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Really, I like Math. Sometimes.

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Mar 212011
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As most of you know my son is homeschooled. Some people think that makes us crazy, other think we should get trophies for it. Most days…I go along with the thoughts that we are crazy. Ok, not really…it’s only the math part that makes me feel that way.

We have tried MANY math curriculum’s and I wish we could say that we had found the perfect one. But heck…lets be honest. It’s Math. There is no perfect one. I did find the perfect tutor though. And he is FREE!!!

I actually kinda like math, but found out I am not the best teacher of math. I don’t know why it works a certain way…it just does. And that frustrates Tate. He wants to know the how and why.Me, I really don’t care why or want to spend hours analyzing it. I just want the answer and I can’t always explain how I know that is the answer, I just know that it is.

Then I found the Khan Academy. Sal (I am calling him by his first name because he is now my best friend…even if he doesn’t know it), started doing videos to help tutor his niece. That is how the Khan Academy started. He has done so many tutorials on so many different subjects (not only Math) that there is something to help just about everyone…even in Calculus. And he has made them all available for anyone to use…free of charge. He is seriously my hero.

I also love the finance section!! That is next on out list. I am going to have Erin go through that section as well since she will soon be getting married and be out on her own.

If you homeschool or are in a math class yourself you should seriously check out the Khan Academy. Best thing since sliced bread!!

“This post isn’t a review. I wasn’t compensated or even asked to write this post. I did so because I wanted to tell others about a great site that has many benefits. Just sharing the love…”

 Posted by The Jilly Bean at 11:12 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Human Spark

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Jan 042010
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This is something that you will find amazing…In a new series that will air on PBS  Tomorrow Wednesday, January 6  Alan Alda will speak with researchers that believe it’s not just that your child is growing up, he finally is a human. The Human Spark is a three-part series that explores the topic of what makes us human beings – how we are different from other animals, how our brains function, and, of interest to parents – the point at which the human “spark” happens in our brains and takes us on the path of human behavior. In the series, Alan Alda takes these questions personally, visiting with dozens of scientists on three continents, and participating directly in many experiments – including the detailed examination of his own brain. You won’t want to miss this! It airs at 8 PM tomorrow. Check your local listings for PBS

We’ve all had that experience with our kids when they reach toddlerhood: you are talking to them as you have been doing since they were infants and suddenly, you realize that they comprehend you. They really understand and start communicating back! It becomes the topic of discussion for days and the one universal saying that we all use to describe it is: “My baby is growing up”. And we continue to see sparks of understanding and comprehension in every facet of their lives from that point. It is amazing to watch a child discover new and exciting bits of knowledge and skill.

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So here’s the fun part: PBS has launched a “Share Your Spark” online program that will enable people to share their own “human spark” moments. This can be in the form of a video, a photo or an essay that captures what it is to be human. Perhaps it’s your child speaking on a video or a picture that is explained in a very funny way by your child. PBS will select submissions and include them as part of the series with Alda. Very cool and fun. It is great to see what others are saying so at least go check out some of the submissions!

 Posted by The Jilly Bean at 6:54 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Texas Instruments Nspire

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Sep 032009
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With a child in Algebra and a child in college a good calculator in MANDATORY. When Erin was in High School she was required to have a Scientific/Graphing Calculator. The first go around we bought the wrong version…and had to try again. She could never had made it through all of the math classes that she took without Texas Instruments beside her. Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus…and I can’t remember the other one. Now, we are starting that journey with Tate.

nspr_lr_str8_rtcol1That’s where the new Texas Instruments Nspire comes in…The latest TI math and science learning technology features the TI-Nspire family of products and services. This technology goes beyond graphing to help students see math and science in new and different ways. And Texas Instruments has been the leading manufacturers of graphing and scientific calculators for many years. Even Bric used a TI when he was in college…back in the dark ages. They are trusted, dependable and know what students and teachers alike need in a classroom.

TI-Nspire and TI-Nspire CAS technology was developed hand-in-hand with educators worldwide and built on proven graphing technology which research* shows has a positive impact on student achievement. This exciting learning technology offers both handhelds and computer software for the flexibility to meet different classroom needs.

Here are some of the things that you can do with the TI-Nspire with TI-84 Plus Keyboard:

* View multiple representations of a problem on a single screen
* Grab a graphed function and move it to see the effect
* “Link” representations: Manipulate the properties of one and observe instant updates to others without switching screens
* Create, save and review work in electronic documents, like a computer
* Activate the handheld’s Press-to-Test feature to block access to certain geometry features not allowed on state exams
* Experience identical functions on the handheld and TI-Nspire Computer Software (Windows© or Mac©). Your students can use the software independently or in tandem with the handheld for work in and out of class
* Project a full interactive handheld alongside a large handheld screen to demonstrate concepts to your class usingTI-Nspire Computer Software – Teacher Edition.

The TI-Nspire is perfect for Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, College Math, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business, and Finance. Impressive.

The SAT/ACT’s are still a few years away for Tate, and Erin has already jumped that hurdle, BUT, the TI-Nspire is actually APPROVED for using with those exams. That means that if you have one needing to take the SAT’s soo, you need to RUN to the nearest store and pick one of these little sweeties up. You won’t be sorry.

From their website:
Permitted on SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT/NSMQT, IB and Praxis exams, as well as many state tests.”
This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Texas Instruments, who supplied the product for review.

 Posted by The Jilly Bean at 8:20 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Weird Science

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May 162009
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11 year old little boys are just weird. Mine is anyway, and his friends seem to be so as well, that is how I can generally make the assumption that they are all weird. Maybe yours isn’t…and if not…I am jealous. Seriously Jealous. So please don’t tell me that yours acts normal. That yours doesn’t say “Dude” every 5 minutes. That yours doesn’t make things explode and go boom. That your takes a bath without an Act of Congress. That you don’t find contraband in your little boys pants pockets which eventually ends up in the washer and dryer.

This week…my 11 year old invited himself over to the Neighbor through the woods house for dinner. What did he tell them? That I was gone for the evening and didn’t feed him before I left. Ummm HELLO! I went to the FFA Banquet with Erin, where she was recognized for her accomplishments throughout the year. We were served dinner at the banquet. Before I left I made sure Tate had food. What happened to said food? I have no idea.

Neighbor also wants to know why Tate REEKED of Kerosene. Ummm well, you see, he built a fire. Yep, he decided he would have himself a fire. Which he poured kerosene on. Do you know what happens when you pour kerosene on a fire?? Yep, you guessed it…it reaches to the heavens.

Thank goodness we live really far out in the country. If we lived in the city…well, that just would not be a good thing. Today…there are 2 11 year old boys here…mine and one of his friends. What are they doing? Romping throught the woods, in the mud and rain, hunting squirrels, looking for poisonous plants that they have read about. Bringing in rocks in their pockets. Basically, they are participating in science…without knowing it…and being weird little boys. Therefore, it is WEIRD SCIENCE!

 Posted by The Jilly Bean at 1:25 pm  Tagged with: , , , , ,
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