Math Links

CK-12 Foundation's Basic Algebra, Volume 1 Of 2 FlexBook covers the following six chapters:Expressions, Equations, and Functions - covers the relationships among expressions, equations, and functions when variables are present. Also explored is how these ideas can be shown on graphs. Properties of Real Numbers - covers various forms that rational numbers can assume, including fractions, integers, and square roots. Also considered are different operations for manipulating rational numbers. Linear Equations - introduces students to methods of solving simple equations involving variables. Also covered are ratios, scale, and the percent equation. Graphing Linear Equations and Functions - provides students with a more in-depth understanding of equations by introducing coordinate plane graphing concepts such as intercepts and slope. Writing Linear Equations - focuses on writing various forms of equations based upon real-world data and already existing lines. Students will also learn about predicting data using a fitted line. Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value; An Introduction to Probability - covers operations of inequalities, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These principles are then applied to absolute value and probability.

Among the awardees, "The Monterey Institute of Technology and Education for NROC Developmental Math, a program to help financially disadvantaged students pass developmental math courses before starting college math courses;"

Jo Boaler's research on how children learn math is called into question and her response ""When Academic Disagreement Becomes Harassment and Persecution" is discussed in this article, which also features support from her colleagues and a video explaining her ideas.

"This paper describes a research project on Year 3 primary school students in Malaysia in their use of computer-based video game to enhance learning of multiplication facts (tables) in the Mathematics subject. This study attempts to investigate whether video games could actually contribute to positive effect on children's learning or otherwise. In conducting this study, the researchers assume a neutral stand in the investigation as an unbiased outcome of the study would render reliable response to the impact of video games in education which would contribute to the literature of technology-based education as well as impact to the pedagogical aspect of formal education. In order to conduct the study, a subject (Mathematics) with a specific topic area in the subject (multiplication facts) is chosen. The study adopts a causal-comparative research to investigate the impact of the inclusion of a computer-based video game designed to teach multiplication facts to primary level students. Sample size is 100 students divided into two i.e., A: conventional group and B conventional group aided by video games. The conventional group (A) would be taught multiplication facts (timetables) and skills conventionally. The other group (B) underwent the same lessons but with supplementary activity: a computer-based video game on multiplication which is called Timez-Attack. Analysis of marks accrued from pre-test will be compared to post- test using comparisons of means, t tests, and ANOVA tests to investigate the impact of computer games as an added learning activity. The findings revealed that video games as a supplementary activity to classroom learning brings significant and positive effect on students' retention and mastery of multiplication tables as compared to students who rely only upon formal classroom instructions."

Discussion of Alleyoop, Pearson Edcuation's app to help high school students reach college competence in math and science

Maria Chudnovsky, mathematician, is one of 23 MacArthur Fellowship recipients in 2012. She is an associate professor in the department of industrial engineering and operations research at Columbia University and specializes in graph theory. With colleagues she successfully solved the "Srong Perfect Graph Theorem" which was proposed in the 1960s, and her research is potentially "deepening the connections between graph theory and other major branches of mathematics, such as linear programming, geometry, and complexity theory." A video featuring the awardee can be viewed on the web site.

Math "Hackathon"

An exhibit of Benoit Mandelbrot's fractal images on display at Bard Graduate Center in New York City

A review of Paul Lockhart's new book with a focus on mathematical reasoning and geometry, with a video of the author.

An online college math course under development including the following topics (so far): Sets Math Foundations Linear Equations Solving and Graphing Inequalities Graphing and Factoring Quadratic Equations Properties of Exponents Logarithms and Exponential Equations

first mathematics education seminar: Understanding Abstract Concepts in the Context of Abstract Algebra. Mathematics is a science of numbers, quantity, and space. All of the listed components are abstract ideas. How do we learn abstraction?"

"The cookbook contains a succinct representation of various topics in probability theory and statistics. It provides a comprehensive reference reduced to the mathematical essence, rather than aiming for elaborate explanations."

"Several of our classes involve students using mathematical expressions, but there was no way for us to automatically check this work. The stated solution to a problem may be x+y, but if a student answers y+x, our system needs to understand that this is also correct." "sympy, an open source Python library for symbolic mathematics," is proposed as a solution.

Held in Taipei, Taiwan, July 18-22, 2012. Theme. Opportunities to Learn in Mathematics Education Conference website: http://tame.tw/pme36/

A policy brief from the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards and Student Testing includes positive findings on computer games used to improve student math performance.

Abstract: "An innovative mathematics game shown to be effective for low-achieving mainstream students is tested in special education for learners with intellectual disabilities. The game relies on a graphical, intuitive representation for numbers and arithmetic operations to foster conceptual understanding and numbers sense, and provides a set of 2-player games to develop strategic thinking and reasoning skills. The game runs on computers and interactive white boards, and as an augmented reality application at a science centre. We compare its use in special education and mainstream education with respect to usage, performance levels and learning gain. The game has been used by teachers in special educations, with gains in mathematical understanding, strategic thinking and communication skills as effects."

Discussion of TeXpad, a LaTeX editor for iPad and iOS requiring considerably less memory and storage than similar apps

New York Times story of Neil Heffernan's creation of a computerized tutor designed to emulate actual teachers, eventually becoming ASSISTments