hippocampus revisited

Took my kids to computer lab and had them log onto my website, which then linked them to Hippocampus.  Oh my gosh!  I never thought I could do anything like this.  Anyway, they did some review of systems of equations and it was helpful for reinforcing what they had learned.  They also had a chance to explore topics they have been having problems with.  One of my kids cheered when he got a problem right, then caught himself when he realized he was excited about a math problem.  I told him not to worry, it was just his video game conditioning.

hippocampus

I like these lessons for review.  I want to take my algebra class to the computer lab this week to do a lesson on systems of equations.  I think they really need to review.  I set up a new website, algebra, with a link to my hippocampus account asking them to work through the lesson.  I like the pictures that they use to explain although we use a different approach to some things like factoring polynomials.  This would be an awesome thing for them to do when I am away.  I can set it up easily, it is something the sub can do without knowing any algebra, and I think they would like it as a change of pace.

thinkfinity

When I first looked at this today, I was quite worried.  I found a lesson plan for systems of equations.  Lesson 1 required a motion detector, lesson 2 required a football field and lesson 3 required graphing calculators for all the kids.  The next set of lessons required several RC racing cars.  Well, we have none of those tools and the chances of getting them are quite slim.  I went looking for lessons on slope and was relieved to find some that would work for my kids.  They are not so different from my problems in CPM, which is not surprising since the lessons are meant to be project based and hands on.  I found a worksheet that I liked with various slopes for them to work on.  I also found some practical applications like mileage that we can do as a class.  I was afraid when I started that the application for this would be wealthy schools, but am relieved that there are things I can use and I will try to start this week.