Math mind hacks: spaced repetition
You can memorize ten or even hundred times faster (compared to cramming) if you review learned material at spaced intervals. The spaced repetition method is most appropriate for small, particular facts you need to recall quickly, such as terms, or frequently used formulas. Never try to memorize what you don’t understand in mathematics. For bodies of facts, such as multiplication, it’s best to use math patterns rather than direct memorization.
You can arrange spaced repetition with low-tech means, with multiple boxes of cards, but it’s very cumbersome to manage. Modern software is much better for the management, such as my favorite free and open tool, Anki.
Posted in Grow
Math goggles: dimensions of holiday crafts
Math Goggles help you notice math everywhere. This collection is about DIY trees made from paper, fabric, and cookies! Photos from Fireflies and Mud Pies, Projects for Preschoolers, Confessions of a Plate Addict, and Almost Unschoolers – thank you!
Posted in Grow
Math mind hacks: make predictions!
Help your child learn this practice by asking prediction questions:
- What do you think will happen?
- What will change if we make the numbers different?
- What do you think this new term may mean?
Encourage children to guess. This is not about right predictions at all. This is about activating your prior knowledge and future curiosity!
Read more at The Brilliant Blog.
Posted in Grow
Eat your math cookies with Francesco De Comite
Invite your kids to play with their food – and at the same time, with their math! Here are some Math Maker ideas and beautiful photos from our guest Francesco De Comite.
Escher bird tessellation cookies.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I am an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Sciences of Lille, France. My research is about geometry and the representation of mathematical shapes in 2D and 3D, using images or sculptures, paper models, or 3D printing. I am working somewhere between maths, programming, and art. In the spirit of George Hart’s work (have you seen his cookie roller?), I explore different ways of producing mathematical shapes.
Doyle Spiral would taste nice in chocolate, but for now, it’s virtual.
Escher moth tessellation cookies.
I am an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Sciences of Lille, France. My research is about geometry and the representation of mathematical shapes in 2D and 3D, using images or sculptures, paper models, or 3D printing. I am working somewhere between maths, programming, and art. In the spirit of George Hart’s work (have you seen his cookie roller?), I explore different ways of producing mathematical shapes.
Doyle Spiral would taste nice in chocolate, but for now, it’s virtual.
Escher moth tessellation cookies.
What do you like about food as a medium?
Food is an interesting field of investigation, since you can manipulate different textures, different softness, and different materials. Of course, I could have used clay, but the fact that the material is edible adds a dimension to this activity: I can create complicated shapes that I know will be eaten, and will disappear at the end. The fun is in the making, not in keeping the created objects.
These food sculptures definitely have child appeal. Do you have kids, or work with kids?
My children are a little bit old now to play with me, but they are always interested (and surprised) by what I am doing with cooking material. And they help me eat the work afterwards!
Apollonian gasket fractals grissini bread.
What activity would you recommend to kids or newbies who want to start playing with math – and their food?
Cookies, definitely: cut shapes, assemble elementary shapes to make mosaics, or use Sierpinski triangles…
What question do you want to ask your fans?
I am not sure I have fans, but I will be glad if my work gives ideas to other people, and I will be happy to see what they are able to invent in that same spirit.
Posted in Make
