Thursday, August 20, 2009

Many ways to multiply

A neat math blog I read has a list of over 25 different ways to multiply:

http://threesixty360.wordpress.com/25-ways-to-multiply/

Whatever way you choose, by sixth grade, a student should know the multiplication facts cold. If a student is still pausing or calculating multiplication facts (through 12), get some extra practice in. Memory work has fallen out of fashion, but is still the quickest way to move on to the more interesting concepts in math.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Math Thought for the Day

St. Augustine (354-430)

If I am given a formula, and I am ignorant of its meaning, it cannot teach me anything, but if I already know it what does the formula teach me?
---De Magistro ch X, 23.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Welcome to our blog!

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. --Hebrews 12: 1-3

Welcome to the "Math Marathon" blog of Christ Covenant School! I am excited to use this medium as an additional way for all of us to communicate about mathematics and math learning in the long race we have set out before us. Growing in wisdom and truth in the field of mathematics is certainly no sprint! The middle school years are a time of continued discipline and training in all fields of education, and none more important than the mathematics that prepares a student for higher level math. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders at Christ Covenant School in Winterville, NC can come here to find interesting math puzzles, questions, challenge problems and information on extracurricular activities related to mathematics.

I'm looking forward to sharing some interesting history of mathematics, and mathematicians who have shaped our continued understanding of God's order and logic in His creation of our universe.

Feel free to post comments and ask questions, and I'll do my best to answer them! Email is always welcomed.

Now, let's strap on our running shoes, and race for the prize!