HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: re: MathMagic
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 21:25:08 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

SK->How does the "pairing up" work?
....
I hope this too is addressed in the Updated Guide as it is
another modification.  I believe the new system will be
better as it expands the world of the participants.  Will
you let me know if this is clear as well?
....
SK->Does a particular teacher _have_ to participate in every
SK->one of the six-week cycles, or is it possible to "sit
SK->out" a cycle?  (I just want to know what I'm committing
SK->to...)
....
The beauty of this is you can make it what you will.  Yes,
you can sit out (test week, etc. may bring that on, I
understand).  One teacher locally is going to have certain
groups work one problem cycle, then reassign another set of
groups for next problem cycle so that she can handle her
limited modem access situation.  In this way, she won't be
trying to get all her kids on the modem every week.  But,
you can work with MathMagic and build it into your world as
you see fit, changing your system and method as often as you
like.
....
SK->Also, will new participants be able to join throughout
SK->the year?
....
Sure, every problem cycle is new territory and entries can
be made then.  So, yes, every two weeks opens the door and
invites all who are interested to join us.
....
SK->I have probably recounted to you before the difficulty
SK->we have had getting any kind of technology hardware (or
SK->software) for our amth dept. at our school, so I won't
....
I am very lucky as you mentioned.  Maybe something like this
will change their minds.  When they get their MathMagic
newsletter which shows them that it is slipping in under
their noses regardless, they may decide to involve
themselves and, in doing so, receive some credit.  (Aren't
they like that?
....


--  
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 Registration Simplified
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 15:22:53 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

MathMagic Registration Form
To participate in MathMagic, please forward the
following information to:
Carol Hooper: 1:381/64 (FidoNet)
Indian Ridge Middle School
11201 Pebble Hills, El Paso, TX 79936
     1.  Name of school
     2.  Name of principal
     3.  School Address
     4.  FidoNet address
This information will allow MathMagic to mail
achievement recognition awards and the MathMagic
Newsletter.  Thanks for registering with MathMagic.


--  
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: Wed, 12 Aug 92 09:27:02 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

->Will it be possible for teachers who do not have computers
->in their rooms to participate?
     If there is a computer somewhere in the school, this
could work.  We will explain further later.
->For instance, what about someone who wants to send data
->from their computer at home at night?
     This is feasible.  It simply means the teacher will
have to save uploaded messages on disk, and handcarry this
back and forth.  But, the important thing is that the
teacher have some way of getting those messages/solutions to
MathMagic.
->Or, are there teachers at this point asking to
->participate by snail-mail?
     Honestly, We haven't had any requests for this.
->This is a good goal, but ... about those teachers who
->would like to participate who don't have a computer in the
->room (or maybe that's just not feasible???)->
     It would depend on individual circumstances.  For
instance, if there is a computer in the building that they
have access to and someone with a modem that is willing to
help get those messages to MathMagic, it's workable.
->If they have to write about their answer, they will
->certainly be forced to think about how they got it.
     Another great quote!
->I also wonder, how much class time does a teacher need to
set aside to do this??
     Again, another benefit of this program.  You see, the
site coordinator can set this program up as they would like.
For instance, while I intend to incorporate this into my
daily curriculum, other participants are going to develop
MathMagic in their school as an extracurricular activity.
Therefore, if a teacher wants to bring in a few teams of
students rather than their class, they can do so before and
after school, lunch, whatever.  You might compare it to
Odyssey of the Mind if you run it this way.
->I would even like to participate myself (with my students)
->but don't know if they grade levels are really compatible.
     YES YES YES!  That is what we were hoping to hear.
Again, problems will be broken up according to grade levels
so you may select which will paticipate.  Since we know you
have access to a modem, you can easily participate.
->Then there is the problem that if I teach a course that is
->also taught by other instructors at my school I am
->supposed to "keep pace" (more or less) with them, and
->taking time out to do a project complicates that.
     No problem.  See above.
->You don't seem like you're hurting for participants.
     AWWWWW, but we want more.  Please try!
     In the package you are downloading, there is a
     registration form for your classes and any others who
     will participate.  Please let me know if we can do
     anything to faciliate the process.  Thanks so much!!


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
From: ldye@tjhsst.vak12ed.edu (Laura Dye)
Subject: Re: pre algebra activities
Organization: Virginia's Public Education Network (Fairfax)
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 92 04:51:56 GMT

Hi.  Try MECC corporation.  There is a lot of stuff that may be
appropriate.  I teach math on the high school level.  Good
luck, let me know if I can be of more help.

--
From: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org (Ed Kwasniewski)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: RE: MATHMAGIC
Date: Sat, 15 Aug 92 14:14:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:353/240 - The Polish Connecti, Westbank BC

On 08-13-92 Sheila King wrote to Carol Hooper... 
 
SK> -> WE will give you an example problem in my next message to let 
SK> -> you get a feel for the type of problems which will be 
SK> -> utilized. 
SK> 
SK> I didn't get it. Have tried a couple of days ago to FREQ the file 
SK> MATHMAG1.LZH from the Academy BBS, but had a problem (our computer 
 
Please excuse my stepping into the conversation ... but ... I'd also be 
very interested in seeing an example of the type of problem (with 
corresponding grade level etc.) the students would be working on.  I 
downloaded the MATHMAG1.LZH file and went through it last night but 
found no concrete examples.  What I saw was great but I'd really 
appreciate seeing at least one problem so that I can get a real feel for 
what my students will be working with. 
 
Thanks ... Ed 
 
... OFFLINE 1.40 * New Mail not found.  Start whine-pout sequence? (Y/N) 


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!353!240!Ed.Kwasniewski
Internet: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org
From: Alan.Hodson@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Alan Hodson)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: re: MathMagic
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 20:59:42 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Ed, do you have Internet access? If so, what is your address?
Thanks
Alan


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Alan.Hodson
Internet: Alan.Hodson@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Ken.Blystone@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Ken Blystone)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: re: Motivation, lack of . . . 
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 92 13:51:35 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX


> While reading one of the articles in this newsgroup, I was 
> reminded
> of a couple of questions I've had about FOM classes in Texas.
> 
> It seems to me that it has been discussed in this group 
> about whether
> or not giving a student four years of FOM is more desirable 
> than risking
> placing the student in algebra.  (unfortunately, I am 
> currently unable
> to access any of the transactions before the one I read).  I 
Valerie,
This year our school district is abandoning FOM and putting all kids 
in "solid" math courses (Algebra, Geometry, etc.)  Research indicates 
that kids do better on standardized tests after failing Algebra than 
passing FOM.  Our superintendent wants kids to quit substituting 
"arithmetic" for substantive mathematics courses at the secondary level.


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Ken.Blystone
Internet: Ken.Blystone@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Sheila.King@f315.n103.z1.fidonet.org (Sheila King)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: RE: MATHMAGIC            
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 92 19:56:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

-> In addition, example solutions will also be made available on
-> the restricted channel (this is why we need two channels) so
-> that teachers may facilitate as they deem necessary.

Oh, well that answers my question from the previous message. If you
haven't already answered it, then don't bother.

-> WE will give you an example problem in my next message to let
-> you get a feel for the type of problems which will be
-> utilized.

I didn't get it. Have tried a couple of days ago to FREQ the file
MATHMAG1.LZH from the Academy BBS, but had a problem (our computer
couldn't find the file). I left Ken a message about it in the Educator
echo. I suppose if we get that straightened out, then I can get my
sample problems from that file, right?

-> So, in answer to your second question, problems will be chosen
-> throughout the year with a list published
-> every six weeks.  Students should receive the problems on
-> the first day of the two-week problem cycle, however, and
-> not receive advance notification of the upcoming problems.

So, does the teacher select which problem/s his/her students will work
on? How does the "pairing up" work? Does a particular teacher _have_ to
participate in every one of the six-week cycles, or is it possible to
"sit out" a cycle? (I just want to know what I'm committing to...) Also,
will new participants be able to join throughout the year?

->    In fact, my honors classes are not Algebra 1.

OK, I gotcha.

->    Upon presentation of our proposal, my principal (who
-> wears wings and a halo, BTW) has placed a separate phone
-> line and modem, printer in my room.  She has also placed one
-> in the library for students to use before and after school,
-> and during lunch.  And, to be honest, after presentation to
-> my central office, the entire set-up was funded readily.

Boy, count your lucky starts. I am green with envy. I have probably
recounted to you before the difficulty we have had getting any kind of
technology hardware (or software) for our amth dept. at our school, so I
won't go into it again...

Sheila
                                                                                                    

--  
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: re: MathMagic
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 21:22:41 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Hi, Ed.
EK->Equipment -- I have three computers in the library with
EK->a dedicated modem connection as well as a general
EK->computer lab with modem accesibility.
....
Great Ed.  This should be easy for you then!
EK->At present I do not have a computer etc.  in the grade 7
EK->class BUT this project may be all I need to convince the
EK->principal that it is a necessity ...  we'll see :)
....
I can only tell you that I went to my principal and central
office and received everything necessary without question.
I know every district is different but the time seems ripe
for the move.
....
EK->This BBS runs from my home and is a free call from
EK->my school.  Soooo ... I guess this shouldn't cost the
EK->school anything.  My principal will be very happy :D
....
This is wonderful.  Please let me know what progress you
make but I really believe that you have everything necessary
to participate.  Of course, the separate line will be a big
plus and I'm crossing my fingers for you (and us)!
....
EK->Will go through the docs and be back to you ASAP.
....
Ed, there have been some changes as I've worked through the
receipt of our own projects channel.  I posted some new
materials to ALL on 8-16-92.  Please read them and see if
you have any questions concerning the changes.  Also, I will
let you know the exact channel of MathMagic as soon as I
receive it...which is anytime now.  Finally, Ken Blystone is
uploading a current file MATHMAG2.LZH with updated docs.
Let me know if you have any questions whatsoever.  I'm
looking forward to working with you....Thanks Carol


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.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 20:53:57 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/89 - Wolverine BBS, El Paso TX

Great about your principal!  I'm happy that he was supportive!  
Congrats!


--  
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: AP CALCULUS          
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 92 13:13:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:103/315 - Castle of the Four , Diamond Bar CA

To:  Joe R Szurek

Joe,

In your message to me, you said:

-> 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.

I appreciate your advice. Your mystification at my question might result
from the fact that I myself am a bit confused at the messages I have
recieved from other high school Calculus teachers that there is
something "different" about the AP course.

When I said:

-> >My main concern is, of course, that I prepare the students
-> adequately to >pass the exam.

You said this is perhaps an unfortunate wording and that if I structure
my entire course towards passing the exam, I will be doing the students
a great disservice. Certainly I do not (as you assumed) intend to
structure the entire course that way. I do plan to give them a solid
foundation in the fundamentals. And perhaps the wording I chose was
unfortunate. But that is a very large concern of mine. The parents, the
students, the admin, and even I myself, may base their decision on my
success as a calculus teacher on how many of the students pass the exam.

Your suggestion:

-> Let the exam take care of itself.

Is, in a way, valuable. But I think that as a teacher I do need to be a
bit familiar with the exam. Teachers are expected to give their students
"test taking tips", etc...I do not think that is necessarily bad form.

In any case, thanks for your input.

Sheila
                                                                               

--  
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: Sun, 16 Aug 92 19:05:42 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:321/302 - SpaceMet South 1, Holyoke MA

Helen Sternheim suggested that I write to you. 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.


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!321!302!Margaret.Halbeisen
Internet: Margaret.Halbeisen@f302.n321.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: re: MathMagic
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 92 20:35:02 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

  Hi, ED!  Thanks for your registration. You are now listed
as a participating sponsor from your school.
  You wrote:
EK->NOTE: This will be the maximum # of groups that will be
EK->working at any given time ...  during a given cycle I
EK->may have 0  -> 5 groups participating depending on
EK->what's happening in the class.  Is this OK?  .  . . . .
   Certainly.  Please feel free to make this program
comfortable to you classroom situation.  It is intended not
to be a problem but an enhancement to your curriculum.
EK->FINALLY ... I tried to F'Req MATHMAG2.LZH from this
EK->board twice but it doesn't seem to exist.  Has Ken put
EK->it up yet?  It doesn't seem to be in his FILES list.
  I have a sneaking suspician it hasn't been done.  However,
the package consists of everything you find on Channel 2,
the new home of MathMagic.  So, if you would like, just
capture those and you have everything you need.  Thanks,
again.  Carol


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Don.Fraser@f804.n800.z3.fidonet.org (Don Fraser)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: GIRLS AND MATHS
Date: Mon, 17 Aug 92 22:29:01 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 3:800/804 - Oracle PC-Network, Flinders Park Sth Aust Austra

Thanx for your kind reply.
I do teach in a single-sex girls high school, hence my interest.
I don't teach maths, in fact I'm a bit of an ignoramus where that subject is concerned. I ask out of general interest in single-sex methodologies. In Australia there is a large under-participation in maths/science by girls both in school and (hence) in the workplace. A colleague of mine has received Mathmagic and I'm looking forward to connecting her to the worldwide communication network.

Don Fraser


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!3!800!804!Don.Fraser
Internet: Don.Fraser@f804.n800.z3.fidonet.org
From: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org (Ed Kwasniewski)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 92 13:36:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:353/240 - The Polish Connecti, Westbank BC

Hello Carol ... 
 
On 08-12-92 Carol Hooper wrote to Ed Kwasniewski... 
 
CH> ================================================================== 
CH> All of MATHMAGIC files and problems are available via file 
CH> request MATHMAG1.LZH from 1:381/64 (11 K). Also, Internet users 
CH> can procure them as an FTP from laguna.epcc.edu. 
CH> ================================================================== 
 
Just got back from a brief holiday out in the islands and saw the same 
message in my backlog of mail ... I've requested it and will look at the 
files in detail later today. 
 
CH> As to your other questions....YES, schools not only can participate 
CH> outside the El Paso area, they are an essential requirement and the 
CH> heart and soul of the project.  As to costs, the question is different 
CH> for each and every participant.  Can you tell us what you have 
CH> available to you in the way of equipment that will allow your kids 
CH> access to MathMagic?  Will you be looking for your school to install a 


GOOD to the first!  Equipment -- I have three computers in the library 
with a dedicated modem connection as well as a general computer lab with 
modem accesibility.  At present I do not have a computer etc. in the grade 
7 class BUT this project may be all I need to convince the principal that 
it is a necessity ... we'll see :)  This BBS runs from my home and is a 
free call from my school.  Soooo ... I guess this shouldn't cost the 
school anything.  My principal will be very happy :D 
 
Will go through the docs and be back to you ASAP. 
 
Thanks for your reply ... Ed 
 
... OFFLINE 1.40 * Ed.Kwasniewski@p0.f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org 


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!353!240!Ed.Kwasniewski
Internet: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org
From: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org (Carol Hooper)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: MathMagic
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 92 21:24:37 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:381/64 - Academy K12 Net, El Paso TX

Hi Sheila....Sorry for the delay in replying to your
message.
....
SK->I will "put in a good word" with her, then, on your
SK->behalf.  I was wondering if you were going to use any
SK->K12 Channels, and am glad to see that you are.
....  Thank you.  We have only been given one channel (I'm
am awaiting the number now) and so a good word would help as
I still have hopes that the need for a second channel will
become apparent.   However, I have made some mild changes in
the project (please see messages addressed to ALL here)
because of the channel situation and feel that they have
been simplified and, therefore, improved!
....
SK->Certainly, use it if it helps. Anything to further
SK->math-ed.
....
Thanks, I appreciate the go ahead!
....
CH-> WE will give you an example problem in my next message
CH->to let you get a feel for the type of problems which
CH->will be utilized.
SK->I didn't get it. Have tried a couple of days ago to FREQ
SK->the file MATHMAG1.LZH from the Academy BBS, but had a
SK->problem (our computer couldn't find the file). I left
SK->Ken a message about it in the Educator echo. I suppose
SK->if we get that straightened out, then I can get my
SK->sample problems from that file, right?
....
I placed the sample problem here.  I included a sample
solution format.  Again, this was my 10-year-old so the
level was not what you will be expecting.  Also, because of
the revamping due to ONE channel, the file will (or has
depending on Ken's time) be updated.  So, please look for
MathMag2.lzh.  Everything is in there and again, simplified!
....
CH-> So, in answer to your second question, problems will be
CH->chosen throughout the year with a list published every
CH->six weeks.  Students should receive the problems on
CH->the first day of the two-week problem cycle, however,
CH->and not receive advance notification of the upcoming
CH->problems.
SK->So, does the teacher select which problem/s his/her
SK->students will work on?
....
This is one of the modifications of the project.  I'd like
to let you read the Updated Guide (posted to All here) and
see if it seems clear to you.  If it doesn't, please let me
know as I use your questions to edit and improve that
project.
more in next message....


--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!381!64!Carol.Hooper
Internet: Carol.Hooper@f64.n381.z1.fidonet.org
From: Don.Fraser@f804.n800.z3.fidonet.org (Don Fraser)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: GIRLS AND MATHS
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 92 19:35:30 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 3:800/804

Hello sheila
Bit of a shot in the dark: know anything suitable for single sex classes (girls) in the maths area? Collaborative/other methodologies?



--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!3!800!804!Don.Fraser
Internet: Don.Fraser@f804.n800.z3.fidonet.org
From: Don.Fraser@f804.n800.z3.fidonet.org (Don Fraser)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: HODSON/HOOPER PROJECT
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 92 19:40:27 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 3:800/804

hello
i'm a bit new (very new) at this.
interested in collaborative problem solving projects in maths.
look forward to hearing something.




--  
uucp: uunet!m2xenix!puddle!3!800!804!Don.Fraser
Internet: Don.Fraser@f804.n800.z3.fidonet.org