Friday Afternoon Lifesavers – Math Videos from Bill Lombard is the PowerPoint presentation I gave at the California Math Council – South section in November, 2011.
Algebra Problem Solving with the new Common Core Standards is the PowerPoint presentation I gave at the California Math Council – South section in November, 2011.
Ring a Bell Numbers is one of my favorite game-type activities in the classroom since it allows numbers from outside the classroom to enter my students’ lives in a fun, engaging way. Here are some reasons to use this activity:
Good for class game by teams
Excellent way to reinforce the importance of numbers
Shows numbers as part of common knowledge
Great way to review vocabulary
Provides segue into lesson
Engages all levels of learners
Relates mathematics to the real world
Some great pedagogical information from M. B. Rowe. Wait, Wait, Wait. . . .School Science and Mathematics:
Length of students responses increases
Number of unsolicited, appropriate responses increases
On my mathvideouniversity site on youtube, I’ve begun a series of videos intended to bring FUN into the math classroom while still teaching sound mathematics. My coauthor, Brad Fulton, and I have created literally thousands of pages of activities on Microsoft Word and PowerPoint that are currently residing on our hard drives. Prior to making these videos, the only people who were able to take advantage of these resources were our students and the folks who attended our workshops/conferences or bought our books and DVDs.
We want to make this exciting mathematics more available to a wider audience, and have decided that creating online videos will do the trick! Our goal is to create videos of 5 – 10 minute duration that are tightly focused around one topic that show some fascinating aspects of mathematics. Here are some ways/reasons these videos can be used:
It’s possible to do things on a video that are not able to be done in a classroom
Students can watch these videos any time – pause/rewind any part of video
Parents/tutors can watch with students to give help as needed
They allow parents to keep in contact with what’s going on in the classroom
A new model: Instruction can happen outside the classroom & tutoring can happen inside the classroom
Students need to see that education/training is available to suit their schedules
Allows educators to view video to improve instructional strategies
Can be used for teacher inservice training at workshops/faculty meetings
Can be used for individual teacher enrichment/education
Can showcase teachers at their best – without having to deal with daily issues
And lastly, a substitute can show the video so that instruction can take place in a teacher’s absence
After working with a concept for awhile, students need to be able to think clearly about the process. This series of worksheets and videos concentrate on asking students to determine HOW MANY solutions exist for particular situations.
Student Directions:
For the given questions, circle the number of solutions. Then state clearly how you determined your answer. NOTE: You may refer to the actual solution, but we are looking for the number of correct solutions.
Explain the reasoning you used to determine your answer. You may use diagrams and symbols, but should explain in words how you arrived at the answer.
I’ve asked for the information download link for the conference handouts and other information from the presenters below. I’ll post the link as soon as it is available. I’m glad to see so much interest in this fabulous puzzle.
KenKen is now the main topic at two independent presentations at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics(NCTM) 2011 Annual Meeting & Expositionin Indianapolis, April 14-16
KenKen: A Logical Marriage between Sudoku and Arithmetic
April 14, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Sagamore Ballroom 2 (Indiana Convention Center)
Pamela D. Martin & Kathie O. Smart, Instructors of Mathematics, University of Louisiana at Monroe
Description: How the simplicity and effectiveness of KenKen allow young learners to quickly excel, while challenging their logical thinking.
Using KenKen to Enhance Students’ Learning
April 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Room 124 (Indiana Convention Center)
Harold B. Reiter, Professor of Mathematics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Description: Using KenKen with children and teachers. Professor Reiter will talk about his experiences using the puzzle at a camp in Bangalore, India, and at various teachers’ workshops.
Here’s Part 2 of the Reverse the Math Puzzle: Using the numbers 1, 3, and 5, and mathematical operations, create expressions that equal the numbers from 1 through 10. This puzzle increases number sense and reinforces the concepts of exponents, factorials, and operations. You can see Part 1 here.
The Factoring Quadratic Polynomials video shares five approaches/techniques I take in class with students when explaining how to do well on standardized tests. I factor five polynomials using these techniques – remember to pause and rewind as you watch – you’re in total control.
KenKen Player – Now you can play KenKen on the mrlsmath.com website.
Click the following link for the newly released (Beta version) of the online KenKen Player, from the makers of the game that’s catching on in math classes across the U.S.A. Enjoy the experience; it’s a great way to share the game in a classroom of inquiring minds. Please keep in mind that this is a Beta version of the software that’s embedded in my blog; there may be glitches, and if so, please let me know so I can report back to the folks at kenken.com.
The Standardized Test Strategy – Working Backwards video shares one approach I take in class with students when explaining how to do well on standardized tests. It’s helpful to have the correct answer as one of the possible answers given on the test. It’s even nicer when you have some strategies to make it even easier to score better!
Do you have a conference or staff development activity coming up? Find out why you should book me to speak by
downloading my Speaking Package!
