Mathematics and FCIT

Do students ever ask you, “Where are we ever going to use this?”   On April 5, 2009 an article written by Gregory McColm, an associate professor of mathematics at the University of South Florida, appeared in the Tampa Tribune to promote Math Awareness.  Figuring Out The Pattern Of Math answers that age-old question.  April is Mathematics Awareness Month.  This year’s theme is Mathematics and Climate, as announced by The American Mathematical Society, the American Statistical Association, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics.  For resources, visit the Math Awareness website.  Take this opportunity to show your students how important math is in their lives.

March 14, 2009:  Pi Day - Start planning now.  The Greek letter pi is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi is approximately 3.1415926535…  Math enthusiasts around the world celebrate Pi Day on March 14th. Visit the Pi Day website for inspiration!  There are classroom ideas, tee shirts, and even e-cards available on the site.

Save the date:  March 4, 2009!  World Math Day is an interactive global competition.  Students from around the world compete to solve math problems.  Students play mental arithmetic games in real time.  The levels are arranged appropriately for ages 5 - 18.  Check out the website for more information:  World Math Day 09.  This is a great way to get your students geared up for the FCAT.