Amanda's Math Learning Path

One of the most fascinating things to me is the relationship between math and art. I think its because I failed to see it for so long that I am constantly blown away by the fact that math goes beyond addition and subtraction and art at is core is mathematical. The golden ratio (Fibonacci sequence) is a perfect example of this. This  What is the golden ratio (Fibonacci sequence) ?  Here is a link to a very thorough Art/Math Lesson with the Golden Ratio. Although this is a high school lesson the ideas can be simplified for the elementary level. https://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/high/Grace-golden.htm#golden A handout for your students: The golden ratio in art and life: _________________________________________________ For me math, poetry, art, and music are all deeply connected. The trouble I have is that I feel the connection that I can't always see. They are all equally complicated and simple. In looking at the golden r...

5 th  Grade Math This post is about what 5 th  grade students are expected to learn and know in math. 5th grade math is building on what the students were learning in 4th grade. The emphasis is on: http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/5/introduction/ (1) developing fluency with addition and subtraction of fractions, and developing understanding of the multiplication of fractions and of division of fractions in limited cases (unit fractions divided by whole numbers and whole numbers divided by unit fractions) links for further understanding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHRAZ5Br49Y https://www.cimt.org.uk/projects/mepres/book7/bk7i20/bk7_20i2.htm https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fraction-arithmetic/arith-review-multiply-fractions/v/multiplying-a-fraction-by-a-fraction https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fraction-arithmetic/arith-review-multiply-fractions/v/multiplying-a-fraction-by-a-fraction (2) extending division to 2-digit diviso...

Math was a subject that used to fill me with dread. My elementary and high school math classes left me with math PTSD. I'd see an exponent or a fraction and I would break into a cold sweat! Forget asking me to plot for x, I might actually pass out! But over the years I have learned to appreciate math.  Although I might never relax with a game of Sudoku, I  can honestly say that sometimes math is really interesting. Math can even be extremely creative and quite beautiful. To prove my point I am going to share a few examples of how math can relate to many subjects not just art, as I have showed in two previous posts. ________________________________________________ Math and Science The relationship between math and science is a timeless one. In fact much like the old song about love and marriage, with math and science you truly can't have one without the other! Here are a couple of links to websites that cover combined math and science curriculum. https://beyondpengu...

4 th Grade Math In this post I am going to explore what students in 4 th grade are expected to learn and know. We saw how much of a jump 3rd grade math was, but in 4th grade the students take a huge leap forward. It is extremely important for the students success that they really have a solid mathematical foundation. It would be a good idea to have a pre-assessment for the students on the first day. Knowing all the students strengths and weaknesses in the beginning could help save time and frustration!  This is an example of a pre-assessment http://jenniferfindley.com/free-math-pre-assessments/ What are students expected to know going into 4 th grade: 1      1.    Understand multiplication and division. They should know strategies for multiplication and                      division within 100. 2      2.   Understand unit fractions. 3    ...

Islamic Art is such a beautiful example of a marriage between art and math. Islamic Art consists of complex geometric designs. The patterns are infinite repeats which is symbolic of the infinite nature of Allah (God). As shapes intersect new patterns and shapes are formed. These intricate designs are breathtaking and complex, yet even students with very little artistic talent can be successful in creating a beautiful Islamic inspired design. First a few samples of Islamic Designs: Arabesque: rhythmic linear patterns which consists of scrolling and interlacing foliage and curved lines. Girih designs are made up of 5 shapes- a decagon, an elongated hexagon, a bow tie, a rhombus, and a pentagon. See below: Examples of Girih Patterns: There are a few ways that you can have your students create and Islamic inspired design.  First here is a link to a website that they can use to create a girih pattern of their own. Below are a few worksheets yo...

In this post I am going to look at 3rd grade math. What are the students supposed to know going into 3rd grade and what are they expected to learn. What are the students expected to know going into 3rd grade: 1. Extended understanding of base-ten notation. 2. Fluent in addition and subtraction. 3. Able to use standard units of measure. 4. Able to describe and analyze shapes. http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/2/introduction/ By 3rd grade the foundation should be laid and the students will begin to expand on their previous knowledge and really start building a solid understanding of more complex mathematical ideas and equations. In 3rd grade the students will be expected to learn: 1. Understanding of multiplication and division, specifically strategies for multiplication and division within 100. 2. Understanding of unit fractions. 3. Understanding of rectangle arrays and an understanding of area 4. Describe and analyze two-dimensional shapes. http://www.corestanda...