From: Carol.Hooper@f89.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 92 17:04:40 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/89 - Wolverine BBS, El Paso TX

Hi Ed!  Thanks for your recent request for information regarding 
MathMagic.  We are glad to answer your questions.  You can always 
direct your questions and comments to Alan Hodson or myself as we are 
partners in the project.  First, a bit about MathMagic.
        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.
==================================================================
As to your other questions....YES, schools not only can participate 
outside the El Paso area, they are an essential requirement and the 
heart and soul of the project.  As to costs, the question is different 
for each and every participant.  Can you tell us what you have 
available to you in the way of equipment that will allow your kids 
access to MathMagic?  Will you be looking for your school to install a 
phone line and a modem/computer or do you have one in place?  Or were 
you going to use the one you have at home?  We can definately make 
this program work whatever your situation is.  Please let me know what 
we can do to help.  All your grades may participate as problems will 
be selected for grade level.  Thanks, Carol


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