each session.

National Association for Independent Schools- NAIS March 1st-3rd Seattle ,WA. At NAIS were were introduced to several independent school educators, there were more than 4,250 attendees attendance, 24 percent of the attendees were school heads, 53 percent top administrators, and 23 percent teachers. The theme was Innovation, featured keynote speakers were Bill Gates and Amy Chua

Alaska Society Technology in Education-ASTE February 25th-28th Anchorage, AK

Hawaii Council of Teachers in Mathematics-HCTM February 18th Honolulu, HI

Association of Mathematics Teachers of New Jersey- AMTNJ February 14th- Monroe Township, NJ

The Texas Computer Education Association-TCEA February 6th-10th Austin, TX . This was out first time exhibiting at TCEA it was a very successful conference with over 9,000 attendees and 900 exhibitors TCEA is dedicated to the improvement of teaching and learning through the use of computers and technology. Their focus is on integrating technology into the K-12 environment and providing our members with state-of the-art information through a variety of media.

Oregon Assocation for Comprehensive Education: OACE January 24th-26th Seaside, OR

National Title 1-National Title 1 January 21st-24th Seattle, WA. The Title 1 conference started off with a snowstorm but still resulted in a great turn out.

We look forward to meeting you at our next conference!

Happy 3.14: Pi Day & Einstein’s Birthday!

Rita — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:22:56 +0000

Numbers have for centuries and continue to fascinate us. Just search for “pi day” in the browser of your choice and you’ll see just how many people out there are geeked to be celebrating 3.14, aka pi day! Here at Math-Whizz we are of course equally enchanted, and have created a couple of special worksheets to celebrate both pi day and the birthday of someone who was also fairly interested in numbers – Albert Einstein.

(click on the worksheet above to access the pdf for download)

An event like pi day and Albert Einstein’s birthday are perfect excuse to investigate the things and subjects that intrigue us. It’s also the perfect time to introduce a new concept to your classroom. For some of you, your child or students might not be ready to fully grasp Einstein’s theories or use pi in their mathematical practice – but I’m hoping these worksheets will peak their curiosity to further explore the math and sciences.

Watch Einstein Thought Experiments on PBS. See more from NOVA.