Monthly Archives: April 2008

Ready or not, here we come!

Posted on April 25, 2008 by Jackie

This weekend is the ICTM High School Math Contest State Finals. Friday afternoon I’ll be one of two coaches driving a bus1 of math team students down to U of I. Six students qualified to compete individually. Our 5 person … Continue reading →

Posted in Math | Tagged | 6 Comments

Proof Update

Posted on April 16, 2008 by Jackie

Things have gone much better the past two days with the trig proofs. Much much better. Yesterday, I asked for volunteers to put up the solutions. Not every problem was done correctly (most were though). Having the students explain their … Continue reading →

Posted in First Year, Math, Problem Solving | 8 Comments

“Teaching” Proofs

Posted on April 14, 2008 by Jackie

We recently began trig proofs. I love trig proofs. To me they are a joyful puzzle. My students don’t quite share my sentiments. /understatement Today I heard: “I don’t know where to begin“, “This takes too long“, or “Show me … Continue reading →

Posted in First Year, Math, Problem Solving | Tagged | 4 Comments

Grasping at Straws

Posted on April 10, 2008 by Jackie

We’ve been exploring the ideas of similarity and congruence in my freshmen classes. Today the students developed congruence by SSS – with straws. Supplies needed: drinking Straws (1-2 per student), string (dental floss was too slippery), and scissors. Question 1: … Continue reading →

Posted in Math, Problem Solving | Tagged , , | 10 Comments