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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Eye Think Not
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.
To Sonnet or Not to Sonnet - That is the Question.
"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)
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
Weather or Not
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!
Architechy...
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?
How Much?
Measure of Music
Maps & More
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.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Calvin's Pennies
Accelerating Speed
Graph Like You Mean It
Mathematician's Block?
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
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.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Mr. Mailman
Pool Shark
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
~~~>
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!
Monday, March 5, 2007
Dr. Seuss in "Hooray for Diffendoofer Day"
"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.
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