Welcome families!

Math 1 Technology Update

Hello and welcome to Math 1! I am looking
forward to working with students and families this
year in our learning community! Well be exploring
planar geometry, shapes, triangles, circles, solids,
and transformations while utilizing technology and
introductory Algebra skills. In order to do so, well
utilize two programs- Khan Academy and
Geometers Sketchpad- to help solidify our skills
and visualize our work. The purpose of this
newsletter is to orient you to this amazing
technology!


KHAN ACADEMY
Online Resource for Learning and Practicing
Khan academy is a non-profit educational organization
that provides access to high-quality online educational
resources, such as video tutorials and assessments.
These video tutorials not only describe how to carry
out procedures, but also prove and describe definitions
and assertions in mathematics. In class, well use it for
weekly homework assignments. First, students can
review previous skills that are necessary for the task
using the video tutorials. These are excellent resources
to catch up on missed material if your student must be
absent. Then, they will complete weekly assessments
which help them practice new skills while receiving
continuous feedback. The website tracks student
progress and that information is accessible online to
both teachers and families. They also have free
resources available for adults, so feel free to join your
student in his or her math journey! Students will sign
up in class, but you can visit khanacademy.org to sign
up and see your students progress. Overall, Khan
Academy will be an excellent support tool that will
enhance learning.
After all, their slogan is You only have to know one
thing: You can learn anything!
Boston Arts Academy Math 1
9/22/2014 [Edition 1, Volume 1]

MATHEMATICS MONTLY
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
Two years ago, I would never had imagined that any 13-year-old could be in Calculus BC. Today, I am 13 and
wrapping up my second semester of it, and with an A+, too, thanks largely to this site. How am I supposed to
understand a theorem if I dont know where it come from, why it works, or what it really means? Khan Academy also
seems to explain everything in a very easy to understand, and even fun, manor. You make calculus almost as easy as
simple arithmetic. Anyway, thank you very much. -Mostafa Hassan
Megan Zinka
Boston Arts Academy Math 1
mzinka@bostonartsacademy.org
603-490-1805
174 Ipswich St.
Boston, MA 02215



[Type the recipient


Another resource that well use in class is Geometers Sketchpad, an interactive geometry software
program used to explore geometry, algebra, and calculus. Students will be using the software, which
is provided on all BAA laptops and computers, to construct and manipulate shapes, carry out
measurements and transformations, and complete a project involving animation.

An excellent feature of the Geometers Sketchpad is the opportunity for students to learn through
inquiry. Unlike traditional mathematics classes, where students are often instructed to memorize a
series of steps to perform repeatedly, students will be compelled to discover mathematical
functions, and explain why they are as they are using the visualizations that they create. In doing so,
students will continue to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Throughout the term, well use Geometers Sketchpad to create a map of a neighborhood of our
choice, while using what we know of geometrical relationships to explore it. Aftwerwards, well be
take the role of city planners and plan our own dream neighborhoods that meet certain
requirements and characteristics. By utilizing the software for this and other assignments, students
will be able to produce high-quality, mathematically sound and complex visualizations and
animations. Overall, it will be an excellent tool to visualize math, deepen and push understanding
of geometry, and explore concepts in a meaningful way. I am looking forward to it!
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEOMETERS SKETCHPAD BY VISITING THE WEBSITE:
HTTP://WWW.KEYCURRICULUM.COM/