[IAEP] Request for Feedback and Ideas on teaching Algebra

[Steve Thomas]

We homeschool our four kids and my wife came to me worried that she couldn't
teach our oldest son math anymore (he's 12 now), because he is too quick and
understands the problems faster than her (FYI, my wife has a Masters in
Computer Science and is no Math slouch).  So being the good, arrogant,
foolish husband that I am, I said "No problem dear, I will teach our son."


Having put my foot in my mouth I request your help.


I have looked at a number of Algebra books and came to the well researched
technical conclusion that: "These suck, I can do better!" (Remember I said I
was arrogant ;)  Actually there was some good material in the books, but a
lot of it was teaching how to follow the steps and learn to regurgitate
mathematical terms so you can pass the test.  There was very little where
the kids were doing mathematics or that IMNSOBOWO (In My Not So Humble But
Often Wrong Opinion) facilitated the kids developing a deeper understanding
of mathematics.


I have made a first attempt at developing material in Etoys Pick a Number
<http://www.squeakland.org/launcher/?http://www.squeakland.org/content/showcase/everyone/accounts/mrsteve/Pick%20A%20Number.009.pr>please
let me know what you think.


If you have any ideas for problems I can use and/or suggested lesson
plans/books/curricullum please let me know.


I will do my best to give proper credit and all material will be made freely
available under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0
United States License <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/>
.


Stephen
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