To the Math Major in All of Us

Eye Think Not

2007-03-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

In a span of nineteen years, my parents had six children. My Mom has brown eyes and my Dad is the proud owner of blue ones. The results of our eye colors are as follows: Dan-brown, Steph-brown, Jen-green, Sarah-green, Valerie-green, and Andrea-brown. With a pool of six kids, what are the chances that none of us would have blue eyes? Apparently pretty slim.

This is the Orbit That Never Ends

2007-03-21T12:24:00.000-05:00

The earth is continually orbiting on a perfect balance. This complex mathematical system produces day and night, our four seasons, and time as we know it.

To Sonnet or Not to Sonnet - That is the Question.

2007-03-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

"On His Being Arrived to the Age of Twenty-three" by John Milton

How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth, (a)
Stolen on his wing my three and twentieth year! (b)
My hasting days fly on with full career, (b)
But my late spring no bud or blossom shew'th. (a)
Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth, (a)
That I to manhood am arrived so near, (b)
And inward ripeness doth much less appear, (b)
That some more timely-happy spirits indu'th. (a)
Yet be it less or more, or soon or slow, (c)
It shall be still in strictest measure even (d)
To that same lot, however mean or high, (e)
Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heaven. (d)
All is, if I have grace to use it so, (c)
As ever in my great Task-master's eye. (e)

This Italian sonnet, in the rhyme scheme a b b a a b b a c d e d c e is a form of pattern. It is a more complex form, but nevertheless can be repeated.

Discount That Amount

2007-03-21T12:02:00.000-05:00

Coupons and sales are a great way to save, as long as the prices have not been increased in lieu of the discount offered. If I have $15.00 to spend, what is the highest priced item that I can purchase using this coupon?

Weather or Not

2007-03-21T11:52:00.000-05:00

Meteorologists use what is called the numerical weather prediction method in order to predict the weather. Mathematical models take in huge amounts of data and perform complex calculations in order to provide the world with the most accurate forecasts. Still, what are the chances that the weatherman you watch on TV will be right about today's weather? Some weather conditions prove very difficult to predict and predictions are constantly changing as more data is gathered.

Check Mate!

2007-03-21T11:44:00.000-05:00

Chess is a game involving much strategy and logical thinking. Looking at the white knight located in square F3, how many possible moves are there? Can you find four? What is the probability of winning this game? Can you think of any strategies that would increase your chances of winning?

Architechy...

2007-03-21T11:36:00.000-05:00

Architecture is abouding in geometry and algebra. How many different kinds of shapes do you see in this picture of Alliot Hall on Saint Michael's campus? At what angle is the slant of the roof? Using measurement and an easy algebraic equation for area (a = lwh), could you find the square footage of this building?

Day - Week - Month

2007-03-21T10:25:00.001-05:00

From viewing and analyzing calendars, children's number sense is improved. They can look at patterns, count down to events, add up days in school, and practice many more activities.

How Much?

2007-03-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

If a college text book costs $79.90 in mint condition from the college bookstore, but costs $23.34 including shipping on Half.com, how much will you save if you buy online?

Measure of Music

2007-03-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

Music is very mathematical. It's made up of fractions: eighth notes, quarter notes, half notes, whole notes. These notes create more than a melody; they also create the rhythm. If a note is played for a longer or shorter value than is indicated, the beat will be "off".

Half Full or Half Empty?

2007-03-21T10:07:00.000-05:00

For centuries optimists have been arguing over whether the glass is half empty or half full? It's probable that it could be seen either way. The ratio of full to empty is 1:1. However, being the positive thinker that I am, I prefer to think of it as half full!

Maps & More

2007-03-21T09:52:00.000-05:00

This road map shows interstate and route numbers. It is helpful to look at a map to understand the layout of an area and gain a better sense of direction, especially for those whose strength is spatial intelligence. The key in the bottom lefthand corner shows the scale that was used in the creation of this map, so that one can look at it and easily see what length is equivalent to a number of miles.

Do You uh, Sudoku?

2007-03-21T09:43:00.000-05:00

Sudoku mind-teasers have become surprisingly popular. Can you solve this puzzle? Numbers 1 through 9 must be used in each row, column and square. It's a fun problem-solving game, but be careful - it's mildly addicting!

Calvin's Pennies

2007-03-20T23:42:00.000-05:00

Calvin's father is making an honest attempt to teach his son math, but the child who is perhaps smarter than he looks and with a tinge of egocentrism, will have none of it. Perhaps the use of manipulative materials in this case is more distracting than it is helpful.

Accelerating Speed

2007-03-20T23:34:00.000-05:00

Speedometers show how fast or how slow we are driving. Technically, the number shown should be equal to (=) or less than (<) the number shown on the maximun speed limit signs on the road you are driving.

Graph Like You Mean It

2007-03-20T23:31:00.000-05:00

Graphs are another way to present data. They are an excellent tool for those of us who are visual learners. This graph shows progress made in some North Carolina school districts as a result of No Child Left Behind.

Bird's Eye View

2007-03-20T22:54:00.000-05:00

Aerial views provide an exciting window into shape and design. Look at some of the angles and shapes used in the planning of this city.

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2007-03-20T22:47:00.001-05:00

This rain gauge is a great example of measurement. How much rain will be necessary for the old adage to prove itself true: "April showers bring May flowers"?

Sail Away

2007-03-20T22:34:00.001-05:00

As all good captains know, sailing is a delicate and beautiful balance, a dance on the high seas. Sailors have to pay close attention to the wind direction and how the wind is filling the sails. This requires geometry, physics and a steady hand on the tiller or wheel.

Mathematician's Block?

2007-03-20T22:28:00.000-05:00

Blocks are a great tool for children of all ages. These unifix cubes are a great way to visualize a problem. They can be used in many problems, from counting to addition, take away problems to multiplication, or even in ratios. Looking at this picture what would you hypothesize is the ratio of light blue to white cubes?

Red Light, Green Light

2007-03-20T22:17:00.000-05:00

Traffic lights are a simple game of probability. If you pass through three traffic lights on the way to school, what are the chances that you will get stuck with all red lights? Or all green?

Another game that we often play: It's probable that if I increase my speed ever so slightly I can make it through the yellow light before it turns red.

Mr. Mailman

2007-03-06T18:41:00.000-05:00

These post office boxes are an example of a repeated pattern. Patterns can be an important tool to teach children about relationships and the connections between materials.

Pool Shark

2007-03-06T01:16:00.000-05:00

Pool is a very complex game of angles, shapes and measurements. It involves both geometry and physics, not to mention a fair amount of skill and practice. The best players have a firm understanding of the ball's speed and the angles used. How many degrees do you think there are in each of the angles shown that will send the red ball in the desired direction, and hopefully into the pocket too?

Currency Conversion

2007-03-06T00:50:00.000-05:00

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1 U.S. dollar is currently equivalent to 4.983371 French francs. Money conversion and changing rates of currency are important concepts for children to understand. If I am traveling to France and I have $150, how many francs do I have? From this mathematical understanding, a discussion could even be developed regarding world economy!

Dr. Seuss in "Hooray for Diffendoofer Day"

2007-03-05T17:10:00.000-05:00

"We've taught you that
the earth is round, That red and white make pink, And something else that
matters more -- We've taught you how to think."

This quotation emphasizes the importance of teaching children conceptually. It is not enough for anyone to be able to follow procedure, without knowing the concepts that back up each problem in math. It is deep relational knowledge that will allow students to connect their learning and to grow substantially in mathematics, as well as in all areas of life.