A Defense for Math and Latin

I frequently run into students - and even parents - who argue that the subject of Math is a waste of time and not needed in every-day-life.

Here's why Math - and Latin - are essential:
"Math forms the mind of the student to accuracy, logical thinking, and problem solving. It is formation, not information. Math truly educates, transforms, and changes the mind of the student to become like math, orderly, logical, accurate, organized. The true purpose of education and all of the subjects we study in school is to develop, shape, and transform the mind and character of the student. The nature of the subject transfers its character to the student's mind."

To read the rest of the article, go here.

Lab Idea - Build a Homopolar Motor

I came across this youtube video through a reference by a friend.  Here's a great and easy way to demonstrate (or have students work through) how electricity and magnetism interact.  

You only need three simple materials: an AA battery, a neodymium magnet, and a piece of copper wire.

If you're looking for the magnets, there is an assortment of listings on Amazon.  

Here's the link for the youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aPQqNt15-o

Let's talk: Have you tried this?  What did you think?  

Global Warming - Fact or Religion?

"But there is something much more fundamental at work.  I suspect that it is no accident that it is in Europe that eco-fundamentalism in general and global warming absolutism in particular, has found its most fertile soil; for it is Europe that has become the most secular society in the world, where the traditional religions have the weakest hold.  Yet people still feel the need for the comfort and higher values that religion can provide, and it is the quasi-religion of green alarmism and what has been well described as global salvationism (of which the global warming issue is the most striking example), which has filled the vacuum, with reasoned questioning of its mantras regarded as little short of sacrilege."
- An Appeal to Reason by Nigel Lawson, page 102.

Useful Science-Related iPhone Apps

If you have an iPhone or iPod touch, these apps can be helpful in your science studies and teaching.

powerOne Scientific Calculator – Lite, Free Edition by Inifinity Softworks

Includes an easy-to-use scientific calculator; area, length, and mass conversions; as well as probability functions.
For more information, visit www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/powerone-scientific-calculator/id405987042?mt=8

Planets by Q Continuum
Has both a 2D and 3D function. Great for learning about our solar system.
For more information, visit www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/planets/id305793334?mt=8

The Chemical Touch: Lite Edition by Christopher Fennell
Clean, easy-to-use periodic table. Includes information on atomic mass, atomic number, density, boiling point, melting point, as well as additional atomic information.
For more information, visit www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-chemical-touch-lite-edition/id300111574?mt=8

Science Glossary by Visionlearning, Inc.
Great reference to have on hand for looking up science terms. Terms can be looked up from the alphabetical index or by subject matter.
For more information, visit www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/science-glossary/id331657060?mt=8

Disclaimer: These recommendations are purely my own, based upon what I
personally have found helpful.

C. S. Lewis on Science

"In science we have been reading only the notes to a poem; in Christianity we find the poem itself."
- from Miracles by C.S. Lewis

C. S. Lewis on Teaching

"It has always therefore been one of my main endeavours as a teacher to persuade the young that firsthand knowledge is not only more worth acquiring than secondhand knowledge, but is usually much easier and more delightful to acquire." ~ C. S. Lewis

in his introduction to Athanasius: On the Incarnation

Online Resources for Math

As I have stated in other posts, I am constantly looking for online resources that I can use to help me as I improve lesson plans, work with students, and diversify classroom activities.

Here are some Math related websites that I have found useful.

Free Math Worksheets
Has a vast selection of math worksheets that are downloadable in pdf format. The worksheets are easy to use, and there are many of them, so you will always have something for that student who needs just a little extra practice.

Homeschool Math Blog
Has some great explanations on various math problems, and has other great teaching resources.

Practical Money Skills
Has lesson plans that tie in money skills to math.

Planet Orange
Another website that has both lesson plans and worksheets that tie in money skills to math. Very kid friendly as well.


Disclaimer: These recommendations are purely my own, based upon what I
personally have found helpful.

Question: What online Math resources have you found helpful?