InspireData in Math Content Education

Exploring Mathematics using InspireData

On InspireData, I found a fun tool in which one is able to compare several different aspects and statistcs of the Olympics over the years. The snapshot above demonstrates different variables within this graph. The sun icon represents the Summer Olympics and the snowflake represents the Winter Olympics. Next to each icon is the name of the contry in which they were held. When on InspireData, students are presented with a basic list of information such as host country, host city, year, type(summer or winter), number of total athletes, break down of total male and female athletes, percent of males versus females, number of events, and also number of nations participating. This is a software program that acts as both a reference tool as well as a practice&drill tool. This graph demonstrates the many different ways in which a simple bit of data can be presented in various ways and graphed against different variables. It is an intersting referance tool to use and also very informative, one simple information such as where the Olympics were held to how many male athletes competed. It can be used as practice&drill by assigning students to graph a particular part of the information and then have all the students explain their graphs to the class.

Goal 2 of my professional devlopment plan.

On the professional development plans we submitted online, I said by "February 11th I would be able to define formative and summative assements" also, how I researched these terms and an example of each.

So I used the infamous Google Search to research these terms.
-Formative assements are assesing the formation of a particular student. Teachers study and watch how a certain student interacts with the faculty, other students, how the complete their work, how the ask and answer questions, and over all behavior. Studies the formation a student has for learning.
For example; A teacher observes how Student A and Student B interact within their group project, noting that Student A takes on the role of a leader and Student B questions the other group members and the way the go about solving issues.

-Summative Assements are assesments of the learning and summarizes the development of learners at a particular time. It is an assessment of learning.
For example; A teacher teaches for a week period on a certain subject then tests their students on the material, gaining the summative assessment of what the class has learned.

Secondary Math- Podcast.

I visited Apple's Learning Interchange Website to search for an interesting podcast that could relate to secondary math. When arriving at the site, it was so easy to navigate and search. I initially typed in "secondary math podcast". It redirected me to an area with a more specific search. I was able to specify grade level, academic area, tools, and then select multiple creative commons. After I specified which areas to search I was redirected to a page with multiple podcasts directed towards or having to deal with my search criteria.

Finally I came upon The International Math Challenge, it looked simple, yet interesting. After going through all the steps, watching each video, and "playing" along with the assignment, I learned some new things about Math and how it is incorporated internationally. This would be a fun and easy class activity to present to a future math class I may teach. It switches up the pace, and could even be assigned for homework with the students having to turn their assignments in after completion. Podcasts present new and interesting ways to teach and assign homework for students to complete. They cover a wide variety of subjects and are available for anyone to view and learn from. They are a great teaching/learning tool, as seen in the podcast I selected, viewers are able to see a different perspective on how math is used through out the world also, a mini-tour of Bangkok and the Skytrain!

AlgeBasics-Efficency

AlgeBasics

AlgeBasics is a cool new website that stresses efficency in Algebra lessons. It is a great website for students who are doing homework or studying from home. The website provides different sections, which are conviently titled for easy access. This website would be of assistance when a student is stuck on a homework problem, studying for a test, or is having trouble grasping a concept taught in class. The website is very self-explanatory, and easy to use.

This resource is efficent because it is easy to access, is very helpful, easy to navigate, and a great tool for use in studying and as a review of a lesson. Efficent websites and tools are a great thing becuase all the information needed is presented in an orderly fashion and is just a few clicks away! When I took Algerba, had I known websites like this existed, I would have used them as a study tool and for when I needed help or became stuck on a particular problem.

Illumination.nctm.org -Enhancements in Math

Illumination
Illumination.nctm.org offers many different math based activities that bring life to learning math. A new light is shed on fun and interactive ways to learn math and apply it to everyday life.

Since the Super Bowl is quickly approaching, this worksheet I found on Illumination is a fun and interactive way to incorporate a little math into students weekend "free time". The Super Bowl Scavenger Hunt is a worksheet that can be assigned in the classroom, printed from the computer at home, and completed as the student watches the Super Bowl. If the student is unable to watch, they may use online resources to obtain the information needed to fill out the worksheet and then turn it into class the following Monday.

This resource is enhancement because it is not require in the teacher's daily use, but can be incorporated to enhance the learning experience for students. It is a great website with different activities that apply and touch on many different math subjects and topics. The particular worksheet I selected is a fun way in which students will complete an assignment, but also apply math while watching the Super Bowl. Later in life they may reflect on this assignment and think "that was really cool, and I still remeber it to this day as I watch the Super Bowl!"