Pi Day- March 14 – CELEBRATE the existence of PI (pie)

CELEBRATE PI (PIE)!!! What does pi mean? Do you use pi in your daily life?  Do you realize what a big deal it is?

According to http://www.piday.org, “Pi, Greek letter (), is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi Day is celebrated by math enthusiasts around the world on March 14th. Pi = 3.1415926535…

With the use of computers, Pi has been calculated to over 1 trillion digits past the decimal. Pi is an irrational and transcendental number meaning it will continue infinitely without repeating. The symbol for pi was first used in 1706 by William Jones, but was popular after it was adopted by the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in 1737.”

So why not celebrate pi with pie? It is a great day to honor math in our lives. It is everywhere from counting money, to measuring in cooking, anything you buy, estimating, thinking about fitting things into a space for decorating, or even putting away leftovers-spatial relationships, and paying for things through credit or a mortgage. Mathematics is a universal language much like music that we all share–math in reading music, one more application.

Lots of people don’t like math in school and that saddens me. Perhaps it is often presented in an abstract way so it becomes hard to understand. Why do you carry those ones anyway?  If students saw the practical use, application and need for math, I think they would celebrate it too!     

Mathematical relationships show much of the beauty and symmetry in our world. Let’s celebrate pi day. Have your favorite pie!

WOMEN in HISTORY- Celebrate Awesome Women Scientists and Engineers

Madame Marie Curie

While listening to California Institute of Technology’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Seminar celebrating Women in History Month to discuss the various roles of women at the premier laboratory, I was awed. I am proud to be a woman even if my role is not unique or ground breaking. The road has been paved and is open for women to use their creativity, imagination and intelligence to fulfill roles as top-level scientists and engineers.

They had different programs throughout the morning and the one resounding in my mind was their director of HR who had a panel of different women, many long-term at JPL, discussing why they came to JPL, what drives them, and how they stumbled (if that is the correct word) on this career path. The word that was repeated over and over that resonates was PASSION. Many didn’t know this path was their passion until they got involved and mentors and other motivators spurred them to pursue math and science. Along with that of course, is having leadership skills, a vision, and the creativity to use what you have learned and apply it.  It was uplifting and very emotional to me.

All women (and men too) should follow their passion. It speaks so well of teachers, parents and other mentors that there are women who are not intimidated by being in a “man’s world.” Intelligence and capability is not gender based. Tell your daughters, sisters, cousins or whomever that you can be strong in math and science. It is not only for boys. It is for people. It can be your passion. As a teacher or parent you can light that fire under your children/ students. The world needs the inspiration, imagination and passion of this next generation. Anything is possible and dreams really can come true.

Be a mentor. Encourage and Inspire. I applaud you.

Watch A podcast of this event here: and part 2 here

JPL Press Release about the event here

Technology in the Classroom – Stay Cutting-Edge – Encourage Differentiated Learning and Creativity

The education world needs to embrace technology in the classroom. First of all, 21st century education is to promote COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY and CRITICAL THINKING. The first two are by- products of technology in the classroom and creativity happens as a result of effectively using computer, ipads and social media for educational purposes. Critical thinking is another discussion, but the opportunities are endless with interaction, blogging and discussion.

The probability of effectively using an evolving technology or medium that changes almost daily is an obvious problem for schools. First teachers do need training and of course this would need to be ongoing to keep up with the addition of educational applications and change. Even if teachers didn’t use the latest app, there are so many that are excellent and serve the needs of a wide variety of learners that not being state-of-the-art would be better than not using any of it.

Professional development is needed for teachers even if they don’t want one more thing to do or take their time. Appropriately trained administrative/teaching staff is needed to do the research on technology and help teachers use these applications in their classrooms. This person may even do a classroom lesson from time to time. I know this takes a believer in this philosophy and of course, money, or differently appropriated funds. Doing this would solve other problems such as differentiated learning and implementing integrated curriculum. One person in a building to meet these needs for all of the teachers would be the ideal. I don’t need to specify the details – you can imagine all of the offerings that can happen with education like this.

Educators are aware of the need for technology. There is fear of it in many ways(using a phone may enable kids to text their friends or cheat on tests).  News bulletin to teachers: Kids are texting in class constantly. They have figured out how to hide their phone.  On the other hand, many teachers have enthusiasm knowing the ability technology has to reach a wide variety of learners. They need help and time.

Many teachers and administrators feel somehow corrupted by someone else doing the teaching (the technology). Teachers like to talk and share what they know and would have to transition to become educational facilitators rather than “teachers” to make this work well. That change would impact teacher training-a very needed change, IMHO. I hear over and over “I am not going to do technology for technology’s sake.” These ideas are not that. It is time to step up to student’s needs and offer them all of these possibilities. This is an opportunity for creative expression and to become aware of many career opportunities for the world of the future.

I know what we should do and even how to do it with teachers. How do you think we can get there?