Project: Making Math Tangible: Mathematics Manipulatives
Resources Needed: Algebra manipulatives, leveled texts for algebraic thinking, algebra tiles, algebra station activities, algebra anchor charts (posters), and algebra DVDs.
School Poverty Level: High
Location: Rosa Fort High School, Tunica, Mississippi
Total Cost: $495.89
Still Needed: $315.89 $295.89
Expires: Aug 07, 2012
Teacher's Comments from Mr. McGowan:
My Students: It's difficult being a child in the poorest region of the poorest state in the U.S. The Mississippi Delta region students face great challenges in their education, specifically in the area of mathematics. Generations of family illiteracy, the de-emphasizing of the importance of mathematics at home.
Albert Einstein said, "Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." I am always looking for ways to ignite a love of mathematics in my students, particularly algebra. Like Einstein's quote implies, the study of mathematics requires students to use and develop "logical ideas." Logical thinking is beneficial in all subject areas and in life in general.
I work at a Title I school in the Mississippi Delta region, where all of my students come from low-income homes. Most of the algebra related activities and manipulatives that we have are the ones that came with our math series. They are outdated and uninteresting to the students. I have invested some of my money on a few sets of algebra tiles and other manipulatives, but what I have been able to afford is not enough to go around in 4 classes of 30 students.
My Project: Donating to this project will provide my students with algebra tiles, leveled texts for algebraic thinking, anchor charts (posters), algebra station activities and DVDs. The anchor charts will be posted in the classroom to be used by the students as scaffolds (reminders of rules and formulas) as they complete their class work. The manipulatives, leveled texts and station activities will be used in mathematics workstations. I plan to create 3-5 workstations that students will rotate through on a weekly basis. It is my expectation that use of these manipulatives will increase the logical, algebraic thinking of all my students.
This is a hardworking, deserving group of students! They have been very eager to do well in Algebra I and Algebra II and to pass the state exam. Your donation to our cause will make a difference.
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Donations of ANY size can make a BIG difference!