15 February 1999 Vol. 4, No. 7
THE MATH FORUM INTERNET NEWS
Mathematics of Change (TERC) | EggMath |
Lego Projects - Blake School
MATHEMATICS OF CHANGE (TERC)
Testbed for Collaboration, Eisenhower Regional Consortia
http://web1.terc.edu/mathofchange/moc/
A site that presents calculus as the mathematics of change,
in order to make the subject an essential part of the
general education of the population and an accessible and
relevant domain of mathematics. TERC envisions calculus as
one of the important contexts for students' learning of
arithmetic, algebra, and geometry starting in the
elementary grades.
Mathematics of Change activities include:
- K-1: concepts and activities are integrated into the
curriculum; students do addition and subtraction story
problems where changes occur, making patterns of colors
or shapes for others to continue
- Grade 2: timelines and rhythm patterns representing time
- Grade 3: up and down the number line (changes)
- Grade 4: changes over time (graphs)
- Grade 5: patterns of change (tables and graphs)
These projects are from TERC's Investigations in Number,
Data, and Space, a K-5 mathematics curriculum with four major
goals: to offer students meaningful mathematical problems;
emphasize depth in mathematical thinking rather than
superficial exposure to a series of fragmented topics;
communicate mathematics content and pedagogy to teachers;
and substantially expand the pool of mathematically literate
students.
http://www.terc.edu/investigations/
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Learn more about the "Investigations" curriculum from the
CESAME SUPPORT SITE FOR
INVESTIGATIONS IN NUMBER, DATA, AND SPACE
http://www.lab.brown.edu/investigations/
This CESAME support site offers a growing number of units,
games, and other resources. A collaboration with the Regional
Lab at Brown University and the Math Forum, it also provides
discussion areas moderated by experienced "Investigations"
teachers and hosted by the Math Forum at:
http://mathforum.org/investigations/
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EGGMATH - Bradlow, Sullivan, Levy, UIUC
http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/explore/eggmath/
A collection of modules for K12 classrooms, based on the
theme of eggs. Each module offers interactive Java
applets and references. Topics include:
- The shape of an egg, discussing surfaces of revolution
and methods for drawing ovals in the plane: symmetry and
cross-section, surfaces of revolution, pin and string
construction of ellipses, Cartesian and Cassini Ovals
- The White/Yolk Theorem, showing how any two regions of the
plane can be equally divided (with a specific case of the
Borsuk-Ulam Theorem, including a proof of the theorem)
- Spherical geometry, demonstrating the intrinsic curvature
of a spherical surface
- Embryo calculus, examining exponential growth and the
number e
EggMath is part of the Chickscope project at the Beckman
Institute:
http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/
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LEGO PROJECTS - The Blake School
http://www.blake.pvt.k12.mn.us/campus/projects/lower/lego/
Diagrams and pictures of LEGO Dacta projects for pulley and
gear systems and robotics, from Minnesota's Blake School.
LEGO Logo projects are integrated into the science and
computer curriculum of the lower school. Students in the
second grade study levers, third graders study pulleys,
fourth graders study gears, and fifth graders combine their
previous studies into a robotics project. Constructions use
simple machine systems, lights, sounds, and at times a sensor.
Throughout the fourth and fifth units students keep journals,
addressing such questions as: What did we do today? What
problems did we encounter? How did we solve these problems?
What will we do in the next LEGO session?
At the end of the unit, teams present their projects to
parents, friends, classmates, and teachers.
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