Math Extra Credit

On March 10, 2008 in Montpelier, Vermont, students took a statewide high school math test. Only 30 percent of the eleventh graders got a proficient or higher math score. In reading, girls got 75 percent, and boys got 59 percent. In writing, girls got 48 and boys got 30 percent. In math, the boys just beat the girls by two points. It was 31 to 29 percent. Richard Cate, an Education Commissioner for the school said that technology can hurt and help. In writing, for example, students are learning text-message language. But on the other hand, computers are very useful. "Even more troubling perhaps is that such a significant percentage of them are substantially below proficient. It isn't like everybody's almost there and they didn't get up. There's a major segment of them that are just completely off the scale in terms of performance," Cate said. He was surprised by the lack of math skills. Cate thinks teachers should spend time on repetitive lessons like multiplication tables and other math exercises.


I'm surprised that high school students would get percentages like that! I do agree with Cate though; I think the teachers should spend time on math exercises. Also, I believe computers can hurt and help. With all the new technology, many students get distracted. I hope Cate can help get their percentages up. For more info, go to http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2008/03/10/test_results_only_30_percent_of_students_proficient_in_math/

Math Extra Credit

What better way to learn math skills than by crawling through a giant kaleidoscope? This new section of the DuPage Children's Museum, called Math Connections is located in Naperville, Illinois. It is planning to open on Monday, March 10. There, kids ages 3 to 7 will explore the foundations of math. The giant kaleidoscope teaches them about geometry and patterns. Many of the other areas are about measurement, balance, and estimation. A balance beam is a fun way for kids to learn the word "equal." Another example is blocks of different shapes and sizes, which teaches spatial relationships and estimation. The director of the exibits, Cynthia Mark-Hummel said, "We provide the kind of experience that will allow them to get to those conceptions with real understanding, not just memorization. We selected ideas we felt would be the most interesting for children." He also said that the exibit provides a fun way for parents to ensure their their kids are exposed to math at an early age, so they will do better in school.

This museum sounds really awesome! Even though I'm too old for the exibit, I would probably enjoy going there and seeing everything, (especially the giant kaleidoscope)! I think this is a good way for young kids to learn basic math skills. For more info., go to http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=148686&src=109