Math App Competition (MAC) #1 - Pick A Path by NCTM

click here to download/install app Pick A Path by NCTM

Math App Competition #1 - Pick A Path by National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

Started my first Math App Competition (MAC) with my all my students today.  And it went really really well.  There are 7 levels, each with 7 sets of puzzles to be completed . . . the scoring system is similar to Angry Birds & Bad Piggies . . . you have a goal to reach and receive stars depending on how well you do in your efforts to reach that goal.  So, if a student completes a perfect level they will earn 21 stars.

For the competition, for the students to earn "points" they must complete an entire level of 7 puzzles, screenshot their scorecard, and email the scorecard to me.

Then I post the scores on the MAC Leaderboard (click here).  The MAC Leaderboard is a google spreadsheet . . .

Here's the best part . . . I have students of verying abilities and effort levels and motivation levels and so on and so on.  All of them are competitive and want to do well in this endeavor.  Here's an example:  student is going to receive a C for the first quarter in my Algebra class.  He just sent me his scorecard screenshot of level with a perfect 21 stars!  Here's the bonus:  he sent it at 5:30 this afternoon (which by the way is a Friday!).  So, here is a student whose been inconsistent in regards to effort and comprehension at times and he's working on these puzzles 2 hours after school has let out!  That's AWESOME!

That is the biggest lesson I am taking from this competition already . . . all my students from Algebra to Honors Geometry were getting frustrated with the puzzles . . . they are not straight forward and can take multiple tries to complete.  What a great reminder and eye opener for the students to force them to work through sticking points and to finally have SUCCESS!

The competition will run through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving Break (November 16th).  But, I have a feeling that some students are going to complete the 7 levels well before that date.  Right now I am looking at crowning a champion and the top 10 . . .

Math App Competition #1 - Pick A Path by NCTM

I am hoping to do more competitions throughout the school year - if you know of any other good mathematics apps for Android, please share!  Thanks!

First Quarter Review - One Week Left

First off . . . the Android Acer has changed the whole dynamics of my classroom.  I have gone nearly paperless for close to two weeks now!!  And I love it.  The students are doing really well with the new software programs and the numerous steps that are being thrown at them.

This coming week is the final week of the quarter so . . .

Algebra - end of quarter assessment!  Here's a link to the topics / practice problems:  click here
This quarter has been about developing student confidence in their ability, creating trust between students and between students and I, as we move onto the second quarter and more difficult material.

Geometry - my focus in here has really been on the use of projects to fill in the gaps for the students.  Battering students with notes & worksheets becomes tedious and I really question how much the students are learning in this type of set up.  So, students are creating and creating and creating some more.  I will share a picture of my Honors Geometry Amalgamation projects when I get a chance.  They are awesome and we made a "visual quilt" out of them!!

Next quarter tech goals:  student google sites!  use progressbook with students!  use socrative on the Acer!  continue to create a better google class site!

Check out my class site if you get a chance . . . I would love feedback as right now all I am doing if throwing stuff on it, but am looking for a better more fluid way to present material.

tinyurl.com/flippingmathboyle

C7 W3 Strictly 531

Tuesday - MP


row 500 m
shoulder mobility

warm-up:  2xbarx10, 2x55x5, 65x5, 80x3

5/3/1:  95x5, 110x3, 2x125x1 (felt solid both sets!).

Thursday - DL

500m row
hip.shoulder mobility

warm-up: 2x bar x 10,  2 x 135x5, 175x5, 210x3
5/3/1:  260x5, 295x3, 330x1+ (got 1!)

DL was super heavy today but felt awesome throughout.  getting closer to my goal of 340# DL (twice bw).

Friday - BP

500m row
shoulder/hip mobility

warm-up:  2xbarx20, 75x5, 95x5, 115x5

5/3/1:   140x5, 160x3, 180x1+ (got 4!).

Felt solid today with my bench technique.  Left a rep in the bag on the last set but felt good overall with my performance.  Will look toward next week as a chance to bust out my deload week and focus on blasting my body with sets and reps.

C7 W2 - Strictly 531

Tuesday - MP

Shoulder Mobility (lots of this!)

chins between sets of press (x5 reps)
warm-up:  2xbarx10, 50x5, 65x5, 80x3

3/3/3:  90x3, 105x3, 115x3+ (got 3).

Focus is on my presses (military/bench) . . . really focusing on recovery/mobility.  Solid pressing day overall.

Thursday - DL

rower / hip mobility /  shoulder&back mobility

warm-up:  2x135x5, 175x5, 215x3

3/3/3:  245x3, 280x3, 315x3+ (got 4).

Heavy . . . this is the one lift that I am going all out on . . . hammer session!

Friday - BP

rower / shoulder/hip mobility

warm-up:  2x75x5, 2x95x5, 115x3

3/3/3:  135x3, 150x3, 170x3+ (got 5!)

Felt strong throughout.  Good week of lifting.