Math 1512 How do I solve that? Post #3

I was always so terrified of geometry.  I really thought about why--until this course.  The reason I disliked geometry was because I was afraid of forgetting formulas. 

Whenever my teachers prepped us for state testing, they told us that the formulas wouldn't be on the test.  Similarly, when we had chapter tests, the formulas were nowhere to be found. 

What is my point?  This only brings me back full circle to my last post!  Instead of being shown the real-world application of these formulas, I was worried sick about memorizing the formula for finding the volume of a cylinder. 

I've linked these nifty websites featuring the Area of Shapes as well as the Surface Area of 3D Figures.  They helped me with my homework for this class.  Instead of rummaging through the book for my homework problems, I was able to have these up in another window. I'm not going to lie!  At first glance, when I was asked to find the volume of an ice cream cone, I thought "Oh crap no!"  After I realized it was simply a half sphere and a cone I was able to refer back to my handy websites and compute the answer rather quickly.  I hope my students see the image as a half sphere and a cone...and not an ice cream cone.

These sites would assist me during a direct instruction or classroom discussion activity.  We would have these sites to quickly refer to.  I also think it's appropriate to have posters  with the formulas for surface area and volume posted in the classroom.  I don't care if my students can/can't memorize the formulas.  I just want them to be able to apply them. 

I thought this would be a fun way to find perimeter and area.  This is a video about using Google Earth to find the perimeter and area of various things.  I think it would be fun because they could find the area of their house or neighborhood and then compare it to larger things such as the Mall of America or Target Field.  Google Earth is so much fun and could be used for so many different activities!

Geometry and Triangles Math 1512 Post #2

Geometry was my favorite math class of all time.  I took a lot of math courses in high school, but this was by far the easiest.  I'm not a visual learner, but seeing the shapes sure helps me apply the formulas we learn.  Geometry is one of those concepts that people are deathly afraid of.  I guess geometry just makes sense to me!  A line has 180 degrees.  Obviously, if one angle is 35 degrees, we simply subtract to find the missing angle.  To master geometry, I think one must try to remember things such as angles, lines, planes, shapes, and the formulas that come as the main dish.

Here is a neat plain English website that explains many of the topics we covered this week.  It's  a great go-to site for simple questions about the way math is supposed to work.
Math for Morons   :)  I would use this website in my middle school classroom.  I would use it for myself on a regular basis.  It has all of the handy things that are often simple, but yet hard to remember.  I would keep a site such as this in my "favorites" to refer to as a quick reference.  Middle school students are tons of fun!  With that being said, they are also very intelligent and often ask intriguing questions.  I hope to provide answers for my students in all areas of their education.  If I keep good websites in my pocket, I will be able to conquer answer their questions correctly.

On a completely random note, here is a picture of my "notes" for this class. I'm thinking I should consider revising my strategies...as this isn't going to benefit me past next week.  I want to hold on to this information so that I don't forget it AGAIN.