Not Measuring Up

Wow...I just suffered an immeasurably frustrating day at work. I developed a couple of easy activities to ease some of my students into the "joy" of finding the measure of objects in INCHES. I made sure they were able to line up rulers on the zero (as opposed to the edge of the ruler), count the number of sixteenths of an inch and reduce the fractions properly. I even found a cool site on the web that has printable rulers so you don't have students whacking each other with real ones.

After all this preparation, I handed them a worksheet that included pictures of objects I wanted them to measure. I made sure students understood that they were not measuring the pictures, but the actual objects I brought to class (playing cards, CDs, paper clips, etc.) I thought it would be so inanely simple that most students would be able to breeze through it in no time.

I was wrong.

(photo courtesy of scienceblogs.com)

One student (a junior) commented, "Is that all there is to reading a ruler? I never knew how before."

Number of students caught measuring the pictures instead of the actual objects? Three...in one class.

Found one student measuring everything in centimeters.

Since the ruler wasn't long enough to measure the length of a std. piece of paper, I taught students to mark where the ruler ended and move the ruler to find a second measurement of the remaining part. When I asked what they should do with the two measurements (in this case 9" and 2") a student responded "times?" When I said that was wrong, she guessed, "divide?"

One student tried to be tricky and wrote the the length of a piece of paper was 11" and that the width was also 11". When I asked him if he knew that having both sides of the paper being the same size would make it a square, he said, "Yes." When I asked him if the piece of paper was square, he replied, "No...Oh!" He snatched the worksheet from my hand to correct his answer and I thought I had logically stepped him through the necessary thought process to find his own mistakes. When he handed me the paper again, I noticed his answers were changed...changed to "Height = 11 1/2 inches Width = 11 1/2 inches"

*sigh*

Nerdy Stuff

Back in the day, if something was "nerdy", it was usually pretty bad. The only good nerds came from Willy Wonka. These days, nerdy stuff is more common and can fill the whole spectrum of nerdy-cool to uber-nerdy. I recently ran across these nerdy items from various blogs, but I didn't feel each one would warrant a single post for you folks to read.

The first is an satellite photo of the big even of the day, Pres. Obama's inauguration. It's cool (in a nerdy way) to see how technology captured the event (streaming video, live audio/video on TV, blogs, twitter, etc). It's also cool to see so many people involved in re-shaping the country.

(courtesy of boingboing.net)

The second is a video of an interesting "toy" based on a mathematical feat of engineering. It's called a Yoshimoto Cube, but don't ask me how it works, I suck at math. It's fun to see how everything fits together. It's like a transformer...only nerdier.

(courtesy of boingboing.net again)

Which brings me to my final entry, a much more sad affair. This reaches into the dark end of the nerd spectrum...It's a contest in Japan to see who can use a calculator the fastest. It's sad that they even have a contest like this. It's sadder that 263 contestants showed up to battle it out. And it's even sadder that this is the 12th such contest. Is there really a demand for this kind of thing? What kind of sponsors do they have? What kind of prize is there for the winner? (My guess: a calculator watch)
While the video is in Japanese, seeing and hearing all the tension (and calculator key presses) is a universal language.

(courtesy of tokyomango.com)

eeemergency computer

The day after Christmas, our house suffered from an island-wide power outage around 6pm. Since we're out in the boonies, our power wasn't restored for almost eighteen hours while we heard that most places had power restored by the time they woke up the next morning. After the power was finally restored, I powered on my computer only to be greeted by an ominous flashing yellow light as opposed to the warm and inviting blue that signals that everything is OK. Long story short, I'm glad I sprung for an extended warranty on my computer since I didn't have to pay for an over haul of my mother board and power source. I was promised a call to schedule a repair within a couple of business days, but they couldn't guarantee a quick fix because of the holidays. The service rep on the phone even said I might have to wait until after New Years (a week away).

As a self proclaimed interenet addict and since this wasn't the first time something like this has happened, I finally decided it was time to get a secondary computer. I wasn't looking for anything too expensive or powerful, just functional enough to get me on the net without much of a hassle. My research led me to a newer classification of computers called netbooks, smaller versions of laptops with power sipping processors and shrunken keyboards and screens to shave off inches and save on weight. I ended up springing only $350 for an eeePC, a windows xp based laptop that weighs less than 3 lbs. Overall, I'm very happy with it since it didn't cost a lot and it'll get me hooked up to the web in no time flat without having to learn how to use a new operating system.

The thing doesn't have a CD drive, but I
thought I'd toss a CD in there for reference

The ironic thing is, even though it's no powerhouse, it's still got a faster processor and bigger hard drive than my first computer from less than 6 years ago. It's amazing how much technology has evolved, and these netbooks are getting even smaller. Sony has come out with one that's pretty small, but their claims that it'll fit in your pocket are a little far-fetched...so far-fetched that engadget even made a hilarious post of the backlash of something so perposterous. Click on the link and peruse the pictures making sure to view the last one. :D

Winter Vacation Made Me Lazier

I'm in a quandry. Usually after a long break from school, I like to ask the students to share with the class one memorable thing they did over the break. After three full weeks off, school officially starts tomorrow...and I can't think of anything worth sharing. In fact, I think I've done significantly less things than usual since my vacation started. Due to the weather and other family obligations, I could only go hiking once. I try to stay current with the news (international, national, and local), but I only read the sports and comics sections daily. I normally wash my car every week or at least every other week, but over the break, I washed it exactly once. I normally mow the lawn at least once every three weeks. I haven't mowed it yet...(the lawn mower won't start, I swear).

Besides the usual vacation standards: watching TV, overeating, and sleeping, I got to chauffeur my grandma around for various errands I had put off while I was busy with work. I also attended a whole bunch of family meals and other functions. I was able to hang out with friends and act like a tourist for a couple days. I even had the chance to hit the bank and pay off my car loan (yep, I'm a free man)...Oh! I guess I did accomplish quite a lot during the break, they just weren't the usual things I do. That's what holidays/vacations are for...can't wait for the next one (1/19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day...I already marked it)

Holiday Treats

I heard the famed writer/blogger Ariana Huffington once advise aspiring bloggers to write about anything they are passionate about...even if it's a blog about cheese. While you won't read much about fromage on this site, I am passionate about food in general. So here goes:

Yesterday I acted as a pseudo-tour guide for the North Shore and got a free ride to a famous family run business that serves the best shave ice in the planet, Matsumoto Shave Ice. This is no wimpy snow cone...this is the best amalgamation of sugar, ice and artificial flavors EVER.

my delectable combo of mango, lychee, and melona

Later in the evening I had to pick up a friend from the airport and made it my mission to stop at Carl's Jr. for 660 calories of pure deliciousness. I have to use this file photo since I devoured mine before I thought about snapping a photo.

(courtesy of phoood.com)

So what was I passionate about today? Exercising. I had to take a hike just to walk off the weight of the guilt from eating so much junk food. I wonder how many calories a person can burn from typing...

I thought the second dog was dead...

Leave it to Tokyomango to introduce me to this high quality Japanese TV entertainment: balancing doggie treats on a dog. The first dog reminded me of my old dog, Blackie. I tried to do this balancing act with him once. Didn't even make it through one; that darn dog would eat the treat right out of my hand before it even got out of the box. This dog, however, made it through thirty-something. The show continues with another dog. I could've sworn the thing was dead until it started moving...after the 300th one!

Nothing says "I love you" like...

For my grandma (an old school 92 year old go-getter), nothing says "I love you" like some good ol' fashioned yard work. As part of her Christmas present (the other part consists of a gift card to her most favorite store ever), I decided to cut down a tree in the back yard...of our neighbor. This entails going deep into hostile territory (mosquito farm) and crossing enemy lines (reaching over and sawing off branches) Grandma had long since complained of our neighbor's tree that hangs over into our property and makes "so much rubbish."

Before

I snuck out while she was watching her beloved Korean drama hoping that she wouldn't peek out until I was done. It was almost a success, but she was curious as to where I had gone for so long, that she poked her head out to ruin the surprise. Regardless, it was good to see her smile for the first time in a while (she had caught a nasty cold and was knocked out for over a week). Merry Christmas grandma...And now that all of our garbage cans are filled to the brim with all the cuttings, I have a great excuse not to do any more yard work. Merry Christmas to ME!

After

I have a confession...

At the beginning of each year, I tell all my students that I will always treat them as adults (young as though they may be). I preach to them the importance of responsibility and respect. I let them know that because I respect them, I will be honest with them at all times. Lately, I must confess, I've been a little sneaky.

With a classroom full of computers, I consider myself one of the most fortunate teacher son campus. Students love to find something to play during any bit of free time I afford them. So here's my source of skulduggery. I've recently introduced them to a couple games that secretly teach them something. I know, I know. It's underhanded and goes against all the principles I teach them, but it's so fun to see them learn something and not even know it.

Exhibit #1
There is a game that involves shooting darts at sheep (to tranquilize them not kill them...I'm not that sick). Students watch a flock of sheep on the left of the screen and as soon as they see one start to dart to the right, they click on a button to unleash a tranq dart and stun them.

Looks fun, right? After you sedate five rogue sheep, your score pops up to let you know how you've done. The score is listed as a decimal. Ah ha! Here comes the learning. At first students thought 0.7 was worse than 1.2 (the first numbers is smaller after all), but soon they realized 0.7 was smaller and that 0.6 was smaller still. Soon they were talking trash about who could get lower than 0.721. When a student hit 0.701, there was no argument about who had the faster time! Not only do they learn about ordering decimals, but they also started to ask questions about how reactions and reflexes work. Warning: Play this with the sound down...unless you like bleats with your beats.


Exhibit #2
While reading a math teacher's blog one day (I was bored, OK!?), I read about this game called Auditorium. The secret of this game lies in its simplicity. There are no instructions to read. It's all based on your willingness to experiment. For the uninitiated, you either move or expand the circles around to redirect a stream of light till it hits the equalizer bars. This in turn starts creating music which rises in volume the more the light hits it. It's simple, but highly addictive. The soundtrack is nice too.

So what does this have to do with math? It's more about logic than math. It shows how to look at a goal, look at the pieces given and then leaves it up to the individual to make the connections (just like a proof).

But now I've just made you bored...go play the games! They're fun. Can you beat 0.1621 seconds? Can you make it past level 3.5? Only one student could best my reaction time, but none of them could pass me on auditorium.

Know when to stop

I've been trying to figure out the best way to share some interesting web-finds with my small but loyal audience. I don't want to just rehash things that other blogs post (although...sometimes I just can't help it).

First I'll share a picture of a sample ID card included in a wallet (courtesy of boingboing.net)


It starts out with good intentions. Name? Check. Full address info? Check. Multiple telephone numbers? Check. Pizza? uh...check. Underwear size and type? OK, that's going too far. Should've stopped at "pizza."

Which reminds me...

Today a student walked in on me while I was eating my lunch. I had gone to the local Subway earlier in the day to help support their campaign for 5 dollar foot longs. At first, the student complimented my sandwich by saying, "It smells good." To which, I offered my appreciation in return. The student came closer and noted, "Mmm...It looks good too." I was just about to say "Thank you." when the student asked, "Can I have a bite?" I told the student to kindly leave. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Should've stopped at "It looks good."

Rain (Optimistic)

I was so happy this morning. When I first awoke to the sound of the heavy rains, I grinned to myself thinking this would get me out of going to work this morning. I was so excited with the prospect that I couldn't fall back asleep right away. When 6:00 rolled around, I started getting ready for work, but instead of rushing, I took my time, just in case I got the call saying that school would be closed. While I was eating my breakfast, grandma turned on the TV. Luckily she had it loud enough that I could hear the newscasters over the loud crunching of cold cereal. I let out a loud cheer when they announced that my school was the first to make the closure announcement. I eagerly waited for the phone to ring letting me know it was official. The call never came, but the person answering the phones at the school efficiently let me know that I really didn't have to go to work. Two other friendly folks let me know the good news.

I immediately got started on a project that I had been putting off because of increased workload at the end of the semester. The rain kept coming down and my grandmother told me that it was the hardest it had come down in such a short time. She had never seen the waters rise to these levels in her entire residency here. I quickly changed and headed outside to witness "history." I snapped a few photos of the muddy water that pulled at my feet as I waded around to clear some debris in our ditches. I was happy to have some waterproof gear so I wouldn't get so wet in the downpour. Luckily, the rain subsided enough to allow the water to drain off our property. Eventually the rain stopped and the sun poked out long enough for me to get out of the house. All in all, we remarked at how fortunate we were to have no leaks in our house and no major flooding as the water stopped rising just in time. Now here's to hoping that tomorrow will be canceled so I can have a four day weekend!

The water rose so quickly that our ditches couldn't handle it all.


With a little bit of cleaning and an easing of the rain, the waters quickly receded along with the threat of flooding.

Rain (Pessimistic)

What a crappy morning. First, the thunder and lightning woke me up at around 3:30 am and it kept coming down so hard that it was keeping me awake. It was after 4:30 that I fell back asleep, but I had to get up at 6:00 to get ready for work. Grandma was watching the news, while I grumpily ate my breakfast. Because of the rain, she had the volume up so loud, I couldn't hear myself chew my cereal. The news said that my school would be closed due to the heavy rains and flash flood warnings. I kept waiting for an official call from the school, but that never came. I was forced to call them despite knowing that they would probably be irritated that so many people were calling with the same question. The person who answered, was clearly annoyed with my question that she gave a one word response to my question and hung up before I could.

I was just settling down to enjoy my unexpected day off from work when my grandmother told me that our garage was flooding. I had to get go out in the pouring rain and survey the impending damage. Our entire front yard was completely covered in thick brown water flowing quickly into our swelling drainage ditches. Everywhere I turned, the murky dinge kept rising. Grandma's plants were swallowed up as the water inched higher and higher in our garage. I was forced to move boxes of junk off the ground, move my shoes and anything else to avoid any damages. I missed work to do more work. The heavens finally closed their taps and the rain eased long enough for me to clean up and put everything back. As if to mock me, the sun even reared itself for a few hours giving me no excuse to stay indoors and sulk all day.


Our front yard on an ordinary day


This morning's rising waters

"Home"sick

I survived one of five meetings this week and came home to relax. I didn't feel like watching football and since there was nothing else worth watching, I started to channel surf. I ran across a show on the Travel Channel called No Reservations. The host was making his way around Japan, taking in the sights and sounds of both country and city life. Watching him eat some of the good food and talk to some of the friendly people made me miss the country that I worked in for only two years. It made me miss my friends (who were almost like family). I really need to go back...if only to see this: a flute made out of broccoli.

(courtesy of tokyomango)

No Rest for the...

As if it's bad enough to have roosters waking you up at 5 am on every weekday, my neighbor had to do some remodeling (hammering and drilling) from 5:30 this morning. This all lead to an unintentional nap this afternoon (which caused me to miss church...sorry). Speaking of missing meetings, I have five of them this week at school.

Thanks go to Carol for sending me this motivational poster. I'm so ready to face the week now. I followed the link on the bottom of the poster to find a bunch more of these "demotivational" posters here.

We're Only Human

A couple days ago, one of my students yelled at me for misreading a question. A few days later, a couple of students were stunned that I got a haircut...Are teachers really held to such a high standard that they aren't viewed as humans? Here are a few reasons why they shouldn't be judged by a higher standard:

-Back in April I published this stupid bitstrip detailing the frustrations of dealing with unprepared students:


Yesterday, my department held a meeting of about 50 teachers in my room. Just as the meeting was to start, the teacher sitting next to me sheepishly asked, "Do you have a pencil I could borrow?"

-Last week, I received an invitation to an upcoming faculty Christmas social on a Saturday. I promptly filled mine out and turned it in..."No thanks, not interested." (I try to avoid anything work related on weekends) A few days later, there was a campus wide email saying something to the extent of: "We received an RSVP for the Christmas party, but it has no name on it. Could the person who submitted it please let us know who you are?"

-Yesterday afternoon, a teacher was starting to write a word on the board and before she was through, asked me for the correct spelling. I told her that she was spelling it right so far except for the "a". A couple minutes later, she came up to me to prove me wrong by pointing out the word in the dictionary. "See?" she said "It does have an 'a' in it!" What was the word she asked me for the correct spelling? "College" What was the word she pointed out to me in the dictionary? "Colleague" Since she is my college, I'll let that one go and hope she graduated from a good four-year colleague.