Algebra
[email protected]
>Lets take a poll, how many of you use algebra inUmmm, I think most people use algebra everyday. Whether they know it or not may be another thing. And whether it gets used in the formal way of writing equations or not may be another things.
>your jobs????
Everytime one thinks -- If I buy one 12 oz can of peaches for 1.00 or two 7 oz cans for $ .95, which is the better deal -- one is using algebra. Everytime one tries to figure out how many yards of material it will take to make 3 costumes -- if one is for an adult and two are for children -- and the children are about 2/3 the size of the adult -- one is using algebra. Everytime I figure if it takes me 20 minutes to get to the bakery and 15 minutes to get from the bakery to the dry cleaners -- how long will it take me to do the entire trip -- one is using algebra. When one adds in variable such as how much gas one has, how much money one has, how much time one has, and maybe how much patience one has <g>, one is living algebra.
Janet
Phrowzen
Oh Carol!
Please share these.
I have not introduced myself as yet. We are an unschooling family,
living in Canada. We have three children, ages 13/f, almost 12/m,
and 7/f.
Our son is forever challenging us. Some of his friends have joined a
league for pool, grrr... I think there is another name for this, ..
ahhh!!! billiards... and our son has decided that he wants to learn
physics, so that he will be better skilled at playing pool. He must
learn a few more math facts, if he is to understand the equations in
physics. We are definitely NOT a textbook family. If you have
some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
LOVE to hear them.
Colleen
I'm loving the fact that my second child is
Please share these.
I have not introduced myself as yet. We are an unschooling family,
living in Canada. We have three children, ages 13/f, almost 12/m,
and 7/f.
Our son is forever challenging us. Some of his friends have joined a
league for pool, grrr... I think there is another name for this, ..
ahhh!!! billiards... and our son has decided that he wants to learn
physics, so that he will be better skilled at playing pool. He must
learn a few more math facts, if he is to understand the equations in
physics. We are definitely NOT a textbook family. If you have
some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
LOVE to hear them.
Colleen
I'm loving the fact that my second child is
> finally looking at algebra (ask me if you want some great non
> textbook approaches to it) and inviting me along in the journey.
>
> Carol
Carol E. Burris
Colleen,
I'll be happy to share. My dd has an aversion to textbooks of
all kinds, so I'll add in her favorite physics references, too.
Actually, she did physics before she did math, so you may
actually be more interested in those :).
For Algebra, we like Isaac Asimov's _Realm of Algebra_ if you can
find it. Then there's _Algebra Unplugged_ by Kenn Amdahl and Jim
Loats (the concepts without the problem sets) and _Algebra The
Easy Way_ by Douglas Downing. (He also has Trig and Calculus the
Easy Way) which does have the problems but presents things like a
story. Those are what we've used here. I'm in the process of
trying to clean up all my disks of goodies from over the years
and if I find any other good things I'll let you know - but it
may take me another 6 months <g>!
For physics she liked Isaac Asimov's _Understanding Physics_ for
a general overview of the field, F. Capra's _The Tao of Physics_
and anything by Martin Gardner - if it's not physics, it's math!
She started with _The Relativity Explosion._
Carol
Friend of Ishmael
The world shines bright with endless possibilities each time a
child is born.
I'll be happy to share. My dd has an aversion to textbooks of
all kinds, so I'll add in her favorite physics references, too.
Actually, she did physics before she did math, so you may
actually be more interested in those :).
For Algebra, we like Isaac Asimov's _Realm of Algebra_ if you can
find it. Then there's _Algebra Unplugged_ by Kenn Amdahl and Jim
Loats (the concepts without the problem sets) and _Algebra The
Easy Way_ by Douglas Downing. (He also has Trig and Calculus the
Easy Way) which does have the problems but presents things like a
story. Those are what we've used here. I'm in the process of
trying to clean up all my disks of goodies from over the years
and if I find any other good things I'll let you know - but it
may take me another 6 months <g>!
For physics she liked Isaac Asimov's _Understanding Physics_ for
a general overview of the field, F. Capra's _The Tao of Physics_
and anything by Martin Gardner - if it's not physics, it's math!
She started with _The Relativity Explosion._
Carol
Friend of Ishmael
The world shines bright with endless possibilities each time a
child is born.
Andi Kaufman
Janet wrote:
grocery shopping that way. I ask him to aproximate and then to let me know
which is a better deal. Cool.
Any other ideas would be greatly apreciated.
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
>Everytime one thinks -- If I buy one 12 oz can of peaches for 1.00 or twoIs that really algebra? I guess then Isaac is doing algebra cus we do
>7 oz cans for $ .95, which is the better deal -- one is using algebra.
>Everytime one tries to figure out how many yards of material it will take
>to make 3 costumes -- if one is for an adult and two are for children --
>and the children are about 2/3 the size of the adult -- one is using
>algebra. Everytime I figure if it takes me 20 minutes to get to the
>bakery and 15 minutes to get from the bakery to the dry cleaners -- how
>long will it take me to do the entire trip -- one is using algebra. When
>one adds in variable such as how much gas one has, how much money one has,
>how much time one has, and maybe how much patience one has <g>, one is
>living algebra.
grocery shopping that way. I ask him to aproximate and then to let me know
which is a better deal. Cool.
Any other ideas would be greatly apreciated.
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
Linda Wyatt
> From: Andi Kaufman <tl2b@...>Algebra is tha art of taking the information you have and using it to
> Is that really algebra? I guess then Isaac is doing algebra cus we do
> grocery shopping that way. I ask him to aproximate and then to let me know
> which is a better deal. Cool.
figure out the information you don't have.
Linda
--
Linda Wyatt
hilinda@...
http://www.lightlink.com/hilinda
Learning everywhere, all the time.
Algebra before breakfast
"A lie, you see, no matter how often or how vociferously repeated, may be
mistaken for the truth, but it does not become the truth." - Adam Crown
[email protected]
>Please share these.Hi Colleen,
> I have not introduced myself as yet. We are an unschooling family,
>living in Canada. We have three children, ages 13/f, almost 12/m,
>and 7/f.
>Our son is forever challenging us. Some of his friends have joined a
>league for pool, grrr... I think there is another name for this, ..
>ahhh!!! billiards... and our son has decided that he wants to learn
>physics, so that he will be better skilled at playing pool. He must
>learn a few more math facts, if he is to understand the equations in
>physics. We are definitely NOT a textbook family. If you have
>some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
>LOVE to hear them.
>
>Colleen
>
I'm not Carol but I have a suggestion for you anyway! Harold Jacob's
"Mathematics: A Human Endeavor (A Book for Those Who Think They Don't Like
the Subject)" is a textbook but a lovely one! (He also has an algebra book
but I haven't seen that yet.)
The first chapter of A Human Endeavor is about billiards. I bet your son
would love it! I got this book used from Powells (www.powells.com) and I
think it's also available new and used from PA Homeschoolers
(http://www.pahomeschoolers.com/)
Thea
metta@...
Andi Kaufman
>> From: Andi Kaufman <tl2b@...>Linda wrote:
>> Is that really algebra? I guess then Isaac is doing algebra cus we do
>> grocery shopping that way. I ask him to aproximate and then to let me know
>> which is a better deal. Cool.
>Algebra is tha art of taking the information you have and using it toThis is soo cool. I thought i had to know all kinds of eqautions to do
>figure out the information you don't have.
algebra.
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
[email protected]
In a message dated 6/4/99 7:59:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
hilinda@... writes:
<< Algebra is tha art of taking the information you have and using it to
figure out the information you don't have.
Linda
that wonderful explanation! Now why didn't "school" teach me that? And why
did I have to do all those stupid "algebra worksheets" in school? What was
the point? When I am figuring out problems in my daily life, I never stop and
ask myself "Now what formula am I supposed to use?". Those 2 years of
highschool algebra seem like such a waste of precious time.
Mary Ellen.
hilinda@... writes:
<< Algebra is tha art of taking the information you have and using it to
figure out the information you don't have.
Linda
>>Well, gosh, I use algebra all the time and didn't even know it! Thank-you for
that wonderful explanation! Now why didn't "school" teach me that? And why
did I have to do all those stupid "algebra worksheets" in school? What was
the point? When I am figuring out problems in my daily life, I never stop and
ask myself "Now what formula am I supposed to use?". Those 2 years of
highschool algebra seem like such a waste of precious time.
Mary Ellen.
Lois Hoover
>From: "Phrowzen" <dante@...>I don't have too many ideas for you on algebra, but on physics have you
>> I have not introduced myself as yet. We are an unschooling family,
>living in Canada. We have three children, ages 13/f, almost 12/m,
>and 7/f.
>Our son is forever challenging us. Some of his friends have joined a
>league for pool, grrr... I think there is another name for this, ..
>ahhh!!! billiards... and our son has decided that he wants to learn
>physics, so that he will be better skilled at playing pool. He must
>learn a few more math facts, if he is to understand the equations in
>physics. We are definitely NOT a textbook family. If you have
>some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
>LOVE to hear them.
>
checked out Larry Gonick's _Cartoon Guide to Physics_? I have several of
his cartoon guides and find them well written and enjoyable.
Lois
David Albert
Lois Hoover wrote:
to begin Algebra, and can be used with children as young as 8. It comes
with a 30-day trial money-back guarantee (costs around $39.) Check out
their website at www.Borenson.com
David Albert
> From: Lois Hoover <lhoover@...>Have you seed Henry Borenson's HANDS-ON EQUATIONS? This is a great way
>
> >From: "Phrowzen" <dante@...>
> >> I have not introduced myself as yet. We are an unschooling family,
>
> >living in Canada. We have three children, ages 13/f, almost 12/m,
> >and 7/f.
> >Our son is forever challenging us. Some of his friends have joined a
>
> >league for pool, grrr... I think there is another name for this, ..
> >ahhh!!! billiards... and our son has decided that he wants to learn
> >physics, so that he will be better skilled at playing pool. He must
>
> >learn a few more math facts, if he is to understand the equations in
> >physics. We are definitely NOT a textbook family. If you have
> >some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
> >LOVE to hear them.
> >
> I don't have too many ideas for you on algebra, but on physics have
> you
> checked out Larry Gonick's _Cartoon Guide to Physics_? I have several
> of
> his cartoon guides and find them well written and enjoyable.
>
> Lois
to begin Algebra, and can be used with children as young as 8. It comes
with a 30-day trial money-back guarantee (costs around $39.) Check out
their website at www.Borenson.com
David Albert
>
>
> -
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Looking to expand your world?
> http://www.onelist.com
> ONElist has nearly 160,000 e-mail communities from which to chose!
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> -----
> Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com
Lois Hoover
>From: David Albert <shantinik@...>I'll take a look thanks.
>
>
>Have you seed Henry Borenson's HANDS-ON EQUATIONS? This is a great way
>to begin Algebra, and can be used with children as young as 8. It comes
>with a 30-day trial money-back guarantee (costs around $39.) Check out
>their website at www.Borenson.com
>
Lois
[email protected]
<< If you have
some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
LOVE to hear them. >>
Here's a link to a freeware program, a download for a cute little game...my
10yo son and I play it occasionally (when we find it amongst the other
zillion things that are hiding in the crevices of our computer :) Have fun!
<A HREF="http://www.hungryfrog.com/">Game & Education Software: Chemistry
Math French Spanish
German Italian Latin Greek</A> (Scroll about halfway down or so to the
"Hungry Frog" Freeware Algebra game)
Linda in FL :)
some non textbook approaches to learning algebra, we would
LOVE to hear them. >>
Here's a link to a freeware program, a download for a cute little game...my
10yo son and I play it occasionally (when we find it amongst the other
zillion things that are hiding in the crevices of our computer :) Have fun!
<A HREF="http://www.hungryfrog.com/">Game & Education Software: Chemistry
Math French Spanish
German Italian Latin Greek</A> (Scroll about halfway down or so to the
"Hungry Frog" Freeware Algebra game)
Linda in FL :)
Andi Kaufman
>Have you seed Henry Borenson's HANDS-ON EQUATIONS? This is a great wayplease tell me more about this. is sounds interesting but i dont want to
>to begin Algebra, and can be used with children as young as 8. It comes
>with a 30-day trial money-back guarantee (costs around $39.) Check out
>their website at www.Borenson.com
>
>David Albert
spend the money until i know more adn the web site didnt give too much.
Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...
Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!
[email protected]
In a message dated 6/12/99 4:05:17 AM !!!First Boot!!!, michigan@...
writes:
<< but the only way I know how to do this is by providing her with workbooks
and textbooks to figure out on her own, as I just have no clue where to
begin to assist her if she had a question!
Tanya Ohio >>
Oooh, oooh - go to the web -- there are fun games that use algebraic
thinking. Get a copy of Zoombinis -- a fun game on CD-ROM that uses Algebra.
Buy a copy of Algebra, The Easy Way -- a story which incorporates Algebra.
These are the tip of the iceberg. Algebra is fun. (Try the book -- The
Number Devil for just a fun read.) And in real life, we use algebra all the
time -- shopping, etc. Maybe someone out there has a list of cool algebra
sites -- I'm not that organized and we just do things as we find them.
Nance
writes:
<< but the only way I know how to do this is by providing her with workbooks
and textbooks to figure out on her own, as I just have no clue where to
begin to assist her if she had a question!
Tanya Ohio >>
Oooh, oooh - go to the web -- there are fun games that use algebraic
thinking. Get a copy of Zoombinis -- a fun game on CD-ROM that uses Algebra.
Buy a copy of Algebra, The Easy Way -- a story which incorporates Algebra.
These are the tip of the iceberg. Algebra is fun. (Try the book -- The
Number Devil for just a fun read.) And in real life, we use algebra all the
time -- shopping, etc. Maybe someone out there has a list of cool algebra
sites -- I'm not that organized and we just do things as we find them.
Nance
B & T Simpson
>><< but the only way I know how to do this is by providing her withworkbooks
> and textbooks to figure out on her own, as I just have no clue where toAlgebra.
> begin to assist her if she had a question!
> Tanya Ohio >>
>
>
>Oooh, oooh - go to the web -- there are fun games that use algebraic
>thinking. Get a copy of Zoombinis -- a fun game on CD-ROM that uses
> Buy a copy of Algebra, The Easy Way -- a story which incorporates Algebra.the
>These are the tip of the iceberg. Algebra is fun. (Try the book -- The
>Number Devil for just a fun read.) And in real life, we use algebra all
>time -- shopping, etc. Maybe someone out there has a list of cool algebraThanks I will try that, I do want to encourage her in any way possible being
>sites -- I'm not that organized and we just do things as we find them.
>
>Nance
>
that she thinks its "fun" I want to get that cd "zoombinis" I just need to
wait until I get my new computer! I have totally run out of hard drive which
on certain days makes it impossible to even send and receive my email!
Tanya Ohio
[email protected]
In a message dated 06/12/1999 11:49:18 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
michigan@... writes:
<<
to take care of a horse for a year (as part of their lobbying for their own
horses!). They did checked out
mail order catalogs(decided that you use up whatever you save in shipping
and you don't get to see the stuff before you buy it and you might have to
pay for return shipping if you don't like it). We took them to tack shops and
the Farmer's Exchange. they made a list of what they'd need, transferred it
to a chart they developed, and listed prices. They added up the cost of what
they thought they'd need, including the horse, fencing, the barn(wealready
have one but it need lots of work), etc., and were amazed at the total. They
then figured that the 1st year would be the most expensive, since they'd have
a lot of one-time expenses. The other mom and I provided transportation and
whatever else they asked for, period.
Debra
michigan@... writes:
<<
>><< but the only way I know how to do this is by providing her withworkbooks
> and textbooks to figure out on her own, as I just have no clue where toMy equestrian dd(11 yo) and a friend decided to figure out what it would cost
> begin to assist her if she had a question!
> Tanya Ohio >> >>
to take care of a horse for a year (as part of their lobbying for their own
horses!). They did checked out
mail order catalogs(decided that you use up whatever you save in shipping
and you don't get to see the stuff before you buy it and you might have to
pay for return shipping if you don't like it). We took them to tack shops and
the Farmer's Exchange. they made a list of what they'd need, transferred it
to a chart they developed, and listed prices. They added up the cost of what
they thought they'd need, including the horse, fencing, the barn(wealready
have one but it need lots of work), etc., and were amazed at the total. They
then figured that the 1st year would be the most expensive, since they'd have
a lot of one-time expenses. The other mom and I provided transportation and
whatever else they asked for, period.
Debra
shannon hawkins
This brings back fond memories. I did this as a child and earned my Horsewoman's
badge in Girl Scouts. :-) It also told me that no way could I or my family
afford a horse! :-) My dd 12 loves horses and the cost for riding/lessons/camp
etc. is out of our ballpark, most of the time. She already knows that owning her
own is not a possibility. :-( But, we have a friend who has 2 horses - no kids
- and needs help with them, so dd will get to care for and ride this summer for
free - Yeah!! Shannon in CA
Buresmom@... wrote:
badge in Girl Scouts. :-) It also told me that no way could I or my family
afford a horse! :-) My dd 12 loves horses and the cost for riding/lessons/camp
etc. is out of our ballpark, most of the time. She already knows that owning her
own is not a possibility. :-( But, we have a friend who has 2 horses - no kids
- and needs help with them, so dd will get to care for and ride this summer for
free - Yeah!! Shannon in CA
Buresmom@... wrote:
> My equestrian dd(11 yo) and a friend decided to figure out what it would cost
> to take care of a horse for a year (as part of their lobbying for their own
> horses!).
[email protected]
**I think what is happening is that her peer group of
homeschoolers are "school-at-home" types and she compares
our life to theirs and worries that we aren't being conscientious.
She's beginning to see that this isn't so, but she is also nervous
about her weaknesses.**
Maybe she'll eventually get into enough conversations about Algebra with some
of them to find out that quite a few are probably not really getting it,
either.
A few years ago, my always unschooled daughter was getting pressure from a
homeschooled aquaintance about Algebra - the girl never let a chance pass to
point out to Melissa how far along she was in her algebra book and how hard she
was working. After one conversation she ranted at me "She was complaining that
she has a hard time remembering formulas and figuring out what formula she's
supposed to use when. She doesn't have the slightest idea how to think about a
problem, how to decide what you're trying to find out so that you can decide
how to find it. And she thinks "I'M* in need of studying algebra. Hmmmph."
I hope your daughter finds a resource that helps her to understand.
Continuing to beat her head against the wall of her incomprehension will not bring the
wall down but might damage her. :(
Deborah in IL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
homeschoolers are "school-at-home" types and she compares
our life to theirs and worries that we aren't being conscientious.
She's beginning to see that this isn't so, but she is also nervous
about her weaknesses.**
Maybe she'll eventually get into enough conversations about Algebra with some
of them to find out that quite a few are probably not really getting it,
either.
A few years ago, my always unschooled daughter was getting pressure from a
homeschooled aquaintance about Algebra - the girl never let a chance pass to
point out to Melissa how far along she was in her algebra book and how hard she
was working. After one conversation she ranted at me "She was complaining that
she has a hard time remembering formulas and figuring out what formula she's
supposed to use when. She doesn't have the slightest idea how to think about a
problem, how to decide what you're trying to find out so that you can decide
how to find it. And she thinks "I'M* in need of studying algebra. Hmmmph."
I hope your daughter finds a resource that helps her to understand.
Continuing to beat her head against the wall of her incomprehension will not bring the
wall down but might damage her. :(
Deborah in IL
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
We have used and enjoyed Hands-On Equations. It's a kit with cubes with numbers on them and you put them on a balance (on paper) and work out equations with them. We have used them in groups at co-op also. They are from Borenson Assoc. 610-398-6908.
My kids also enjoy the Key to Algebra (and other Key To...) math books. They have an interesting math history story at the beginning of each book, and the material is presented in a common sense way. They are from Key Curriculum Press (they have a website).
Diane
--
"Just as eating against one's will is injurious to health, so
study without a liking for it spoils the memory, and it retains
nothing it takes in." -Leonardo da Vinci
My kids also enjoy the Key to Algebra (and other Key To...) math books. They have an interesting math history story at the beginning of each book, and the material is presented in a common sense way. They are from Key Curriculum Press (they have a website).
Diane
--
"Just as eating against one's will is injurious to health, so
study without a liking for it spoils the memory, and it retains
nothing it takes in." -Leonardo da Vinci