Embedding more Graphs (using Flot)
Here’s another attempt to create embeddable graphs of mathematical functions. This one allows users to enter the equation in text form, has the option to enter the domain of the function, and expects...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Math of Planting Garlic
Planting a bed of garlic at the Heifer Ranch CSA. One of the jobs my class helped with at the Heifer Ranch was planting garlic in the Heifer CSA garden. The gardeners had laid rows and rows of this...
View ArticleExperiments for Demonstrating Different Types of Mathematical Functions
This is my quick, and expanding, reference for easy-to-do experiments for students studying different types of functions. Linear equations: y = mx + b Bringing water to a boil (e.g. Melting snow)...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sine Curves
Frequency. I’ve slapped together this simple VPython program to introduce sinusoidal functions to my pre-Calculus students. Left and right arrow keys increase and decrease the frequency; Up and down...
View ArticleProject Euler: Math/Programming Challenge
On the recommendation of Mr. Schmidt, two of my students have been quite fascinated over the last few days trying to solve problems on Project Euler. They’ve been working on them together to, I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Math Gifs
Mike Schmidt passed along this link to Lisa Winter’s post collecting 21 GIFs That Explain Mathematical Concepts. For example: Converting a trigonometric function (sin curve) from Cartesian to polar...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Toothpick Shapes’ Sequences
Toothpick shape sequences. Using a sequence of connected shapes to introduce algebra and graphing to pre-Algebra students. Make a geometric shape–a square perhaps–out of toothpicks. Count the sides–4...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Dilation
Dilation (scaling) of a quadrilateral by 2x. A quick program that animates scaling (dilation) of shapes by scaling the coordinates. You type in the dilation factor. dilation.py from visual import *...
View ArticleThe Joy of Math
Regardless, if learning is to be as efficient and deep as possible, it’s essential that it be done freely. That means giving children a voice in which activities to participate, for how long, and also...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Maximum Range of a Potato Gun
One of the middle schoolers built a potato gun for his math class. He was looking a the mathematical relationship between the amount of fuel (hair spray) and the hang-time of the potato. To augment...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Projectile Paths
Paths of a projectile. I had my Numerical Methods student calculate the angle that would give a ballistic projectile its maximum range, then I had them write a program that did the the same by just...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Math Flowcharts
Flowchart in progress. Showing topics being covered in basic statistical graphing. The topics they are working on at the moment are highlighted in yellow. The worksheets attached to each topic are...
View Article
