Unschooling math
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/12/03 10:59:39 AM Central Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
<<
And I figured that 25 x 40 is 1000 square feet. 3 square feet in a bag.
3/1000 is 33---plus a couple, just in case! <G> >>
Sounds like what I would have done too Kelly!! But square feet are not cubed
feet.....therein lies the prolem!
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
[email protected] writes:
<<
And I figured that 25 x 40 is 1000 square feet. 3 square feet in a bag.
3/1000 is 33---plus a couple, just in case! <G> >>
Sounds like what I would have done too Kelly!! But square feet are not cubed
feet.....therein lies the prolem!
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
Fetteroll
on 1/12/03 8:57 PM, starsuncloud@... at starsuncloud@... wrote:
changing both to 1' depth (slicing the cubic yard into 1' slices since
that's the depth of the play area) then it can be treated as having only 2
factors: width and length.
Joyce
> Sounds like what I would have done too Kelly!! But square feet are not cubedNot if you alter the view of the problem so one factor can be eliminated. By
> feet.....therein lies the prolem!
changing both to 1' depth (slicing the cubic yard into 1' slices since
that's the depth of the play area) then it can be treated as having only 2
factors: width and length.
Joyce
Brenda Rose
Joyce suggested breaking down the play area so that you could "see" the
problem better. Someone had mentioned "slicing" the cube. Both of these
might help to visually get a feel of what is happening.
I often use 'real' objects to be models and then play with the shape or
figure I'm trying to understand. Last year I built a tetrahedron out of
toothpicks to try and understand some number concepts. Imagine what a
'cubic yard' really is - it's a cube (3-D square) that's a yard on every
side. If you want to change the measurement to feet, then you have to think
about, picture, and make a model of what that will mean. How many cubic
feet in the cubic yard? Start with what you know - 3 feet in one yard. Now
that cubic yard has three feet going up, across, and back (deep). Get out
some cubes (blocks or dice) and say that each one is a 'cubic foot.' Now
build your 'cubic yard' and count how many blocks it took.
Whenever I use the 'multiplication table' with people (A lot of
homeschoolers ask for help on teaching multiplication facts) I show them how
the numbers form patterns, across, vertically, and diagonally. The main
diagonal, down the middle, is the 'square numbers.' It's easier for most
people to understand cube numbers after they 'see' what square numbers are
and how they are formed. Once someone understands what they are seeing,
whether it is a layer of mulch 1 foot thick, or a model either in their head
or physical, then they can understand how to manipulate the formulae and the
numbers.
My 12 yos doesn't like or 'get' math very easily - it's not 'natural' for
him. One day I asked him if he wanted to learn some and he told me he'll do
it when he needs it. This is the boy who could not spell or write much last
year but has dictated stories to us since he was 6 (didn't read until 8
1/2). He still hates physically writing, uses block letters, but now
because he uses IM all the time with his friends, because HE doesn't want to
be embarrassed, he has learned to spell, and type much faster than I can.
At first he asked me or his 20yos how to spell words, and still asks
sometimes, but he has been using the dictionary too. I wonder what the
words are that he doesn't ask? LOL
My 8yos, not reading, cares a little but not much, will do it when he wants
to, is a math whiz. This kid thinks in math terms. At about age 6 he saw
the word 'yellow' and I asked him what it said (yes, I did try and see if he
would read early - no go!). He said, "I don't know any of the letters, but
why does it have 110 in the middle?" That same year he told me, after
buying a sub at Subway, which he was to share with his older brother, "Mom,
they cut it 50-50, but I think 75-25 would be better." Me: "75 pieces?"
Him: "No, like quarters, you know. I get three and James gets one.
Quarters. <big laugh>"
He likes me to make up problems for him (maybe every two weeks, for 2 -3
days in a row). I can say them or write them down, but he does almost all
of it in his head. He likes large numbers (ten thousands or higher) to
figure percentages, and wants two variable algebra problems, cuz just
finding 'x' is "too easy." He has workbooks available, but hates them, so
he never uses them. He likes "Mom's problems."
They ask when they want to know, and learn it when they need it.
Brenda Rose
problem better. Someone had mentioned "slicing" the cube. Both of these
might help to visually get a feel of what is happening.
I often use 'real' objects to be models and then play with the shape or
figure I'm trying to understand. Last year I built a tetrahedron out of
toothpicks to try and understand some number concepts. Imagine what a
'cubic yard' really is - it's a cube (3-D square) that's a yard on every
side. If you want to change the measurement to feet, then you have to think
about, picture, and make a model of what that will mean. How many cubic
feet in the cubic yard? Start with what you know - 3 feet in one yard. Now
that cubic yard has three feet going up, across, and back (deep). Get out
some cubes (blocks or dice) and say that each one is a 'cubic foot.' Now
build your 'cubic yard' and count how many blocks it took.
Whenever I use the 'multiplication table' with people (A lot of
homeschoolers ask for help on teaching multiplication facts) I show them how
the numbers form patterns, across, vertically, and diagonally. The main
diagonal, down the middle, is the 'square numbers.' It's easier for most
people to understand cube numbers after they 'see' what square numbers are
and how they are formed. Once someone understands what they are seeing,
whether it is a layer of mulch 1 foot thick, or a model either in their head
or physical, then they can understand how to manipulate the formulae and the
numbers.
My 12 yos doesn't like or 'get' math very easily - it's not 'natural' for
him. One day I asked him if he wanted to learn some and he told me he'll do
it when he needs it. This is the boy who could not spell or write much last
year but has dictated stories to us since he was 6 (didn't read until 8
1/2). He still hates physically writing, uses block letters, but now
because he uses IM all the time with his friends, because HE doesn't want to
be embarrassed, he has learned to spell, and type much faster than I can.
At first he asked me or his 20yos how to spell words, and still asks
sometimes, but he has been using the dictionary too. I wonder what the
words are that he doesn't ask? LOL
My 8yos, not reading, cares a little but not much, will do it when he wants
to, is a math whiz. This kid thinks in math terms. At about age 6 he saw
the word 'yellow' and I asked him what it said (yes, I did try and see if he
would read early - no go!). He said, "I don't know any of the letters, but
why does it have 110 in the middle?" That same year he told me, after
buying a sub at Subway, which he was to share with his older brother, "Mom,
they cut it 50-50, but I think 75-25 would be better." Me: "75 pieces?"
Him: "No, like quarters, you know. I get three and James gets one.
Quarters. <big laugh>"
He likes me to make up problems for him (maybe every two weeks, for 2 -3
days in a row). I can say them or write them down, but he does almost all
of it in his head. He likes large numbers (ten thousands or higher) to
figure percentages, and wants two variable algebra problems, cuz just
finding 'x' is "too easy." He has workbooks available, but hates them, so
he never uses them. He likes "Mom's problems."
They ask when they want to know, and learn it when they need it.
Brenda Rose
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/2003 6:27:25 AM Eastern Standard Time,
fetteroll@... writes:
exactly how to word it. THAT'S what I did. I was using three square FEET
because she wanted it to be at 12 inches deep. Thanks!
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
fetteroll@... writes:
> Not if you alter the view of the problem so one factor can be eliminated. ByThanks, Joyce. I wanted to respond to Ren's statement but I didn't know
> changing both to 1' depth (slicing the cubic yard into 1' slices since
> that's the depth of the play area) then it can be treated as having only 2
> factors: width and length.
>
>
exactly how to word it. THAT'S what I did. I was using three square FEET
because she wanted it to be at 12 inches deep. Thanks!
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/2003 7:20:55 AM Eastern Standard Time,
rosebl@... writes:
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
rosebl@... writes:
> My 8yos, not reading, cares a little but not much, will do it when he wantsReally Cool. Thanks for sharing that! <G>
> to, is a math whiz. This kid thinks in math terms. At about age 6 he saw
> the word 'yellow' and I asked him what it said (yes, I did try and see if
> he
> would read early - no go!). He said, "I don't know any of the letters, but
> why does it have 110 in the middle?" That same year he told me, after
> buying a sub at Subway, which he was to share with his older brother,
> "Mom,
> they cut it 50-50, but I think 75-25 would be better." Me: "75 pieces?"
> Him: "No, like quarters, you know. I get three and James gets one.
> Quarters. "
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/12/03 8:58:03 PM Eastern Standard Time,
starsuncloud@... writes:
each square foot of ground space. Even in a raised bed. The likelyhood is
that she wants to lay 6 inches of mulch down so divide the square footage in
half and then you have the right amount of cubic feet.
*~*Elissa Jill*~*
unschooling Momma to 3 beautiful brilliant people
Loving partner for life to Joey
terrible guitarist, fair singer and happy woman.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
starsuncloud@... writes:
> Sounds like what I would have done too Kelly!! But square feet are not cubedExcept that she's probably not putting more than one cubic foot of mulch in
>
> feet.....therein lies the prolem!
>
> Ren
>
each square foot of ground space. Even in a raised bed. The likelyhood is
that she wants to lay 6 inches of mulch down so divide the square footage in
half and then you have the right amount of cubic feet.
*~*Elissa Jill*~*
unschooling Momma to 3 beautiful brilliant people
Loving partner for life to Joey
terrible guitarist, fair singer and happy woman.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/2003 8:46:02 AM Eastern Standard Time,
Earthmomma67@... writes:> Except that she's probably not putting more than
Right?
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Earthmomma67@... writes:> Except that she's probably not putting more than
> one cubic foot of mulch inShe said 12" deep, so each bag would cover three square feet of play area.
> each square foot of ground space. Even in a raised bed. The likelyhood is
> that she wants to lay 6 inches of mulch down so divide the square footage
> in
> half and then you have the right amount of cubic feet.
Right?
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/03 8:52:22 AM Eastern Standard Time,
kbcdlovejo@... writes:
*~*Elissa Jill*~*
unschooling Momma to 3 beautiful brilliant people
Loving partner for life to Joey
terrible guitarist, fair singer and happy woman.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
kbcdlovejo@... writes:
> She said 12" deep, so each bag would cover three square feet of play area.right
>
> Right?
>
>
>
*~*Elissa Jill*~*
unschooling Momma to 3 beautiful brilliant people
Loving partner for life to Joey
terrible guitarist, fair singer and happy woman.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/03 8:24:22 AM Central Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
<< Thanks, Joyce. I wanted to respond to Ren's statement but I didn't know
exactly how to word it. THAT'S what I did. I was using three square FEET
because she wanted it to be at 12 inches deep. Thanks! >>
But three squ. feet wouldn't change the fact that with 12 inches of depth
you'd have cubed feet, not square feet.
It would be 3x3x1 in that case.
The easiest way to determine how many cubic yards you'd need (at least in my
opinion) is to convert all of your area to inches. So 25x40x12 would look
like 300x480x12
And then divide that by a sqare yard converted to inches 36x36x36 , So you'd
multiply the three figures together to get your total area cubed.
So you'd have 144,000 cubed inches divided by 46,656 to get 3.08, or just
barely over three cubic yards to cover the area 12 inches deep.
So three yards would do it!!
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
[email protected] writes:
<< Thanks, Joyce. I wanted to respond to Ren's statement but I didn't know
exactly how to word it. THAT'S what I did. I was using three square FEET
because she wanted it to be at 12 inches deep. Thanks! >>
But three squ. feet wouldn't change the fact that with 12 inches of depth
you'd have cubed feet, not square feet.
It would be 3x3x1 in that case.
The easiest way to determine how many cubic yards you'd need (at least in my
opinion) is to convert all of your area to inches. So 25x40x12 would look
like 300x480x12
And then divide that by a sqare yard converted to inches 36x36x36 , So you'd
multiply the three figures together to get your total area cubed.
So you'd have 144,000 cubed inches divided by 46,656 to get 3.08, or just
barely over three cubic yards to cover the area 12 inches deep.
So three yards would do it!!
Ren
"The world's much smaller than you think. Made up of two kinds of
people--simple and complicated.....The simple ones are contented. The
complicated ones aren't."
"Unschooling support at pensacolaunschoolers.com
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/03 9:17:23 AM, starsuncloud@... writes:
<< But three squ. feet wouldn't change the fact that with 12 inches of depth
you'd have cubed feet, not square feet. >>
But if everything is "x1" you can ignore the one.
Sandra
<< But three squ. feet wouldn't change the fact that with 12 inches of depth
you'd have cubed feet, not square feet. >>
But if everything is "x1" you can ignore the one.
Sandra
[email protected]
In a message dated 1/13/2003 11:17:19 AM Eastern Standard Time,
starsuncloud@... writes:
Ren, if THAT's the easiest way (that noise you hear is me laughing
hysterically!), why did my way work?
Joyce?
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
starsuncloud@... writes:
> But three squ. feet wouldn't change the fact that with 12 inches of depthGlazing. Glazing. Glazing. In a total fog.
> you'd have cubed feet, not square feet.
> It would be 3x3x1 in that case.
> The easiest way to determine how many cubic yards you'd need (at least in
> my
> opinion) is to convert all of your area to inches. So 25x40x12 would look
> like 300x480x12
> And then divide that by a sqare yard converted to inches 36x36x36 , So
> you'd
> multiply the three figures together to get your total area cubed.
> So you'd have 144,000 cubed inches divided by 46,656 to get 3.08, or just
> barely over three cubic yards to cover the area 12 inches deep.
> So three yards would do it!!
>
Ren, if THAT's the easiest way (that noise you hear is me laughing
hysterically!), why did my way work?
Joyce?
~Kelly
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]