Private Universe Project in Mathematics

I viewed video 1 in Private Universe Project in Mathematics. It was interesting to see the students working on the same project as we did in class. I especially enjoyed watching the progression of the students and how they solved the problems presented to them. I was impressed with their commitment to their project and how they continued on their own time after the school shut down. The opportunity provided to these students was invaluable. It was proven in the study when they expressed how they would always remember what they were taught in 2nd grade mathmatics but they had forgotten a majority of the lessons taught in 9th grade Geometry class. The teaching styles definitely influenced their academic achievement. They seemed to grow an appreciation or love for mathematics from the Private Universe project. Their mathematic problems solving skills were allowed to grow and develop and were not forced upon them in a rote and rigid way.

Virtual Manipulatives

After visiting the virtual manipulatives I was really impressed with the options avialable for the various grade levels. I tested the How High manipulative for grade levels 6-8. I really enjoyed predicting the level of liquid from one tank to the other tank and I can definately see my students enjoying this as well. It also provided five different visual comparisons. rectangular to rectangular, cylinder to cylinder, cone to tank an cone to cone. I was also impressed with the ability to reset a problem or create a new problem. This feature will keep the interest of the student and allow them to practice a variety of problems.

Unifix Cubes

I completed the unifix cube project with my wife. After explaining the directions she immediately began making the combinations and their opposites. That was her immediate strategy however, she was not sure if she was finished. She eventually completed 14 combinations or 7 pairs.