Your October 2013
ShillerLearning Tidbit
Students do better with integrated math
Integrated math is the combining of several subjects into one course.
For example, in an integrated math course a ninth grader might study a combination of algebra, geometry, and probability; a second grader might study patterns, Roman numerals, and triangles.
According to University of Missouri researchers funded by the National Science Foundation, integrated math courses result in higher student achievement.
"Many educators in America have strong views that a more traditional approach to math education is the best way to educate high school students," co-author James Tarr said. "Results of our study simply do not support such impassioned views, especially when discussing high-achieving students. We found students with higher prior achievement scores benefitted more from the integrated mathematics program than students who studied from the traditional curriculum."
It's good to learn why the USA ranks 25th among 34 industrialized nations.
Corny math
Q: What did Al Gore play on his guitar? A: An Algorithm
Trigonometry for farmers: swine and coswine
What does an acorn say when he grows up? ge-om-e-try
October 2013 Puzzler [Grades 4-6]
If you put a triangle flush up and perpendicular against a mirror, what interesting things can you say about the resultant quadrilateral?
Provide the correct answer by October 25, 2013 to be this month's puzzler winner.
Answer to previous Puzzler [Grades 1-3]
How many types of triangles are there?
Solution:
Triangles are typically classified in two main ways:
1. By size of largest angle. If the largest angle is more than 90o it's an obtuse triangle. If the largest angle equals 90o, it's a right triangle. If the largest angle is less than 90o it's an acute triangle.
2. By the number of sides (or angles) that are the same. When all three sides (or angles) are the same it's an equilateral triangle. When two sides (or angles) are the same and the third side/angle is different, the triangle is isosceles.
I hope you enjoyed this short math break.
Sincerely,
Larry Shiller
Publisher
October Tidbit special: Save $25 if you get 2 kits. Use promo code SAVETWICE. Expires October 5, 2013. Only at shillerlearning.com.
You may republish this Tidbit to your readers, subscribers, PTA/PTO/homeschool group and association members, and fellow parents and educators at no charge. If you reprint this Tidbit in a newspaper we just ask that you send or email us a copy (PDF is OK).
© Larry Shiller. All Rights Reserved.