Math Matters with Mrs. Fitzpatrick

Last Post of the Academic Year

2011-06-20T14:37:00.004-04:00

Students,

We are in the middle of our final exams. Thank you for a wonderful year! I have seen such growth and maturity in each of you this year. I sincerely hope you have learned more than solely math in our class. I hope you have also learned about increased responsibility and intellectual curiosity, to develop a broader view of math and how it applies to the world around us. Enjoy your summer and I'll see you next school year. Come by and say hello! ~ Mrs. Fitzpatrick

One final message ...

"When you finally fly away

I'll be hoping that I served you well.

For all the wisdom of a lifetime,

no one can ever tell.

But whatever road you choose,

I'm behind you

win or lose.

Forever young, forever young."

It's June, It's Hot, We're Still Working Hard

2011-06-08T08:05:00.006-04:00

Whoa, Yes we're in an early heat wave!

Students,

Keep working hard, even though you are hot and tired. Remember, there is a real nobility in finishing strong. It's the right thing to do and you'll be proud of yourselves. Students and parents, we're still learning NEW material! No busy work -- our students deserve better. Here's a question or two for you to comment on:

For my Geometry Blocks A and F: How challenging/fun are you finding our latest similarity work? Working with 3 nested right triangles -- has this been hard at first, and then easy? Why?

For my Geometry Blocks C and E:

How are you liking our lateral and surface area work? Are the equations fairly easy? What's the neat part for you? Have you ever thought about a cylinder vs. a cone before?

For All Geometry Students: Let's look at the Platonic Solids. Please research these and write to me about them as well. Why are they called "Platonic"? What makes them the same/different from other solids? Comment back!

You Have Impressed Me!

2011-06-03T08:44:00.005-04:00

Great teamwork, students! I love reading your comments on the posts. Now, for a bit more.....

Please go back and read your classmates comments. Simply click on "Comments" at the end of a post. Read some of your classmates comments and then pick 2 to comment back on! Add to the discussion. Also, consider these follow on questions to when you're reading others comments....

What ideas did a classmate have that you did not have? What surprised you about others' comments? How important is it to communicate really clearly when writing and speaking? How does accuracy in math play into accuracy in communication? I look forward to reading your work again! Keep checking in over the next 3 weeks for more posts and more questions.

Of Math, History and Our Nation's Capital

2011-05-23T14:34:00.006-04:00

Students,

I am so glad you are taking time to read this post. A few eeks ago I visited Washington D.C. Although I had visited our nation's capital many times on business, I had never had the chance to visit the monuments and the museums. I am a history buff -- you know this! I am so happy that so many of you have had this opportunity already in your lives.

As I visited the Lincoln Memorial, I read one of the inscriptions. It was the full text of The Gettysburg Address. The writing of this famous speech is superb. Students, it is considered one of the best speeches of all time, for both its content, timing, and importance. As a young child (maybe 8-9 yrs old) I had to memorize it for school! I was in about 3rd grade. To this day, I can say most of it from memory. I do love it.

But, more importantly, we can hear the great actor Sam Waterston, say the speech. No one does it better. I imagine that Lincoln's voice, if we could have heard it, would have the depth and resonance of this wonderful actor. Please click on the following link to hear and read this great speech. Then. please answer the following questions in a comment back to me. Thank you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3TgkH7VGSk

QUESTIONS:

1) What does Lincoln mean by the "last full measure of their devotion"? Please share with me something to which you have given -- or would like to give -- a measure of your devotion.

2) Why is Lincoln's speech so logical? How does he organize his thoughts and then bring us along with his thinking, in a very short amount of time, no less! Remember, Gettysburg was the bloodiest, worst battle of the Civil War. It went on for 3 days and was beyond awful. Read about it on Wikipedia. If you were someone who lost a father, a brother, an uncle who were soldiers at Gettysburg, how would Lincoln's words make you feel?

3) What does any of this have to do with learning math???? Why should this speech and this President and this history matter to us today, in 2011, in math class?!?

How Great a Math Web Site Can Be

2011-03-30T13:58:00.003-04:00

The following link is to a math site written by a math teacher at a local high school. I really enjoy visiting his site, especially for our AP Statistics class. Take a look and tell me what you think. What do you like about it? Would you like a site like this at RMHS?

http://www.bbn-school.org/us/math/ap_stats/

Spring Math Matters

2011-03-30T13:26:00.003-04:00

What a winter! Here in greater Boston (Reading, MA) we are just emerging from a winter of record-setting snowfall. In fact, there is still a small patch of old snow stuck in the very back of my yard! We have longed for, yearned for SPRING! Other signs of spring...our seniors are making firm plans about next year. Many know which college they are attending and why. Our freshman, sophomores and juniors have completed their course selections for next year here at RMHS. Me? I'm still very much entrenched in teaching this year's curricula with an eye to improvements for next year. Students, I would appreciate it if you would please read these questions, reflecta minute or two, and comment back to this blog. Let's hear what you have to say... Question 1: What topic in math this year surprised you? Did it surprise you b/c you ended up liking it alot, or did it surprise you b/c it was hard and now you know it? Think...what surprised you and why? Question 2: Whether in math or anything else in your school life, what will you you do differently next year? Why? What changes will you make? Students, you are great to have in class. We're entering 4th quarter with a great deal to proud of. Let's keep on, keepin' on!

Why Does Quality Matter?

2010-09-25T21:01:00.005-04:00

As a math teacher I am often asking students to be more accurate, draw figures carefully with a ruler, re-do problems done incorrectly...and on. Why? Why does quality matter so much?

Why is it so important to be precise? Not only in calculations but also in writing in math class? Why do the definitions matter? Why does the exact wording and meaning matter?

Please leave a comment in answering these questions. Think about it first and then tell me what you think.

Some Quick Advice

2010-09-07T20:29:00.004-04:00

Students, I am very pleased with the comments you have submitted in just the past 3 days. We've already got over 60 comments on life at RMHS and getting involved. Bravo! I support all of your suggestions for joning Drama, Red Cross Club, Band, Community Service, and our sports teams.

A common concern I'm reading in your comments is the amount of work you may get at RMHS and how to handle it. Here's some quick, important advice: always ask your teachers for time estimates. For example, I may say to a student, "If you spend less than 40 minutes on this assignment, you're not putting in enough time. If you spend more than hour or so, you're putting in too much time." So, ask your teachers to estimate it for you. I bet they can help.

See you in class and keep up the good work. You're off to a strong start.

~ Mrs. Fitzpatrick

Welcome Back, Students!

2010-08-30T13:45:00.003-04:00

School Year 2010 - 2011 is underway.

Welcome to all my students!

The photo on the left is from Mt. Snow in Vermont in early autumn. While our leaves here in Reading won't begin to show their changed colors for a week or so, we are changing our colors, aren't we? Freshmen, you have left middle school behind and are already on your successful way as the class of 2014. In a matter of a few weeks, you will feel like high school students for real, if you don't already! Sophomores, as the class of 2013, I hope you've put some solid footing down here at RMHS and have established strong, good student habits and made some new friendships. For my juniors and seniors, you are the classes of 2012 and 2011, respectively. You are now considered upperclassmen. Congratulations! These are busy high school years for you with many important changes happening and self-growth on a weekly basis!

Please take a minute or two to write a comment back to me. Tell me who you are, what Block I have you and please answer the following questions.

1) If you are a freshman, name something you are excited or hopeful about doing that will be new for you at RMHS. Also, tell me something you may be a little concerned about.

2) If you are sophomores, juniors and seniors, please comment to our freshmen on something specifically positive. For example, what is a club or activity you hope they join? Can you name a subject or course about which you hope freshmen to keep an open mind?

3) If you are a senior, please clue me in on your thoughts for senior year and beyond. Any excitement? Any concerns/worries?

I hope each student feels our community, both in and out of the classroom. I am your math teacher, yes, but I hope you also think of me as a trustworthy adult at RMHS who cares a great deal about you and your well-being.

We will have a great year! Ask me anything and I'll always try to help you out. And truly remember: "The best is yet to be." [Browning]

School is Out for Summer

2010-06-23T21:52:00.005-04:00

Wow! What a year.

When I look back on the past 10 months I am astounded at the progress so many of my students made. I am so proud of them.

I am also relieved, to be honest. This was a challenging year -- and yes, we've come through it, better and stronger. Smarter. And, even tougher.

"The Climb" has been a great theme for us this year. as I have dreams of the beach and vacation, I will conclude with some lyrics that have meaning for me and my students ...

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side

It's the climb.

See you in September. Have a safe and restful summer.

Examples of Student Work

2010-06-10T09:59:00.010-04:00

Over 100 students across five classes and two teachers recently completed an Honors Geometry Project here at RMHS. Mrs. LaCasse and I are very proud of the work accomplished by our students. The students were teamed up into groups of three to produce well-designed, math-rich products. The topic? The Golden Ratio. (See the following post for details.) Each group was given a project assignment focusing on art, architecture, nature or the human body. The assignement asked essential questions and expected collaborative, research and synthesis. Our students did not disappoint!! Here are links to two examples of fine work! Enjoy!

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AU6gAGrdV3QzZGhqenNrZ181OTl2emhzdmdt&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AU6gAGrdV3QzZGhqenNrZ18zMXF6a3JtZGNz&hl=en

http://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0Abo428bR_jyWZGZyeGZqd3hfMzVjMjhnaGZrNg&hl=en

Of Fibonacci, Geometry and Projects

2010-05-25T12:54:00.004-04:00

This week, our Honors Geometry classes are working in teams of three to develop a project. The topic? THE GOLDEN RATIO in Nature, Architecture, Art and the Human Body. This week, I will post examples of exemplary student work on this blog. Fascinating topic!! We truly hope our students learn about the beauty of math and the power of the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio.

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89 ...

Interested in learning a little more at this time? The following two links provide short but interesting perspectives.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2bAlIK4KkE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w19BTB5ino&feature=related

Pancakes and Seniors

2010-05-25T12:39:00.005-04:00

Here are some photos from our AP Stats and AP Biology classes. We shared a pancake breakfast on one of the last day of classes ... Enjoy!

Our Seniors are Wrapping it Up

2010-05-19T11:04:00.003-04:00

"When you finally fly away from me,

Here's hoping that I've served you well.

For all the wisdom of a lifetime,

No one can ever tell.

But whatever road you choose,

I'm right behind you

Win or lose.

Forever young. Forever young."

["Forever Young", Rod Stewart]

"It's Just Too Hard"

2010-05-11T08:25:00.007-04:00

Dear Students,
How many times have you felt this or said it? "It's just too hard." I had an experience myself that will always stay with me. I was taking a very difficult course at MIT. At the time, I was married just a few years, working near-full time at an engineering company, taking care of our 6 month old baby (who, by the way, is now in her own world of hard at a nearby law school), dealing with my beloved father's struggle with cancer and ... well, you get the picture. I was tired. I was scared.

I remember coming home one night exhausted. Crashing into a chair in our living room. I threw down my briefcase and the baby's diaper bag. I kicked off my shoes and then kicked them across the floor. I was so angry and tired and scared I just wanted scream. I may have, come to think of it! I do recall crying and saying, "Forget it. Just forget it. I quit. It's just too hard."

The next day I was visiting my dad in his hospital room. He could tell I was down, really down. My father was recovering from surgery. He had wires and IVs and was very ill. Full of selfless love and concern, he said, "Joanne, what's wrong?" I burst into tears and told him my whole sad tale. Then, I confessed that I was afraid. I was afraid of failure, I was afraid I wouldn't do well in this prestigious course I was in. I was afraid I wasn't giving our baby enough patience because I was so exhausted. I was worried about my mother and how worried she was about my father. And, I was very afraid of losing him, my father, my hero. Dad said, with a smile and some tears, "Well, honey, who knows how my whole health thing is going to play out? Only God knows that. But as for that course...y'know, it's supposed to be hard." I stopped crying. I stood up straight. I listened. Dad smiled and continued, "Honey, if it wasn't hard, then everyone would be doing it."

Wow. Twenty-three years later, my father's powerful, loving words still inspire me, motivate me.

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Mr. Pete Moscariello's incredible seminar on "Mental Toughness." If you ever get a chance to attend this seminar, do so. It will change you. [I think it should be mandatory for every student and every teacher at RMHS. I really do.]

About half way through the seminar, Mr. Moscariello talked about when things get hard, really hard. He showed a clip from the movie "A League of their Own", a movie I've heard of, but have never managed to see. The scene is where Gina Davis has had it. She wants to quit. She says those exhausting, defeating words, "It's just too hard." Take a minute and watch the clip. I have the included the link in this post. Be sure your speakers are on. Hear what Tom Hanks' reply is.

Now, to my parents ..."Thank you. Thank you for absolutely everything."

Feel free to comment. I'd love to hear from you.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndL7y0MIRE4

"Mrs. Fitz, I just don't get it."

2010-05-06T23:05:00.005-04:00

A bright, articulate student spoke these words in class to me today. Of course, I've heard this many, many times over my career. However, today's utterance baffled me. You see, I knew my lesson was spot on. Heads were nodding, mouths were smiling. More importantly, this student, let's call her "Molly", is super bright, super curious. Her work ethic is excellent. So, I was, well, befuddled. Confused. Concerned. Tired.

As I advised, Molly came back after school for some extra help. She was great with her notebook and highlighters ready to go. It turns out, Molly's confusion was not caused by the new material on inverse functions in Trig. I breathed a sigh of relief. Rather, it was an old bit of Algebra confusion that can commonly rear its ugly head. No problem. Now it was my turn to say, "I get it." So, we backed up, stepped through some problems and hopefully, fixed it for good. We smiled and laughed. Then, at last, I saw it.

Molly was nodding her head. She was smiling. She had the look, that look. It's the look that says, "I get it, Mrs. Fitz. I get it."

Such a sweet, sweet moment. Teaching victory.

WATER - Sometimes Too Much, Sometimes Too Little

2010-05-03T14:45:00.005-04:00

Map of MWRA water crisis that occured on Sat, May 1. [Courtesy of boston.com]

Water, water, water!!! If you live in the 30 towns serviced by the MWRA then you know the impact a broken water connector has caused. Yikes! It was justa few weeks ago many of these surrounding towns were dealing with a different water issue, too much in the form of flooded basements and yards due to unusually high rainfall.

I've been boiling water and buying bottled water. Our school officials have followed guidelines and procedures carefully spelled out by health department officials.

What's going on at your house, school or place of work? Anything humorous to tell us, at all? Please comment! We could all use a little laugh right around now!

If It's Inference ... It Must Be Spring!

2010-04-15T17:55:00.008-04:00

Our AP Statistics class and Geometry classes thank our important guests today ~ your comments, insight -- and humor(!) -- engaged our students and brought more of the real-world into the classroom. Truly, we appreciated your time and interest.

Here we are in the middle of a very beautiful April. My AP Statistics students are diligently (albeit tiredly) working, full-steam ahead. Our goal is in site: the AP Stats exam held nationally on May 4th. We've covered 12 dense chapters in an especially rigorous text, Yates, et al., "The Practice of Statistics." If you are an AP Stats student or teacher, you know how strong a textbook and curriculum this is.

Our focus since late January has been on the holy grail of statistics: inference. What is inference? Inference is the process of analyzing properly collected data, forming a hypothesis, deciding which statistic to calculate, and then (drum roll, please), drawing a valid conclusion to make important decisions. It's the raison d'etre, really, of the discipline. Are the decreased number of lymphcytic cells in a sample of patients due to a new chemotherapy regime, or just as likely due to chance variation? Are the increased test scores in a sample of 1000 high school juniors due to better instruction, or just natural variation? Yes, inference is what really matters.

So my students have been verrrrry patient and diligent as I go on-and-on about the power and beauty of the problem sets they are completing. But you know, they're getting it. They really are. And this is where the real beauty is: when I see Katie say, "I was watching Animal Planet and there is this researcher in Japan. He drew these conclusions about chimpanzees and I questioned the design of his experiment." This student, by the way, followed up her curiosity by researching the exact study conducted and understanding the validity of the inferences! Or, when Olivia commented one day, "I was watching TV with my dad and there was this story. I said, 'How can they be sure? What about confounding variables? What about randomization?'" Yes, they're thinking critically and listening actively. No math teacher could be more pleased.

So, regardless of how my charges perform on the AP Stats exam this year (and I know they'll do great), I already have inferences of my own: they have studied, they have worked. They have learned and they have grown. I know it.

"[A] mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. " Oliver Wendell Holmes, US author & physician (1809 - 1894)

Spring Might Really Be Here!

2010-03-18T20:40:00.006-04:00

Dear Reader: I had an interesting experience today in one of my classes. It was very rewarding.

I was working hard to explain a tough proof in Geometry. I had the Smartboard a-goin'. I was using many colored markers. I was fueled on two cups of coffee and a Twix bar. The sun was shining, the kids' heads were nodding up and down, and it was one of those moments in teaching where a teacher thinks, "YES!" I was psyched. Truly.

Then, the room got quiet and a lone hand went up in the back of the room. A soft voice from a typically quiet student said, "Mrs. Fitz, could you also have done it this way?" He went on to explain an elegant approach that I have never, ever considered before [ and I have looked at this particular Geometry proof from many different angles ;-) ]

Honestly, I became speechless -- and that's rare for me! I continued to listen, really listen, and his train of thought wowed me. The classroom became serenly quiet for a minute. Then, I tried as best as I could to say to the student how deeply proud I was of him. I wanted him to know that his thought process showed a maturity, growth. Yes, his mind has indeed expanded this year from straight, direct, substitution-type logic, to something much more complex. His logic was so strong and so correct. It had an almost-law-school quality to it.

Well, that cinched it for me -- spring is really here, I thought, both in terms of weather and in learning in my classroom! These freshman are a-bloomin'!

Finally. At last. And I am so happy for them.

Early February Reflection

2010-02-03T13:09:00.003-05:00

Parents and Students,

It's that time in winter when we've started third quarter and feel exhausted-- from the winter weather, from the school work, etc. February vacation is on the horizon and we have some important work to accomplish leading up to it.

As I reflect on my classes, I am enormously proud of the growth I am seeing. As an example, I had students earlier today explain proofs they had written on triangle similarities. As I said in class, these are not easy nor are they obvious. They take some real analysis to get right! And boy, the students shined!!! I was very impressed and pleased, especially when I think back to this fall when we were just beginning "the climb" of proofs and analysis.

Bravo, students! And remember, "the best is yet to be". [Tennyson]

Martin Luther King Day

2010-01-18T09:14:00.015-05:00

Top Photo
View from the Lincoln Memorial on that famous day. Powerful images. Powerful messages. (Aug. 1963)

Photo at Left
MLK Jr meeting with student leaders in the south (Early 1960's)

Students and families,
As I type this, it is snowing hard outside. We have today off from school and it is rather peaceful as I sit by my fireplace typing and grading.
I've been thinking about the amazing MLK Jr. today. You may not know this, but he inspires me every school day. I was a little girl when he gave his famous speech in Washington DC, in front of the Lincoln Memorial, proclaiming , "I Have a Dream". My parents told me how very important and brave it was. You may now realize that this speech is now referred to as the "Speech of the Century," for very good reasons.

I was a little bit older, maybe 9 years old when MLK was shot. I distinctly recall being in the car with my parents when the news came over the radio that he had been killed. Both my parents gasped. They tried to explain it all to me. I am not African American but, I knew from a young age, MLK was fighting for equality for African Americans in this country AND equality for all. He preached and practiced non-violence at an explosive time in our country's history when most people wanted to react with violence.
My parents were progressive for their time and made sure all of us kids understood the importance of this man's words and work.

Now, as an adult with children of my own, I have a small plaque in my dining room that says, "Faith is taking the first step even you don't see the whole staircase. MLK wrote this. He believed it. I do too. What does it mean to you? What types of "faith" do you need in life...in yourself, in your families, in your peers, in our country, etc?

Now, please take a minute from studying for midterms to hear this great man's voice. I've enclosed a link I think you'll like.

The Climb

2010-01-10T11:48:00.005-05:00

The other day, one of my freshmen asked me to play the song "The Climb" in our classroom while we were working on some Geometry proofs. You see, our classroom has several very nice speakers in the ceiling and, well, it would be a shame to not let music pour forth while doing math! ;-)

Maybe it was the sun shining it on a bright, cold, winter day, maybe it was the sweetness with which the student asked me, or maybe it was the quality of the sound, but the lyrics really hit me that day. Like you, I've heard the song on my car radio quite a bit, but, I guess I never really heard the lyrics this well before.

If you get a chance, listen to the song on Youtube. Make sure your speakers are on and enjoy. I think the lyrics have special meaning for my student -- and for me now too.

"

Superintendent Schettini

2009-12-27T19:15:00.004-05:00

We have just received word that our superintendent, Mr. Pat Schettini, has passed away. As both a teacher and a parent in Reading, I cannot adequately express how very, very sad I feel today. Mr. Schettini was courageous, strong and honest in his fight over these past months. He will be very, very missed. As teachers and students, the very best way for us to honor Mr. Schettini is to be the best students and teachers we can possibly be over the rest of our school year. He will be very missed. Students, please keep Mr. Schettini and his family in your thoughts over the upcoming days. My favorite definition of courage is: "To navigate a tough passage with grit and grace," and I firmly believe Mr. Schettini did just that.

Projects, projects projects

2009-12-22T17:07:00.004-05:00

Dear Reader,
If you're a student then projects are a way of life. Whether your teacher asks for something on poster board, or a term paper, or a podcast, you are well aware of the time and intellect it takes to do a superb job.

If you are a parent, well, when your son or daughter is working on a project you see the hours in front of a computer or bent over a joint effort with other students at your kitchen table. Perhaps pizza is ordered. Carpools are arranged.

As a previous student, and a current parent and teacher, I am very familiar with projects from various sides. Rest assure, however, that as a teacher I will only assign a project if it makes absolute sense to do so. I usually assign 2 per year per course and spend hours thinking through the expectations and rubrics.

Most recently, several of my Geometry classes completed a project on triangle altitudes, medians, perpendicular bisectors, midsegments, and points of concurrency. The students used MS Powerpoint and MS Paint to create tutorials for future Geometry students. I wanted my students to have an authentic audience for their work and to answer some essential questions, all part of Project Based Learning. They did a great job! I am very proud of the students and their end products. In my next post, I will include links to several projects (with my students' permission, of course). For now, here is a link to explain more about the Project-Based Learning and why it's so much more than you think:

http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning

Best wishes at this time of year to all of you and your families. We have so much to be grateful for, especially our health and our minds with which to learn and make a difference in this world. Peace to all.

There are Blogs and there are Glogs!

2009-12-13T16:12:00.003-05:00

Who knew??? GLOGS???

I just returned from a fantastic teaching conference. I learned some new concepts and others that I already use in the classroom were confirmed and validated. Plus I got to spend time with wonderful teachers who are very dedicated to their profession.

Something I learned from a very sharp teacher from South Carolina was about GLOGS! Students, any idea what these are? Look into it and comment back to me. We're going to be using them very soon in Geometry.

Follow on to Vectors & Start of Transformations

2009-11-12T09:54:00.003-05:00

Students,

I loved all your comments on vectors! This week we'll be wrapping up vectors (dot product, etc.) and moving right into transformations, one of my most favorite topics in all of math. It's very visual. In addition, there are algebraic tranformations I know so many of you will like. Second quarter is off to a nice strong start. Thank you, students, for all your great effort and winning attitude!

Here's a great website to look at for reflections, just one of several types of transformations. Read and enjoy!

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/images/reflect-x.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/reflection.html&usg=__YkD4IJXP8cWR0zwGcQ6EBdg_J7E=&h=161&w=150&sz=4&hl=en&start=45&tbnid=zcafFI86pMN4KM:&tbnh=98&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgeometry%2Breflections%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26sa%3DN%26start%3D40

"Victor, Vector!"

2009-11-09T11:44:00.002-05:00

Students,
We've been talking about vectors in Honors Geometry and thinking of them in termsof air traffic control commands. You might want to take a look at some of the following links:

http://physics.about.com/od/mathematics/a/VectorMath.htm

http://emweb.unl.edu/math/mathweb/vectors/vectors.html

http://mathforum.org/library/drmath/sets/select/dm_vectors.html

After you've had a chance to read through this material, please answer some of the following questions in a comment.

1) In addition to our air traffic control example, can you come up with an application of vectors in another area of day-to-day life?

2) When you take Physics here at RMHS, how might vectors be used and taught? Why?

3) Please visit YouTube and TeacherTube to view some videos on vectors. Come up with 2 or 3 that are really helpful in teaching students, like you, info about vectors. Write them in a comment as well.

Halloween Thoughts

2009-10-30T09:38:00.008-04:00

UNIQUENESS - Creativity, Artistry, and Math!

Today is Oct. 30th and we've had many laughs in Classroom 203. Yes, we got our math done too. In Blocks A and G we covered the Midsegment Theorem and how it works in the coordinate plane. In Blocks B and F we did some fancy footwork with polygons. ANd yet, we wove laughter and humor too into the work. You see, the teachers in my hallway all dressed up for Halloween! We had Mrs. Mahoney as a very friendly prisoner, Ms. Shuette was Miss Piggy ( a little self-depracating humor there...they're disecting fetal pigs in Bio this week!). Mrs. Cambra and Ms. Backler conspired to be Miley Cyrus and Hanna Montana, complete with wigs. Me? Well, let's just say in a moment of silliness, I purchased a hotdog costume and wore it to school. I'm sure some pictures will be emailed to me for posting.

The really important part, though, were the reactions of our students! They were so accepting of our silliness. Not one thought we were "un-cool" but, rather, they seemed to appreciate that their teachers wanted to make it fun for them, even if it was at our own expense. That shows maturity. And warmth. And all around decency of our kids.

As for uniqueness? Well, I do not have the artisitic talent that the carvers of the above pumpkins obviously do. Me? I seem to do math well. My students? They do math well too, but so much more. I have musicians, artists, & dancers who are just as amazing with two column proofs. I have athletes that score baskets and win races who are just as winning at statistical inference. Yes, let's celebrate our individuality and find the humor where ever -- and whenever -- we can. It's very healthy to be able to laugh at ourselves. Students, you do us proud. Happy Halloween from Room 203.

Pssssssssssssst: If you see a large hotdog wondering the halls of RMHS, well....what can I say? Try it sometime ~ it'll lighten your spirit! Psssssssssssssst again: rumor has it that there is a tall, life-size taco teaching Spanish over in Room 224 . Buenos dias!

Students, please comment below. What did you think of the day? What other costumes did you spot? Do you have any reflections on my above thoughts?

To Blog or not to Blog ~ That is the Question

2009-08-27T14:15:00.006-04:00

Students,

So, OK, I've paraphrased Shakespeare for the title to this entry but, hey, it seems to work! If you are a returning student, welcome back! If you're new to this blog, or even to all blogs, welcome too! Once you're done reading this entry, navigate your way around this blog. Read some other entries. Learn about my family and about some neat work my students did last year.

I hope you had a fun summer. Back in June, remember all the rain we had? Boy, once July and August hit with the heat and sun I was much happier. How about you?

Just to get us going, please leave an answer to these questions below in a comment: What was one of the most fun days you had this summer? What did you do and who did you do it with? What made it so special?

A rule or two about responsible blogging, OK? First, your comment may appear as "Anonymous" but that's just the label. It really won't be anonymous. Your first typed line should have your name, class and block letter. It might read something like, "This is Andrew A from Geom in Block A". Then you can answer the question I just asked you.

See you in class! What was my best day this past summer? Well, you'll have to stay "posted" to this blog and maybe read about it in a future entry!

Once again, welcome back. It's great to see you at RMHS.

A Setting Sun ~~ A Rising Summer !

2009-06-22T17:13:00.003-04:00

Dear Reader,
It's 5:20pm on June 22nd, our last day of school. Students have left. Many teachers are done. Me? My grades are all in and the textbooks are put away. I still have a few more little loose ends to tie up, but, I have no major responsibilities left in Room 203.

I've been reflecting a little bit here on a rainy, cold day in Reading, MA, north of Boston. Now, NOW I am ready for sun, heat and perhaps a sunset like the one above! A few days ago I was not; I think I was almost afraid to let my mind go there. NOT NOW! The work is done, the racing is over.

Students, THANK YOU for a fantastic year. I got to know over 100 new students and on the whole, you are a great group. Some memories..."Mrs. Fitz, WHY are THOSE windows open? It's frrrrreeeezing in here!" "3-2-1...we're on the air!" "Are you ready to do the dance? C'mon...gimme y=x! y=negative x..." "Jordan, are you in period 4? Period 5?!" Well, you remember it as well as I do!

As Rod Stewart writes in "Forever Young": "Here's hoping that I've served you well. For all the wisodm of a lifetime, no one can ever tell. But, whatever road you choose, I'm right behind you win or lose. Forever young. Forever young." It's how I feel students.

In closing, check this blog over the summer. I hope to do a few updates. Leave me some comments.And, please, please come visit me in September. Let me know how you're doing!

Still Working Hard, but.... !

2009-06-18T13:21:00.005-04:00

Dear Readers,

We, in Classroom 203 in RMHS, are still working hard during our final exams. Students are studying and taking cumulative tests, which for some can be stressful. Me? I'm grading and organizing. I'm replying to letters and emails. I'm completing work for some teaching and committee work I'll be doing over the summer. I am also......well......you get the picture.

Speaking of pictures, the above photos are what I'm dreaming about when I put my red pen down at the end of each day this week. In about one month, my family is going to this very spot in Mexico. Take me away !!! I have some books already packed to bring. I love nothing more than sitting on a gorgeous beach, reading a great book. My own children have started a countdown on our refridgerator for the days until we leave. Yes, the trip is very nice to look forward to when we're stiil piled high and deep with school work.

How about you? Will you be taking any vacations this summer? If so, where will you be going? What are you especially looking forward to? Comment and let me know, OK?

In the meantime, keep working hard, students. Your summertime rewards are right around the corner! Now, if Mother Nature could cooperate and let the sun shine. Hmmmmm...where IS that sun these days?

One of the Best Parts of Teaching

2009-06-15T09:06:00.007-04:00

Dear Readers,

I am a lucky lady -- I get to teach a subject I am passionate about, in a school I love with some of the best students a teacher could ever have. It's June. I am getting sentimental and thinking about all the farewells. I am also thinking about the true meaning of the terms "farewell" and "Godspeed." While old-fashioned terms, they certainly represent better how I feel than "goodbye." The above photo shows me with a student I was very fortunate to get to know well, David Troutman. Mrs Cathy Crowley and David have visited my classroom, Room 203, and a beautiful, meaningful relationship developed between my Period 1 class and our guests.

Yes, I am a very lucky lady. Daily, I reflect on the blessings that flow from teaching . . . and teaching in Reading.

To my freshman, I offer "The best is yet to be.." as Browning wrote. And, to my seniors, I continue to remind, "The best is [still] yet to be..." Congratulations, students! You do us proud!

RMHS Math Teachers

2009-06-13T13:12:00.008-04:00

Dear Reader,

Yes, we love our department! Back at the holidays, Mr. Moscariello had the idea of getting us team shirts for Team Math at RMHS. We're a close group, genuinely liking each other, working together and on occasion, teasing each other! (Can you say daily?!) I think students feel the warmth and humor when one of us is caught by surprise on a practical joke or, even, an unsolicited hug from a colleague that may happen in front of the students. One observant 5th period student said to me recently, "Mrs. Fitz, you guys really like each other." Yes, we do, most sincerely.

On Fridays, we try to wear our Math Shirts for team spirit. [Psssssst....I think the other departments might even be a little jealous! ;-) ] So, if you happen to see us in our red and black shirts, we're proud -- and sometimes loud! It is a pleasure working in such a smart and cohesive group. Students, what do you think when you've seen us in them? Do you know what the numbers on the arms signify?! Let me know by leaving a comment.

Locomotive of Learning

2009-06-11T10:00:00.005-04:00

Caption: Photo taken from wikipedia.com

Readers,
We are approaching mid-June and we are still "full steam ahead". Folks often ask me if we are "winding down in the classes" and the truth is, No! the curricula for our courses at RMHS are too robust; in my classes we teach through the last day of classes. Oh, that's not to say the students don't try to squangle out of the work. (!) "C'mon, Mrs. Fitz, isn't there a movie we can watch?" "How about we just sit here and, well, do nothing, Mrs. Fitz?" Hmmmm.... we teachers spend so much energy these days keeping the students learning and on task.

The cold, grey weather has been a blessing. It makes summer seem so far off. Thank you, Mother Nature, for thinking of us teachers!

So, parents, your kids should still be lugging home big, heavy backpacks with meaningful work. They should still feel the locomotive of learning. Psssst. We won't remind the students but school will end in ten days. Until then, we'll keep them focused, engaged and productive.

Our First Published Cabri Jr Video!

2009-05-29T14:35:00.005-04:00

YouTube, TeacherTube ... and now, RMHS MathTube ?!

Our Honors Geometry students have been working hard on a large project. One of the essential questions the students are trying to answer is: "What are some of the best ways to teach geometry concepts using the TI graphing calculator?" The TI calculator is a key component in high school math curricula. It is chock-full of software apps designed to put the power of math, in an affordable way, in each student's hands. At RMHS, it is an expected tool for our students.

Today, a team of three freshmen from Fourth Period, Honors Geometry created their first video, uploadable (is this an actual word?) to a hosting site, Screencast. They arrived in the Media Lab, script in hand and did it! Zach Driscoll, Paul Andrick and Ben Finn did a great job writing and producing this 5-minute video. The lesson is on the sine function, on the TI graphing calculator. While the video appears seemingly straightforward, it is deceptive ~ ~ these kids did a lot of traveling up a learning curve, especially on software interfaces, to make it happen.

All the students in periods 1, 4 and 5 are making math videos on use of the graphing calculator. They see the following video as an important first step for a new process here at RMHS. Using exisiting hardware and software, some additional free software, and a lot of attention to detail, we now know this is possible. According to TechSmith, Inc, the Michigan corporation responsible for Screencast and Jing, they know of no other high schools in the US doing this type of work with their product, let alone freshmen!

Students, watch and learn. Make sure your volume is on and high enough. Be sure to show your folks too. I am VERY proud of you all.

Below is the link. Double click it. Then, click the triangle "play" button in the middle of the screen. Scroll as needed to see the display screen.

http://screencast.com/t/tgY9epcw

Readers, please comment and let us know what you think. What else should we consider in making the videos? Where would YOU like to see this go?

Reading your Comments ~ Very Impressed!

2009-05-24T16:33:00.005-04:00

To all my Honors Geometry students:

It is Sunday afternoon and I have returned from our daughter's graduation. I have a tall cold drink and I am reading your comments. Whoa! I am so very impressed! Clearly, each team is putting in the correct amount and type of work. I like the creativity. I like the team work: it seems as if each member is fairly carrying his or her even share of the duties. The timing estimates look good. Here's a general rule of thumb: if your script requires MORE THAN TWO 5-MINUTE JING SESSIONS, only do two. Submit the script for ALL of the work ( I want to give as many A's as I can on this portion of it.), but, you will only record and broadcast for one or two Jing sessions.

I will give each team their individual feedback on Tuesday and Wednesday of the upcoming week. We'll be back in the lab on Friday for actual recording.

This is very exciting for me. I hope it is for you as well. We'll talk more in class about it all. In the meantime, if you are marching in the Memorial Day Parade here in town, thank you! You will do us proud, I'm sure. I will be attending with my family and will be cheering you on as you march by. You are doing an important and noble thing. It is very important to remember our soldiers, to honor the dead, and to celebrate those who are currenly serving oversees for our interests.

See you in class Tuesday!

H. Geom. Screencasts: Recording Estimates

2009-05-17T16:29:00.005-04:00

Photo caption: A view of the Boston skyline from the Moakley Courthouse. Photo Courtesy of boston.com.

Here's what I would like you to do... go into the lab (the one we've been working in) and step through your Cabri Jr script using TI Smartview. Do not launch JING. One group member should speak it, another key it in, and another time it. The one timing needs to mark your script with one, two, three, four, five, etc minute marks in the margin. This will be IMPORTANT. We're about to record our screencasts using Jing.

Once you've done the above, please leave a comment below (one per group). Tell me who you are, what period you are in, and then answer the following:

1) Is your entire script do-able in 5 minutes or less? (A recorded Jing session will be limited to 5 minutes.)

2) What is the total time it takes to execute your script?

3) If your script takes more than 5 minutes, can your group figure out the logical break point to put it into two separate Jing sessions?

Thanks!

H. Geom. Screencasts: First Day in the Lab

2009-05-15T08:33:00.006-04:00

Today, Friday, May 15, was the first day our classes visited the lab to start producing our screencasts. It was a practice day. We made sure the two software packages were properly loaded. They are TI Smartview and Jing screencast. All went well.

Students practiced with TI Smartview. One student commented that the software seemd easy. It is! Another student commented that he wished TI Smartview was faster. Me too. Just understand this: it is only natural that the software is slower than your hand-held calculator and slower, certainly, than any video gaming equipment you're used to.

Next week: Second drafts of the scripts are due on Friday, May 22. Also, we'll be back in the lab to start actual recording. Get psyched, students! You are doing awesome work and developing important 21st century skills. You are also creating valuable on-line lessons for future students. This is education at its finest. Bravo! I am very proud of you.

Feedback on Your Blog Comments

2009-05-04T20:29:00.006-04:00

Caption: This image on the left is a shot I took last week at Heritage Plantation in Sandwich, MA. It is a famous spherical water fountain ~ geometric and beautiful.

Hi Students,

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments on this blog! You are so insightful and articulate. I think any issues you had with posting the comments are now fixed. Is this true? Do any of you still have any difficulties when you try to post or view comments to this blog?

As I read your comments, I've noticed a few of you are a little worried that the screencast project is worth 200 points for 4th quarter. Actually, this is a VERY good thing! If you continue doing the work the way I am instructing you, and at the pace I am instructing you, I am sure you will do very well. The key will be to not let it pile up and, to doing your fair share within your group.

First due date: This Friday, May 8, 2009. Item: Typed draft of your script, complete with team members' names and tricky steps identified.

Next due date: Friday, May 15, 2009. Item: First version of your Jing screencast -- more on this in class.

A Screencast to Watch at Home

2009-05-01T14:08:00.006-04:00

Students,

The following link should bring you directly to a tutorial I made for our Honors Geometry class. It's the first one on "Getting to Know Cabri" that I showed you on my laptop in class. Also, if your parents have time (about 5 mins), please have them see it -- or even just a part of it. It will give your folks a tangible preview of the type of work you are doing for your project.

Make a mental note to yourself: when you apply to colleges, tell them you created the type of tutorial you will make. Send them the link to your very own one. My contacts tell me this will be very impressive. Very few HS students (let alone freshmen!) are doing this work, so BRAVO!!! I continue to be very proud of you.

If you have any problems viewing the screencast, please comment below and/or let me know in class, OK? Happy viewing!

http://screencast.com/t/LXJG9Gxqq

Jing and Our Honors Geometry Projects

2009-04-30T13:33:00.006-04:00

Dear Blog Readers,

This week my honors geometry classes have been working very hard on Cabri Jr lessons on their graphing calculators and on preliminary work for their term projects. They are going to write scripts and produce instructional videos on Cabri Jr. I am so very proud of them already! My students will probably use Jing and TI Smartview to produce the screencasts. My goals for the projects are that students learn from them on four levels:

a) how to master Cabri Jr for some important theorems and postulates

b) how to learn software tools for their 21st century skill set

c) how to learn something well enough in order to teach it clearly and cleverly

d) how to learn from each other as peer-instructors through project work AND by watching each others' videos on Cabri Jr.

Here's a question for my students to answer: What do you think will be the easiest part of your project? What do you think might be tricky for you and your group to do? Is there anything about this project that excites you? Is there anything that makes you nervous? Students, I truly want your comments!

Building Bridges

2009-04-23T10:39:00.004-04:00

I've been spending time this week thinking about our schools. I love Reading and I adore our school system. Are thersome creative ways to build learning bridges between our schools? What is in the best interest of student learning? I'm letting the creative juices flow while I sit by my fireplace, laptop in hand. I'll keep you "posted"! (Pun intended!)

AP Statistics

2009-04-21T21:43:00.006-04:00

My 3rd period math class, AP Statistics sees the end in sight and yet, there is still so much to do! The AP exam is Tuesday, May 5th. Gosh, we could use another month!

When we return from this week's vacation, we'll complete "Inference by Proportion" and do a fast turn around on "Chi Squared Distribution".

Above Left: Our textbook, Yates et al.

Above Right: Our textbook ?! ;-) Couldn't resist!

Different Kinds of Awards -- and Rewards

2009-04-21T21:34:00.005-04:00

Over the past few weeks a group of 40 teachers and administrators prepared and watched each other's presentations as part of our course. I saw excitement and exhaustion across the room! I certainly felt both myself. And yet, while all of our boundaries are expanding technologically, as teachers we had to keep on drivin' the train with all our little passengers on board!

I have a student I will refer to as "B". "B" works hard and quietly. "B" fully reallizes his learning disabilities make basic math a challenge. The other day "B" had real success. The other day, dear reader, "B" successfully conquered some Algebra that up to this point has eluded and discouraged him. Such wonderment! Such pride!

I keep assuring "B" that the real world wants to help people like him. The real world, I say, values hard work and modesty. It's like the fable of the tortoise and the hare, I remind him. Slow and steady really will win the race. I am very lucky to have this student in my life.
"B" may never win the academic awards that are about to be given out in our high school this spring. I am sure there are lots of students who will win even several of the awards. This uneveness seems unfair to me. So, I need to remind myself that it doesn't really matter in the long run. "B" will grow and strive at each phase of his life with compassion rarely found in one so young. "B" gets it, he really does. And, for this dear reader, all the help and encouragement "B" will receive at every turn will be the larger reward. The successes born of diligence will be awards that transcend framed paper. His parents and teachers will be there to remind him.

Reflections on Expanded Teaching Boundaries

2009-04-21T21:14:00.006-04:00

. . . Looking at this, can summer be far off ?

As part of a graduate course I just completed at RMHS, I am reflecting on how my teaching boundaries have been expanded by Web 2.0 technologies. I must say I am starting to truly realize the changes in me, and in my teaching.

With our recent spring-like weather, I visited Long Beach in Gloucester, MA and went for a beautiful walk with my husband and kids. Part of what I was thinking about was the current academic year and all the changes I've tried to incorporate. Perhaps, that's what I love so much about teaching -- there is always something new to teach and someone new to teach it to!

I'm at a point in my instruction where I cannot separate my messages and lessons from the delivery systems, the technologies. I am reminded of a famous quote on choreography. True dance, true art is when you can't see the dance and not hear the music, and not hear the music without seeing the dance. I think I'm there...with my teaching, that is. I can't hear the teaching without seeing the teachnology and I can't see the technology without thinking how I could use it to teach. I'm there, I really am.

What has been the impact on you? What are you teaching and how are you teaching it using Web 2.0 capabilities? Feel free to comment!

Working Smart with Smartboards

2009-04-21T20:37:00.006-04:00

I've been exploring a new product offered by Smartech, the folks that bring us our Smartboards. The product, "BridgIt" is conference communication software that we might be able to use for teaching without walls. It's very exciting! While researching the use of the product I came across a great website at:

http://www.youtube.com/smartclassrooms

It's an entire channel on youtube that has a font of videos on teachers and students using Smartboards. Lots of good, creative ideas. Check it out -- it's well worth your time.

Also, here's a reminder to me to visit in detail:

http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Ed+Resource/SAP/Find+your+title/math/

Beautiful (& Fun) Wordles

2009-04-21T10:13:00.005-04:00

Do you know what a wordle is? You NEED to play and see! Visit the link and see what one is and create one of your own. Here's one I did back in March for my Honors Geometry class on right triangle Geometry.

Link here to see this beautiful wordle up close (and not blurry):

http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/686778/right_triangle_trigonometry

Link here to create one of your own. Students in Honors Geometry, how about making a wordle for our recent Cabri Jr. work?

http://www.wordle.net

More Feedback on our Ustream Broadcast

2009-04-21T10:00:00.002-04:00

As mentioned to you in a post two down from this one, Mrs Sharon Burke and I braodcasted an Honors Geometry class recently. The feedback keeps a-comin' in! Here are some comments:

"Really fun! I liked knowing other people were watching us!" - student
"It made it feel like what we were doing was really important." - another student
"I liked experiencing my son's Geometry class first-hand and ... I learned something too!" - a parent
"It confirmed for me the excellence of education in Reading." - another parent.

Boy, can I bottle these positive comments for weeks when I'm getting discouraged?
Now it's your turn. As an educator, have you braodcasted any classes? If so, which ones? What was your experience? I look forward to your comments!

How I'm Inspired ~ Where I'm Headed

2009-04-21T09:43:00.002-04:00

In our course, we just wrapped up the presentations. Whoa! I am impressed and inspired.
When I learn new things, I become so excited. I can feel like I am standing under Niagra Falls and I want to drink it all in! Yet, I am only holding a paper cup; so I scoop and drink as fast as I can!
I am commiting myself to the following over the next six months. I hope this summer I can really make some major headway.
1) Blogs & Wikis - I am addicted to blogs and wikis. I need to migrate my entries from this blog to a different host and then, keep that up todate with regular posts. I also want to launch a nice strong wiki for AP Stats. I have a wonderfully inspiritaional site from a calculus-teacher friends at Swampscott High. I can't wait.
2) Screencasting - I am convinced this is the way to go for my Honors Geometry classes. There are so many lessons to be created and taught on laptops, the Smartboard, and with graphing calculator software. I know screencasts of "geometric explorations" and formal proofs are the way to go. I desperately want my students to be in the driving, creator seats. Hmmmm ... I'm thinking of calling broadcasts of the student-centered lessons on proofs, "Proof Profs". Too corny?
3) Simultaneous 3-Way Broadcasting, perhaps using ooVoo or BridgIt -- Oh yes, Sharon and I will bring down these walls among RMHS, Parker and Coolidge. I really want the 8th graders to experience 9th grade math this spring. Sharon and I have discussed the issues with our firewall which prevent the broadcast right now, but, I know we shall overcome!

To all of you, my colleagues, THANK YOU for how you've inspired me all year. What a course, what a cohort, what an experience. You all know by now that I love the quote, "Change is inevitable; growth is optional." I opt to grow. I sincerely hope I always opt to grow and stretch, especially for and with my students. This course has touched me deeply. I cannot think about my beloved math and my cherished students without also thinking of our evolving technologies as the vehicles to implement the growth and change. Besides, it is FUN!

In all honesty, I wish could now take a follow-on course to develop these ideas and receive customized technical support on them. Hmmmm....John, want to run another course?????
I now need to sign off to work on my Blue Ribbon Conference presentation. I'm excited and nervous. Feel free to add any thoughts about my future plans. I truly value your input. Again, thank you all so very much.

Migration!

2009-04-21T09:06:00.004-04:00

Oh Boy, dear reader!

For the past year I have been blogging on a regular basis at a different site. I was just notified that thehost, nlcommunities, will cease all blogging as of August 2009! I will attempt to migrate my posts from that site to here. Oh boy! Wish me luck.

Why We Should Love Geometry - Really

2008-11-12T13:51:00.002-05:00

I found the following on a great website. It's hosted by Drexel University in Philadelphia. "Dr. Rick" is a professor who authored the following. I have it here b/c I thought you'ld enjoy it.

Feel free to visit the website at http://mathforum.org/dr.math/

All geometry courses more or less follow the trail blazed by Euclid, before 300 BC. There were others who contributed to geometry centuries earlier ... but Euclid is the one who systematized geometry - set it up as a collection of definitions, postulates, and theorems, all logically following from one another. Look here for information on the history of geometry:http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/mathhist/geometry.html
What is it used for? Who uses it? The very word "geometry" points to its practical origins: it means "measurement of the earth." A Greek named Eratosthenes, among others, used it (and its relative, trigonometry, which means "measurement of triangles") to find the circumference of the earth. (This was crucial for mapmaking, and it's even more relevant today, with all our satellites!)Geometry is still used in its original sense by surveyors. It's used every second by computers...The greatest value of geometry has nothing to do with what people use it for. What Euclid did 2300 years ago was revolutionary because it got people thinking logically and reasoning things out - thinking about why something is true. In geometry, something is true or it isn't, and you don't prove something by yelling loud enough to intimidate people, or by being persuasive and winning in the polls. Euclid really set the stage for science, for careful examination of the world, of cause and effect. And every year, when students study geometry, it once again sets the stage for some of those students to head into sciences and technical fields that require careful thought. So I would say that all science and technology is a "use" of geometry, whether or not people ever think about circles and triangles.

Proofs in Geometry

2008-11-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, students! It's mid-November and you are still not fully convinced why all this proof-learning is so important. Remember, I have a very big job ahead of me: I want every one of my students to come to appreciate proofs. While I am not naive enough to think everyone will end up loving them, I am certain each of you can read them. write them and even, yes dear student, create them from scratch. That's how capable and bright I know you are.

I also want to have each of you start to record in your thoughts on this blog. I'll talk more about it in class too. You'll work and reflect. You'll share your amazing thoughts and learn. Just realize this: in addition to discovering Geometry, you are discovering yourself too! And, dear student, I am so very proud of you already.

Stained Glass Windows

2008-05-08T13:28:00.001-04:00

Look to the upper right -->
This is a great example of
geometry and stunning art.
Artists of stained glass, tile mosaics, and quilts know
the power of Geometry as art.

Of Hollywood --- and Math ?

2008-05-08T12:31:00.002-04:00

Students,

I saw an interview/biography last night on the Hollywood
directer, Ron Howard. I bet your parents and grandparents
recall that he was first Opie, the son, on "The Andy
Griffith Show." You know him as a powerful and
well-respected director. Some famous films that he has made
are: "The DaVinci Code", "Cinderella Man",
"The Missing", "A Beautiful Mind", and "How the
Grinch Stole Christmas" (with Jim Carey).

So few child stars are able to translate their
early Hollywood success to adult success, I decided to
watch (while folding laundry) the interview.

"It's All About the Set Up"

When asked about his early and long-lasting
success as a money-making director in the
cut-throat world of Hollywood, Ron Howard
replied, "When I set out to make a movie,
I first think about every scene. I think about the shots,
the lighting, the sound, the camera angles. Then
before anyone acts, I worry about the set up.
You get it right when the set up is right. It's all about the set-up."
Students, I stopped folding the laundry. I turned to
the TV and stared at the screen.

"What did I just hear," I thought. "Did he just say it's
all about the set up?" "It is all about the set-up!" You
see, I had just gone on and on that very day in school
with my Honors Geometry class about proper problem
set up. "You gotta start with the logic," I said for about
the hundreth time. "Then, put in the Algebraic equations,
right underneath." I took a deep breath, "You gotta do
direct substitution, then combine like terms
printed neatly, lined up correctly."
My students' eyes were definitely glazing over.
"Do all the calculations slowly and accurately," I continued.

At this point several of my hungry, overtired students
were just NOT listening. (You know who you are ;-)
Finally, I yelled (to make a point and to wake them up),
"IT"S ALL ABOUT THE SET UP!"

There. I feel better. A world-class director who makes
ba-zillions has confirmed that set up is everything.
So, tomorrow in class, when, yes, once again
I'll be a stickler about correct problem setup, I'll think
of Mr. Howard and all his success. I'll know that you, too, will
be as successful as he is -- with math.
Yup, it IS all about the set up.
My only lasting question is: Do you think Ron Howard
was a wonderful math student? Hmmmm...what do YOU think?

Welcome to My Blog

2008-05-04T15:24:00.001-04:00

Hello teachers, parents and most of all, my students!

I love teaching and I love Math. Teaching and Math are two of my most fervent passions. Call me dweeb, dwonk, math geek -- whatever -- I am proud of it! Afterall, "Know who you are and then do it on purpose."

I love the way math works as a language. Oh I no...you might be saying, "A language? Like Spanish? Like French?" Yes, a powerful, beautiful language that allows us to create large structures like buildings and bridges, or describe microscopic phenomena like cell replication and molecule behavior. Math can explain harmony in music, symmetry in sculpture, color hues in oil paintings. Math helps explain David Ortiz's hitting strength and Curt Schilling's curve ball. Without the math behind them, we'd have no arches in cathedrals, no turrets in castles, and certainly, not one of the Great Pyramids that grace Egypt. Math is underneath it all, everyday, everywhere.

Let's all become very literate in math. Let's use this powerful language discovered by the ancient civilizations and as relevant now, in 2009, as ever.

Keep an open mind, a sharp pencil, a sense of humor and be sure to tighten your chin straps. We're in for a great ride!