By Mimi Rothschild
Math and science are not always the easiest subjects to learn, I wish they were because there are so many fascinating lessons to be learned in both subjects. While surfing the web I found this excellent list of strategies that will help your student improve in the areas of math and science. Each strategy includes articles or lesson plans so homeschooling parents can better understand how to apply them into their child’s homeschool curriculum. Below are the different methods scholars use to better understand math and science.
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Classification involves grouping items into one or more categories based on certain distinguishing characteristics. The categories are thoughtfully labeled so that the labels become descriptors for the members of the category. Comparison involves looking at two or more things or ideas and considering their similarities and differences. “Guess and Check” is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to solve mathematical problems by guessing the answer and then checking that the guess fits the conditions of the problem. Make a Table is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to solve mathematical word problems by writing the information in a more organized format. Eliminating Possibilities is a problem-solving strategy in which students remove possible answers until the correct answer remains. Using a Formula is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to find answers to math problems involving geometry, percents, measurement, or algebra. Finding a Pattern is a strategy in which students look for patterns in the data in order to solve the problem. Students look for items or numbers that are repeated, or a series of events that repeat. The “draw a picture” strategy is a problem-solving technique in which students make a visual representation of the problem. When a problem is too complex to solve in one step, it often helps to divide it into simpler problems and solve each one separately. The process of “choosing the operation” involves deciding which mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) or combination of operations will be useful in solving a word problem. In this lesson students compare one number with another using manipulatives, write number sentences to show the comparisons, and then relate the number sentences to story problems. A hundreds chart is used to show the alternating pattern of odd and even numbers, and students are asked to extend the pattern to identify additional odd and even numbers. Metaphors and analogies are comparisons between unlike things that have some particular things in common. You can use metaphors and analogies to make new and unfamiliar concepts more meaningful to students by connecting what they already know to what they are learning. This lesson uses the technique of analogy to teach students about migration. Teach your students about “Theory” and “Evidence” and how those terms and concepts are useful in all subjects. In this lesson, students are asked to develop a theory about how a Magic 8-Ball works without taking the 8-ball apart. |
Manipulatives are physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage students in the hands-on learning of mathematics. They can be used to introduce, practice, or remediate a concept. Students will review identifying and writing the number that is one more or one less than a given one or two-digit number and ten more or ten less than a given one- or two-digit number. Geometry is the study of two- and three-dimensional figures. It includes defining the different figures, as well as describing their location and movement in space. Geometry concepts can be used in subjects such as reading and social studies, as well as math. Number sense involves understanding numbers; knowing how to write and represent numbers in different ways; recognizing the quantity represented by numerals and other number forms; and discovering how a number relates to another number or group of numbers. In this game, students will apply a variety of mathematical concepts and skills to solve problems and use mathematical reasoning to determine whether a number fits a generalization. Estimation is an important aspect of quantitative thinking — and a critical life skill in a world in which we often need to make decisions on the basis of inexact or undefined information. Math students in middle school will use estimation to approximate values, angle, and area measurements of a triangle. Algebraic thinking involves finding and describing patterns, making generalizations about numbers, using symbols and models to represent patterns, quantitative relationships, and changes over time. The main purpose of collecting data is to answer questions whose answers are not immediately obvious. Learn some tips on how to use data collection in your classroom. When students decide how to display data and go through the steps to create that display, they learn which type of graphs are useful in displaying the different types of data, and the advantages and disadvantages of each display. Data analysis is the process of interpreting the meaning of the data we have collected, organized, and displayed in the form of a table, bar chart, line graph, or other representation. Writing about mathematics helps students articulate their thinking, and provides useful information for teachers about learning difficulties, incorrect assumptions, and student’s progress in communicating about mathematics. This lesson is an introduction to comparing fractions with like denominators and unlike numerators, for students with a basic understanding of fractions as part of a whole, numerators, and denominators. Students use math journals to complete the lesson. This is an introduction to comparing fractions with unlike denominators. Students will compare fractions represented by drawings or models with unlike denominators. Students will use multiplication and division to show equivalent fractions. |
By Mimi Rothschild
Robert Jacobson, senior editor of eSchool News online, wrote an eye-opening article on virtual schools and discusses how virtual schools could dramatically transform America’s education system. Laboratories of Reform: Virtual High Schools and Innovation in Public Education, a new report from Education Sector notes that “Virtual schooling is driving the same sorts of transforming changes in public education as Apple’s iTunes has been producing in the way people collect and listen to music.”
Will virtual schools and online learning save America from public schools current abysmal state? Absolutely! The MorningStar Academy, a private, accredited online academy for home schooling students, is leading America into the new world of online education and preparing students for the Digital Age. The 21st century is much different than the 20th century; therefore, a 20th century approach to education (i.e. America’s public school system, traditional private schools, traditional charter schools) won’t prepare 21st century students for the 21st century workplace.
Home schooling using online academies is considered to be the best of both worlds. Many believe it is the best approach to educating the next generation of lawyers, doctors, teachers, bankers, scientists, engineers, technologists, etc. Because technology is easily accessible, other countries can be more competitive in the global village and evolving workplace. Home schooling online academies will prepare students for the 21st century workplace because students learn within the realms of technology and receive quality educations. Most public schools do not prepare students for the 21st century workplace; they’ve barely prepared Americans for the 20th century workplace and if they continue to operate without significant reform it will be the reason why the American economy cannot compete on a global scale in the years ahead.
To read Robert Jacobson’s article click here.
By Mimi Rothschild
Although it doesn’t seem that the mainstream media is interested in reporting this, a Pennsylvania government-sponsored virtual school recently boasted the following statistic.
We have been notified by the Department of Education that we have once again made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). 21st Century Cyber was the only cyber school to make AYP last year, and is the only cyber school in PA that is not on the academic warning list. Congratulations to our students and staff!
Out of the twelve public cyber charter schools based in Pennsylvania, only one is meeting AYP standards set forth in the No Child Left Behind plan!What a track record! This news comes hot on the heels of the HSLDA‘s recent announcement that public virtual schools are performing worse than not only private schools and homeschools, but the very public schools for which they were designed to provide an alternative!
Parents who are considering enrolling their children in a public virtual charter school need to realize that these organizations survive using bait-and-switch offers like free computers and internet connections in order to entice families back into the public school. Students are given the same poor curriculum, the same perverse sense of morality, the same rigidity in teaching methods, and it appears, the same declining academic standards.
By Mimi Rothschild
No sooner had I written yesterday’s post about the hidden evils of charter schools did I come across this saddening article on World Net Daily.
In Anchorage, Alaska, what must be the least government-regulated state in the country, a program called Interior Distance Education of Alaska, or IDEA was recently launched. The program offered “free money” to parents in exchange for control over their children. After a long, hard-won battle to achieve independence from the state, homeschoolers are now giving it up voluntarily.
I can see why this temptation exists. The whole concept of an online charter school makes perfect sense in such a rural area. A lot of these families live completely isolated in the Alaskan frontier.
“Why not use online technology to tap into a market that no one else in public education was serving: the homeschool student? And thus IDEA was born. The plan was to entice homeschoolers with a package of goodies, including computers, access to instructional resources, assistance from certified teachers, guidance from a network of field representatives who are also homeschooling parents, plus a cash allotment for non-religious educational materials.”
There are alternatives to looking to the government. Essentially, the government is offering what The MorningStar Academy offers, but without the religious freedom. Parents of Alaska, realize that there are alternatives out there.
“Naturally, the leadership of APHEA is not very happy with this development. As Christians, they prefer to see homeschoolers totally independent of the state when it comes to the education of their children. And they predict that over time, the state will impose more and more regulations over what the enrolled homeschoolers can do to be eligible for the cash allotments.”
That’s how the government works. Hopefully, these home educators will not give up too many of their freedoms before realizing that they are buying into a lie.
By Mimi Rothschild
Many public school districts are trying to make up for the massive hit in attendance as a result of the homeschooling movement by courting homeschoolers with offers to be a part of “cutting-edge” virtual charter school programs.
The problem here is that by signing up for these programs, parents are giving up the control it took homeschoolers so long to achieve, and setting up little public schools in their homes. Parents won’t be able to choose the courses their children take, the content of those courses, attendance, and more.
Think about this. What happens when little Johnny logs in to his classes only to find that today’s lesson will be about how families can be made up of two mommies or two daddies? The freedom to teach traditional Christian values is given up with these virtual charter school programs. You may as well send your kid off to the local public school.
You’re also providing the public school with the money to continue peddling their desperately poor academic standards and moral confusion to children. Why support that if you don’t have to?
The HSLDA has prepared a wealth of resources to dissuade parents from buying into this scam. Click here to read articles about how the government tries to manipulate less-informed homeschoolers. Here is a recent example.
For parents who are interested in online courses, consider online homeschooling programs rather than public schools. They are an inexpensive solution, offering the same type of education without sacrificing academic quality or religious freedom. I’d normally avoid shilling our own services here in the blog, but if it saves one family from buying into the virtual charter school lie, it’s worth it!