April 27, 2009

Obama on Math and Science Education

Since we know that the progress and prosperity of future generations will depend on what we do now to educate the next generation, today I'm announcing a renewed commitment to education in mathematics and science. This is something I care deeply about....

A half century ago, this nation made a commitment to lead the world in scientific and technological innovation; to invest in education, in research, in engineering; to set a goal of reaching space and engaging every citizen in that historic mission. That was the high water mark of America's investment in research and development....

We will not just meet, but we will exceed the level achieved at the height of the space race, through policies that invest in basic and applied research, create new incentives for private innovation, promote breakthroughs in energy and medicine, and improve education in math and science.

Obama, speaking before the National Academy of Sciences today, inspires. Read or listen to the full speech here: text, audio.

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 06:12 PM |

March 18, 2009

Untitled

(Click the image to see the equations.)

Submitted by Anh Nguyen.

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 03:41 PM |

October 21, 2008

Uncertain Principles Challenge 2008

Help Chad Orzel raise money for Science teaching! Go here now.

Why, you ask? John Scalzi says it best:

Chad is, like, six feet, 28,000 inches. He’s a pretty big dude. And as everyone knows, large dudes are funny to watch dancing. But there’s more! He’s also a physicist and a fully tenured professor or such, and as well all know, the overlap between “tenured physics professors” and “adept dancers” is trivially small. Finally, Chad has a sort of gawky, innate dignity — he’s a friendly sort, but let’s just say I’ve never seen him prone to wanton acts of physical comedy. What I’m saying is, making Chad Orzel dance like a monkey would be the comedy highlight of 2008.

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 06:49 AM |

March 07, 2008

Art Project #11

(Click the image to see the equations.)

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 01:24 PM |

September 12, 2007

Virtual math spaces

CyberMath is a shared virtual environment for exploring mathematics. I've long wanted to make Graphing Calculator into an authoring tool for such an interactive immersive space. The popularity and success of World of Warcraft hints at the possibilities in coming years.

Does anyone here use Second Life or have any knowledge of Croquet? The technology for building these spaces is maturing. I'm now wondering how to make it accessible to teachers and curriculum authors so that they can focus on the mathematical content and pedagogy while constructing mathematical landscapes.

I would welcome any advice.

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 06:51 PM |

August 30, 2007

Lunar Eclipse

Enjoy two rather different views of Monday night's total lunar eclipse. I watched from Chabot with a huge crowd, frenetic activity, many telescopes big and small, television news crews shining floodlights periodically on people in sleeping bags and people in line for the big telescope, the Castilleja High School astronomy class - the TV crews loved interviewing them. One Chabot astronomer in a pointy hat and cape told amusing and educational stories all night long. Quite a few shooting stars. One particularly large one just at the start of totality after the diamond in the diamond ring faded away was a big crowd pleaser.

Kudos to Astropixie for pointing out the images!

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 01:48 PM |

August 20, 2007

Cubes

Nico Bakker sent in this document saying Here is another example of the beauty of Graphing Calculator.

Thank you, Nico!

Click the image to see the equations.

Click here for the movie.

Posted by Ron Avitzur at 11:48 AM |