HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic's New Address (Channel 2)
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 92 19:34:05 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Hi Everyone!  MathMagic can now be found on Channel 2!  Yes,
that's right, CHANNEL TWO!  I'm very excited about our
move...All documents are posted there and a current list of
participants will be submitted shortly.  Please address any
questions to me there!   I will begin my messaging there as
of now!  "I'm so excited....and I just can't hide it...I'm
about to lose control and I think I like it......."  See ya
there!


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Mary.Darling@f540.n226.z1.fidonet.org (Mary Darling)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 92 10:59:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:226/540 - The Tele-Forum Netw, Columbus OH

I've just signed back on to our network after the summer and was
pleasantly suprised to find A LOT of new conferences to correspond in -
this being one.

I am Dept. Chair for K-12 in the Plain Local School District (New
Albany, Ohio) which is just outside of Columbus.  We are a very small
but growing district and have been fortunate to have a corporate
benefactor.  As a result, we have over 100 computers networked together
for a district of 800 students.  When I saw your MathMagic program, I
was elated to say the least.

I believe that our students at all levels could benefit from this
program.  I'm only speaking for myself right now as the teachers are not
due back until next week.  But initially I would like to make a tenative
committment.

I've read your messages to all so I believe I know how to "register".
Out computer guru needs you FidoNet channel though.

Thanks - I'm sure you've invested a lot of time and energy in this.
  TNet 2.1U  ORIGIN-New Albany H/S Eagle's Echo BBS(New Albany, Ohio)



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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!226!540!Mary.Darling
Internet: Mary.Darling@f540.n226.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: re: MATHMAGIC                
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 92 09:25:32 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

->I am sorry for the long time in replying, but finally I am
getting to it.
     No problem, WE are just happy to hear from you!
->I do notice from messages that you have already posted to
->others about the project, that some of the decisions have
->been finalized by this point.
     Things are definately moving at it's very exciting.  We
have so much to do!  Things have changed since the original
mailing to you and we hope we can clarify them here.
->First, let me say how TRULY excited I am to see someone
->getting a telecom project for MATHEMATICS going!!!  It's
->about time!
     Thank you, Ma'am!  WE agree!
->of course it seems that you are actually recommending
->Internet access for this project???  How will persons who
->do not have Internet access participate?
     Actually, we are opening this up to everybody
regardless of which route they choose to take.  I, for
instance, am comfortable on FidoNet and, therefore, have
requested the necessary channels from Helen. ("A good word
from you wouldn't hurt," she says, with fingers crossed.)
In addition, we have several participants coming to us via
FidoNet.  WE need two channels to make this work!  However,
Alan is very comfortable with Internet and, therefore, is
opening it up there for all who wish to join us that way.
In this way, we can literally be limitless in accessibility.
So, in answer to your questions, if you do not have
Internet, then join us FidoNet.  You have a choice!
->I think that this is a much more natural approach to
->getting students to write about math than, say, telling
->them they must simply put the answers to all their
->homework problems in written form. In the case of the
->homework assignment, the only motivation for students to
->write is because the teacher said so, and this doesn't
->often seem like a good enough reason to students.  But,
->for this project the writing is an integral part! It will
->be impossible for them to communicate with their "sister
->school" without the writing, so the motivation for
->writing is much more natural, and I doubt you will have to
->justify it to your students.
     We loved the way you wrote this and, with your
permission, may use it when We address people concerning
MathMagic.  ...more in next message


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: James.Maguire@f95.n772.z3.fidonet.org (James Maguire)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Math programmes for the Macintosh
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 92 08:27:54 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 3:772/95 - A.O., Auckland

What good mathematics programm,es are available for the Macintosh? I am
looking for programmes that cover a large amount of course content. Are these
shareware or if not what software house do they belong to?

James Maguire


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!3!772!95!James.Maguire
Internet: James.Maguire@f95.n772.z3.fidonet.org
From: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org (Ed Kwasniewski)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: re: MathMagic
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 13:45:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:353/240 - The Polish Connecti, Westbank BC

On 08-15-92 Carol Hooper wrote to Ed Kwasniewski... 
 
CH> need to do is tell me!  MAy I officially register you as a 
CH> participant?  Let me know and I'll do it.  Look forward to your reply 
CH> and I'll let you know the channel number ASAP.  Carol 
 
Yes!  I'll be sending my registration to 1:381/64 this evening so you'll 
probably receive it before this message.  Looking forward to having my 
grade 7's participate in MathMagic. 
 
Oh yes ... I talked to my principal about the program and he was stunned 
(best word for his reaction!).  He was most impressed and is looking 
forward to see how things work out. 
 
Cheers ... Ed 
 
... OFFLINE 1.40 


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!353!240!Ed.Kwasniewski
Internet: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org
From: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: RE: MATHMAGIC            
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 10:03:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

Alan,

Please try not to post multiple copies of the same "letter" to different
users. You posted nearly identical copies to two different users.
Instead post just one copy that they both can read.

Thanks for your cooperation,
Sheila King
K12_Math echo Moderator
coming to you from Diamond Bar, CA (in Los Angeles County)
                                                             

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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!103!315!Sheila.King
Internet: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org
From: szurek+@pitt.edu (Joe R Szurek)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Re: AP CALCULUS
Date: 16 Aug 92 18:59:14 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: University of Pittsburgh

In article <16599.2A8C57B2@puddle.fidonet.org> Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King) writes:
>Hello and HELP!
>
>I will be teaching AP Calculus this fall for the first time. We will be
>preparing for the AB exam. (I think it would be a bit ambitious to go
>for the BC exam, since I've not taught the course before.)
>
>My main concern is, of course, that I prepare the students adequately to
>pass the exam.
>
>--  
>uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!103!315!Sheila.King
>Internet: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org

I guess I'm a bit mystified by the apparent intent behind this question.
If you structure an entire high school course to "pass the exam", you are
likely doing your students a great disservice.  

Please note that I do not intend this as a "flame" or gross criticism.  I
assume it merely reflects an unfortunate wording.  My best advice as a math
teacher is to teach fundamental calculus as well as possible.  Use a sound
syllabus and a good text (it seems you already have access to this), and
stress fundamentals.  Along the way, as any good teacher will, attempt to
get your students interested in calculus.  (Believe me, I know it isn't as
easy as saying it!!)  Let the exam take care of itself.
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic (Hooper/Hodson Project)
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 92 06:34:21 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Hi, Don.  Welcome to the world of telecommunication!  Alan Hodson and 
I developed MathMagic and will be glad to answer any and all questions 
you have regarding it.  First, let me give you a little info about it.
        EXCITING NEWS!  There is now a project which will motivate
students to solve open-ended math word problems and use modems to
write their solutions.  MATHMAGIC is a project which accomplishes
this as well as bring students from around the world together in a
collaborative effort.
        Working from each individual school (site), students team
with groups from other sites to solve problems which have been
posted by MATHMAGIC.  These problems are discussed and solved
through communications between teams.  After working the problems,
MATHMAGIC teams submit one solution format which requires that
they state the problem, discuss the various strategies, and
explain the solution.
        Once solution formats are received, evaluators examine the
final submission.  Teams are not ranked, but achievement is
recognized.  The results are posted on the MATHMAGIC board and in
a newsletter published by MATHMAGIC headquarters on a six-week
basis.
        This project provides an answer to the common problems
math teachers around the world encounter.  It provides the
motivation for students to write and solve word problems in math.
In addition,  students develop needed skills in the use of a
computer and modem while expanding their world through
communication with other students.
        For more information about MATHMAGIC, please contact:
Alan A. Hodson                  Carol Hooper
900 S. Cotton                   11201 Pebble Hills
El Paso, TX 79901               El Paso, TX 79936
(915) 533-5566                  (915) 592-7787
FAX: (915) 775-6126             FAX: (915) 590-7034
ahodson@tenet.edu               cshooper@tenet.edu
alanh@laguna.epcc.edu
FidoNet 1:381/64                FidoNet 1:381/64
==================================================================
All of MATHMAGIC files and problems are available via file
request MATHMAG1.LZH from 1:381/64 (11 K). Also, Internet users
can procure them as an FTP from laguna.epcc.edu.
==================================================================

We would be happy to have you aboard.  If you would like more 
information regarding the project, the entire packet is available from 
the library here as MathMag1.lzh.  Since you mentioned you were new, 
do you need info as to how to download them from the library which I 
can help with?  Please, let me know what I can do and WELCOME TO 
MATHMAGIC!


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic example continued
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 08:16:21 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Subject: Continuation of solution
Some of the strategy I used to help to figure out
the problem were: I meausred the thickness of each
roof.  That helps to see how sturdy the roofs are.
I also used two books for an experiment. First, I
took a tall folder and a short book.  I set them up
in a triangle shape.  It was clear to me that the
flatter triangle was sturdier than the tall one
because there was more air in between the taller
one (roof B) than the shorter one (roof A).  The
difference was 11/16 of an inch for the shorter one
compared to 23/16 of an inch for the taller one.
(I used a ruler to measure the screen.)  The answer
I came up with was A.  I agreed on A because the
air on roof A from the top to the bottom was 11/16
of an inch and roof B was 23/16 of an inch.  I
thought that the more air, the less solid the
building.  The measurement of the sides and bottom
were : Roof A Sides = 2 inches, Roof A Bottom = 4
inches,  Roof B Sides = 40/16 of an inch, Roof B
Bottom = 4 inches.  Thank you for taking the time
to read my report.
              Carli worked on the problem for about
three days.  She tried many strategies to develop
her solution and could be found in the
encyclopedias (both on-line on commercial BBS and
at home) and she made many phone calls to adults
she thought might know something about roofs.  She
took walks around the neighborhood to get a feel
for the way *real* roofs are built (aha!  Real Life
connection taking place!)  As I stated, this was a
.Gif file and I would love to be able to eventually
include graphic problems in our available problems.
However, the first problems until that thought is
probed futher will be text type.  This is only one
of many types of problems which might be given.
They will be posted according to grade level.
Please direct any questions back to me.  Thanks,
Carol


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: PRE ALGEBRA ACTIVITIES   
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 92 20:02:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

Margaret,

You asked:

-> I am looking for ideas for hands-
-> on activities for 9th grade pre algebra students. Most math
-> activities I find seem more geared for the elementary level. I'm new
-> to teaching in junior high, have taught previously grades 5 and 6. Do
-> you know of any books or other sources I should look at?  Thanks.

Well, I'm not very familiar with the pre-algebra curriculumn, and don't
do a whole lot with manipulatives myself (would like to learn more...)
but I did dig out my catalogs from various companies...

As far as a large selection of manipulatives, I recommend the
Creative Publications K-12 Mathematics and Language Arts Catalog
Their order dept. adress is 5040 West 111th Street/Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
They also have a toll free order telephone number (800)624-0822.
The second-best catalog for manipulatives is the Dale Seymour
Publications Secondary Mathematics Catalog.Adress: P.O. Box 10888 Palo
Alto, CA 94303. Order phone for outside CA (800)222-0766. You might want
to look at the Addison-Wesley Catalog. For some reason I have the K-8
catalog, but I am certain they have a secondary catalog, too. Mostly
books. Order Department at: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company/Order
Dept./ Reading, MA 01867. phone: (800)447-2226

I can't resist a pitch for MidWest Publications. (Actually, that is
their former name. The company is now called Critical thinking Press &
Software). They don't really do manipulatives but I think that many of
their critical thinking skills materials are EXCELLENT. Some of them
seem very verbal, but I think that they apply in the math classroom as
well. adress: Critical Thinking Press & Software/P.O.Box 448/Pacific
Grove, CA 93950. phone (800)458-4849 (mon.-thur.).

Well, Ihope this list will get you started. Maybe someone else here in
the echo will also have a resonse for you.

Sheila
coming to you from Diamond Bar, CA (in Los Angeles County)
      

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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!103!315!Sheila.King
Internet: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org
From: Margaret.Halbeisen@f302.n321.z1.fidonet.org (Margaret Halbeisen)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: PRE ALGEBRA ACTIVITIES   
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 92 20:41:18 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:321/302 - SpaceMet South 1, Holyoke MA

Thanks for all the suggestions for where to get pre algebra manipulatives. I will also look into Critical Thinking Press & Software - it sounds interesting. I did get a Creative Publications catalog and ordered a few things, among them a manipulatives kit called "Algebra Thinking: First Experiences."  It seemed worth looking at. Something else that looked interesting were their Cooperative Problem Solving series - have you ever used any of these?  Thanks for the help.


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!321!302!Margaret.Halbeisen
Internet: Margaret.Halbeisen@f302.n321.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f89.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: RE: MATHMAGIC            
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 92 20:53:05 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/89 - Wolverine BBS, El Paso TX

Sheila,
SK->Well, I did send a message to Helen right when I got
SK->your message asking for the "good word".
  Thanks.
SK->Isn't it possible for us to work out things that really
SK->NEED to be strictly private from the students via
SK->netmail of by FREQing files (for instance, the list of
SK->suggested problems?)?
  Yes'm.  Thanks for the advice.  I'm sure this is how we
will do it.
SK->CH-> So, please look for MathMag2.lzh.  Everything is in
SK->CH->there and again, simplified!
  I don't think Ken has done this yet.  Sorry.  All the
information has been posted here and on Channel 2, however.
SK->Don't ask me how I came up with that interpretation of
SK->your posts.  I really don't know. >8?)
AWWWW, but you are absolutely correct in your interpretation
because you can sit out any cycles you would like to.  So,
you can do it as you related to me with no problem.
I'll be posting from now on from Channel 2 so look for me
there, o.k.?  And, Sheila, thanks for the support.
Carol


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!89!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f89.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: RE: MATHMAGIC            
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 23:07:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

Carol,

-> The cycles are two-week as I don't think it would work well with
-> students working on a single problem for six weeks....I forsee a loss
-> of interest over that time period.

No, I didn't forsee them working on the same problem for six weeks
either (eegads!). No, you had mentioned "six weeks" and "two weeks" in
different places of a past message, and some how I had developed the
following scenario in my mind:

Six week cycle, the problem solving portion being the leading two weeks.
On mon. of the start of the cycle the problem is revealed to the
students and they have two weeks to solve it and submit their solution.
Then the remaining four weeks of the cycle were for evaluation,
gathering of new problems, rest,...other types of instruction in the
classroom,...hey, I don't know what??. Then, the next 6-wk cycle starts
beginning with the first two weeks being problem solving...etc...

Don't ask me how I came up with that interpretation of your posts.
I really don't know. >8?)

Sheila
coming to you from Diamond Bar, CA (in Los Angeles County)
                                                                                   

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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!103!315!Sheila.King
Internet: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Updated MathMagic guide, pg 2
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 15:15:47 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

HOW DO STUDENTS WORK ON A PROBLEM?
    1.  Simply log on to FidoNet on the first day of the
        problem cycle.
    2.  Choose MathMagic Channel which is     .
    3.  Problems will be posted in a message addressed to
        "All."  Subject line will indicate cycle number
        and corresponding dates.  For example: " Subject:
        Cycle 1 - Sept 8-18" means problems are for Cycle 1
        with a starting date of Sept. 8 and solution format
        due date of Sept. 18.
    4.  Look at the problem for your grade level.
    5.  Get out the thinking cap and begin to discuss
        strategies with students in your grade level from
        around the world.  Enter messages, share ideas, work
        towards a solution while discovering new friends
        from within your city, other states, and even other
        nations.  IMPORTANT:  Your first message must
        indicate your grade level and whether you are
        working as a team or individual.  All teams must
        list names of team members for proper credit as well
        as the sponsoring school, if applicable.  As this
        information is received by MathMagic management,
        updated postings will be made available, listing
        participants in team and individual categories by
        grade level to help you locate other students with
        whom you can discuss the current problem.
    6.  For helpful hints on problem solving, read message
        titled "Problem Solving Help."
HOW DO WE SUBMIT OUR SOLUTIONS?
Solutions are turned in on the last day of the problem cycle
and are written in a specific format.  This format is:
    1.  State the problem, listing the knowns and unknowns
        and any assumptions which are made.
    2.  Explain the strategy, or strategies.  Suggested
        strategies are:
        a.  Work a simpler case and apply.
        b.  Look for a pattern to apply.
        c.  Make a wild guess and check your answer.
        d.  Make a table, chart, or diagram; use a model.
        e.  Label known parts and unknown parts with
            variables.
        f.  Write an equation relating the knowns and
            unknowns.
        g.  Work backwards.
        h.  Work for a subgoal.
        i.  Find a related problem or strategy you can
            apply.
        j.  If all else fails, act it out.
more to follow...


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: Re: MATHMAGIC
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 92 22:50:39 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

HI, Kevin.  Exciting news.  We are receiving a project channel for 
MathMagic which will open it up to a large number of students (even 
those without a participating school.)  Things will be easy to access 
and easy to become a participant.  Can I count on you to join in and 
encourage our first fledgling participants when they begin their first 
ventures into problem solving?  *I know I can, but I thought I'd write 
it anyway.)  I'll get all details to you as soon as the actual channel 
number is received!  Carol
s


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uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic Update
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 92 22:31:45 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Hi Everyone!  Important news concerning MathMagic.
I am celebrating the receipt of a Project Channel
dedicated to the MathMagic project.  Therefore,
once I receive notice of exactly which channel we
will be using, I'll let everyone know so that we
can begin the trip into problem solving.  In
addition, some important updates concerning the
actual MathMagic project are about to be posted
as MathMagic becomes better and more easily
accessible to student and teacher alike.    Those
that have already signed on as participants will
receive these updates via general mail as well.
Look for all this information soon and thanks for
your interest and support.  Carol


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org