Mathematics, like all spheres of knowledge, has a unique history of its own, built layer by layer on the discoveries and genius of the previous generation.
Mathematics, like all spheres of knowledge, has a unique history of its own, built layer by layer on the discoveries and genius of the previous generation.
This video shows how mathematical thought is connected through time & space.
Assignment
You will research one mathematician or group, gather information and key it into this note-taking template.
Don't choose just any old mathematician, but take the time to click the links to deeper information (at least 5 names or groups) and then choose one that really interests you. If you stumble upon a mathematician not listed, check with the teacher before proceeding.
You will create a visual & spoken presentation using any medium you like; e.g. PowerPoint, Google Docs, Prezi, Glogster, or if you prefer, hand drawing on poster board. Write a lively script to explain your visuals, & do NOT read it off the screen, or your audience will fall asleep.
To gain an appreciation for the intellectual-historical process, students will deliver their presentations in chronological order, according to the birthdate of their mathematician.
Added collaborative activities
The class will create a chronology , timeline , brainstorm graphic or virtual Inspiration visual to connect the mathematicians & their ideas.
Class discussion: What qualities would a mathematician have to have to be declared the most important mathematician in history? Narrow it down to 4 names and have informal in class or online debates.
Choose your topic: Have a look through at least 5 topics before you choose one that really interests you.
Do you believe what is written in the article? Pull out the main arguments made by the writer, and quotes, statistics and facts they use as evidence to prove their arguments
Identify clearly what the controversy is about briefly mentioning both pro and con.
What issue(s) is (are) addressed?
What is the main argument and/or conclusion?
• What evidence is put forward to support the argument(s) and/or conclusion(s)? • What are the differing points of views related to the issue? • What information about the issue is omitted? • Why is it difficult to resolve this issue?
State the controversial topic ( pro versus con)
Summarize the article using standard journalists' questions (notes only)
What
Why
Where
When
How ................................................................................................................
Identify the stakeholder group that the writer belongs to. What kind? (Government; Industry; Journalistic source; Nonprofit organization; Peer-reviewed source)
Would the stakeholder group have a reason to sway the opinion of the reader in order to selling their ideas or products?
Look at the headline or title. It often broadly summarizes the main topic of a news or magazine article.
Carefully read through the article. Then go back to the beginning of the article and identify sentences that give some of the most important pieces of information in the article.
Main points are often the topic sentences in each paragraph in the article. Main points will all be directly related to the headline.
Set aside the supporting details or evidence, which are not the main ideas.
From the sentences you have identified, select three or five and summarize the "main points."
PLEASE DO NOT...
Add your own ideas.
Cut and paste from the article. This will create a jumble of statements with no interpretation or synthesis of the article's findings. This strategy is common amongst students who wait until the last minute to complete assignments. Not only is this plagiarism, it also shows that students do not understand what they are reading.
Cause and effect questions in HISTORY come in many forms:
1) Evaluate the significance of...
The significance of something refers either to its importance in a specific historical context, as the product of a particular set of causes, or as the source of a particular set of effects
2) Trace the development of...
The development of something is a process of historical causation
3) Describe the influence of someone or - something
Influence is measured by the effects that an event or individual has on history.
Is the information...