Thursday, November 17, 2016

Math Competitions


'Tis the season to think about math competitions!  I have a student who really enjoys math and solving challenging problems.  (I also have students who are surviving math, and not so into it.)  Over that last few years I have attended several math competitions, and the following are two that I recommend for high school students.

OCTM (Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics) has a state-wide competition.  Here is place to find more information.  

The American Mathematics Association offers the AMC 10/12.  This is a 25 question 75 minute exam.    The AMC 10 and AMC 12 are the gateways to bigger AMA competitions including the AIME (American Invitational Mathematics  Exams), USAMO or USAJMO (USA Mathematical Olympiad or USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad). 

A great way to prepare for the AMC 8, 10 or 12 is by using  a program called Achievable. This link takes you to their program.  This program also does a great job explaining how the AMC tests work. AMC scores are asked for by many top colleges.  This program will help you achieve a better score.   

These tests are not as easy to get into as home educators, but it is possible.  The easiest thing to do in the state of Ohio is to try to take it at a college.  Below are places that gave the test last year.  It might be worth it to write them if you are interested.  You can request to take it at a location of your choice but you must have a proctor not related to any student, have the test in a public location, and be approved by the American Mathematics Association. 


Clark State Community College
570 East Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
United States
Kanesha Hall
hallk@clarkstate.edu
(937)215-2926

ST IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL
1911 W 30TH ST
CLEVELAND, OH 44113-3401
United States
Jon Barker
jbarker@ignatius.edu
216-651-0222

The Ohio State University, Department of Mathematics
100 Math Tower
231 West 18th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
United States
Aurel Stan
stan.7@osu.edu
419-961-6088

University of Findlay
1000 N Main St
Findlay, OH 45840
United States
Aaron
blodgett@findlay.edu
419-422-8313

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Veteran's Day Resources



Today is Veterans Day!  This is a great day to share with our students about veterans and how veterans have served our country and each of us.

I have gathered a few helpful resources and books to share with you.  The Medal of Honor Heritage Center has many great resources on those who received the medal of honor.  The Scholastic Teacher site has great information on Veterans Day and includes lesson plans, books, and many wonderful resources.

Below are some books I like that you might enjoy as well.  If you click on them it will take you to their Amazon page.  Further down is a short video on Veterans from USAA, an insurance company for veterans and their families.  I found it very moving, and a nice overview of Veterans for all ages.













Video from USAA:

To all our veterans I want to say: Thank you for serving!