letters to my class

September 26, 2012

September 25th, 2012

Dear Judgers of Chance,

Everyday we face countless probabilities. It’s difficult to get ourselves to think probabilistically because we like to believe that life is a series of simple cause and effect events. It’s usually not, however. Things might happen, or they might not, or something completely unexpected may happen instead. The only thing we can do in the face of all this uncertainty is to think reasonably about what is most likely.

Math equips us with all sorts of tools to think probabilistically. We have dice and cards and spinners and coin flips and rock, paper, scissors, and countless other ways of modeling probability. Today we’ll use these tools to help us build our skills at estimating probability. Some things are more likely to happen than others, and it’s our duty to figure this out and be able to explain why. We might turn out to be right or wrong, but what’s most important is that our estimate is reasonable and based on evidence.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 25, 2012

September 24th, 2012

Dear Poets,

Our oldest and best known stories come from poems. There’s just something about the rhythm and language of poetry that makes it the perfect medium for sharing deep truths about what it means to be human in the world.

I think some of America’s greatest treasures are hidden in its poetry. We already saw how well Woody Guthrie captured the beauty, diversity and free roaming nature of America in “This Land Is Your Land.” You have all heard Francis Scott Key’s words about America’s resilience in “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Today we will meet another great American poet, and throughout the year we will learn about American history and geography and culture by studying the rich song and poetry of the American people.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 24, 2012

September 23rd, 2012

Dear Problem Solvers,

Over the past few days, we’ve practiced our addition and subtraction algorithms. I hate to tell you, but that’s the easy part. Today, we’ll do the hard part: figuring out when to use those algorithms to solve real world problems.

The real world will never hand you a sheet of addition and subtraction problems and ask you to solve them without a calculator. Instead, the world will ask you to figure out how much money you’ve spent so far in the month and how much money you have left. The world will ask you to keep track of bowling scores and fantasy football points and batting averages. The world abounds with numbers, and our job is not just to crunch those numbers, but to really figure out what they mean.

Today we’ll practice that skill by solving number stories, and we’ll learn some great methods, tips, and tricks for solving those number stories. That’s really what math is all about: giving us the tools and mindsets for more efficiently and effectively solving everyday problems.

Let’s have a great day,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 20, 2012

September 19th, 2012

Dear Classmates,

The most important thing in our classroom is that everyone feels safe and that they are valued for who they are. If everyone our classroom feels comfortable being the best them they can be, I know that the learning will happen. Problems happen when we try to change ourselves to please other people’s visions of what we should be like. There’s only one of each of us in the entire history of the universe, so we owe it to the universe to make it the best one.

We’ve learned in social studies that America’s diversity is one of the reasons it is such a rich and prosperous nation. Diversity makes us strong for two reasons: one, it shows us all the different ways there are to solve problems; and two, it allows people to be free to take the risk to be different. When people embrace what makes them unique, greatness is possible.

So make sure you’re being true to yourself and doing what you know is right for you and you’re allowing everyone else to be true to themselves. You will be doing the universe a favor.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 19, 2012

September 18th, 2012

Dear Number Crunchers,

Our number system is an amazing invention. Using only ten symbols, we can make numbers that go on for infinity. Because of our number system, you’re probably faster at multiplying multi-digit numbers than some of the ancient world’s greatest mathematicians. However, speed isn’t the most important thing when doing algorithms. A computer can always calculate faster than us. Our task is to use the algorithms to learn something essential about our number system (and systems in general).

Today, we will continue to practice addition algorithms. Remember, always estimate before you calculate, so you know if your sum is reasonable, and while you’re adding, think about the value of each digit you’re adding and make sure your places are always lined up.

Happy summing,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 18, 2012

September 17th, 2012

Dear Citizens,

As citizens of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, we have some serious responsibilities. There are no easy solutions out there, and we are faced with having to make many difficult decisions. We make those decisions through a process of debate, reflection, and compromise. Sometimes we agree with the decisions that are made, sometimes we don’t, but we must always keep ourselves informed and engaged.

There are a lot of things we have to weigh when make these decisions: what’s best for me and my family, what’s best for my community, what’s best for future generations, what’s best for the environment? There are no easy or correct answers, but we are responsible for making these tough decisions.

Today we’ll think about the impacts of building a dam. There are costs and benefits to doing this, and your job is to weigh them against one another and make your voice heard.

Let’s have a great day,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 17, 2012

September 16th, 2012

Dear Estimators,

For most of the math we do in everyday life, close enough is good enough. When we’re figuring distance or how long something will take or how much groceries will cost at the store, we estimate. That’s because we don’t have the time or tools to figure more precisely and also because sometimes there are so many variables that a perfect reckoning is impossible. There may be times in your life when accuracy is more important–if you’re building a bridge for instance–but usually close enough is good enough.

But estimating is far different from guessing. And estimating is hard work. In many cases, estimating takes more brain work than even finding the most accurate possible because you have to make so many decisions and account for so many variables. You have to think about what unit is best, what method you will use, how close is close enough, and if your final estimate seems reasonable. You also have to think about what “reasonable” would be! Making reasonable estimates is one of the most important skills you’ll learn this year.

Happy estimating,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 14, 2012

September 13th, 2012

Dear Migrants,

Throughout human history, people have moved around. They have migrated to find a better life for themselves, their families, and their people. Usually a better life is the result of better natural resources. As we know from yesterday, resources determine how and where people live. We will look at population density maps today that illustrate that truth.

However, natural resources never stay the same. Humans used to get almost all their energy from wood burning and animal power but now have more efficient methods. We are always finding ingenious new ways to use something that’s never been used before. When we do this, we can make life possible in previously uninhabitable places. Just imagine what the future holds: perhaps humans living at the bottom of the ocean or on the moon or maybe even on Mars.

Let’s have a great day,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 13, 2012

September 12th, 2012

Dear Performers,

We’ve spent the last three weeks learning about factors, prime and composite numbers, and exponential notation. We’ve spent tons of time woodshedding our multiplication and division facts. We’ve become expert strategists at the game Factor Captor. Now, I think we’re ready to do our best on our first unit math assessment. Remember, there is a bonus for those who score a four on this test. This is not a “bribe.” It’s a reminder that in this life, excellence is rewarded.

When you take this assessment, I want you to be focused, careful, and confident. Much of how well we do on tests depends on how we approach them. If we think of the test as a chance to show all that we know, then we’ll lick that thing. If we’re afraid the test will reveal all that we do not know, we will fail.

So be confident. You’ve done the hard work of preparing for excellence; now, you must grab that excellence by the scruff of the neck and make it your own.

Good luck,

Mr. Heimbuck
September 12, 2012

September 11th, 2012

Dear Data Collectors,

Yesterday, an atmospheric scientist spoke to the other class about how scientists make reliable observations about weather, specifically precipitation. He showed us a few rain gauges and a hail pad and showed us how to make precise and accurate observations. He came because he needs our help. Because precipitation can vary so much from place to place, scientists need a whole bunch of observations to get a good picture of the weather. Our job is to make daily precipitation observations and record them.

Good observations are the foundation of science. As Harlow Shapley once said, “Theories crumble, but good observations never fade.” People once thought the sun moved around the earth. We now know better, but the observations the ancients made by looking up at the stars are still invaluable to us today. Our most powerful method of understanding the world is creating methods of gathering data, accurately collecting that data, and analyzing it fairly. That’s the method that creates our greatest theories about the world.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck