Re: Don't Call It "Algebra"; Call It Something Warm And Fuzzy

On Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:53:54 -0400, "Larry Hewitt"
<larryhewi@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:

>And that, as you note, geometry is the "formal" math class, requiring
more 
>rigor in answering questions?

Except that in many schools in order to get kids to pass geometry, the
schools are using *informal geometry* without rigorous proofs.

See:
http://hsfs2.ortn.edu/MYSCHOOL/WJONES/infgeom.htm

Informal Geometry is a standards-based, Euclidean geometry course
which meets the criteria for the state’s geometry curriculum.  The
major difference between Informal Geometry and Geometry AB is the
amount of formal proofs that are written in this curriculum.  There
are more hands-on activities and more real-life geometry problems
versus abstract problem solving.

Having taught this course in a Chicago Public High School, I can tell
you that it is not a college prep course and that while some of the
concepts are taught, much of the course is dumbed down.  There were no
formal proofs with statements and reasons in our course.  There were
some informal proofs in paragraph form which in many ways was harder
for the students to understand.  My dd called this course *geometry
for stones* and she called Conceptual Physics (physics without math)
*physics for trees.*


-- 
Dorothy

There is no sound, no cry in all the world
that can be heard unless someone listens ..

The Outer Limits