How to Solve Our Problem With Math
Three top schools in Los Angeles use different strategies to help students score in math and science
Reader Comments
Math
i like the math so much to solve something like anything
resources
just wanted to know where you guys get your resources from in regards to the "america ranks 21st" or whatever.
math problem
the angle of elevation from a ship to the top of a 42 meter lighthouse on the shore is 33 degrees .how far is the ship from the nearest meter
math problem
the angle of elevation from a ship to the top of a42 meter lighthouse on the shore is 33 degrees .how far is the ship from the nearest meter
mathematics
hi, i just want to ask what are the reasons why students lack patience i mathematics...? plz help me.....thank you very much
Robotics
As a member of the robotics team at CAMS, I can say that I do it for fun. Even though it does add to my work load and is extremely time consuming, I find it really fun. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the week. The simple feeling of applying what I learn in the classroom in my science, math, and engineering courses to build something that is used to compete is simply thrilling. However, the work load does sometimes get to me, and I do agree with people who say that school is not about stressing the students, but rather, make them motivated and excited to learn.
Robotics, for me is extremely exciting, and I find joy in doing it. Therefore, I am willing to put more time and effort into doing it. Staying up all night doing a mathematical research report is a real pain, but I could stay up all night doing robotics no problem.
CAMS from a mom's perspective
As a mother of a CAMs senior from South Los Angeles, I can say that my son's educational journey has been quite amazing... although a little nerve wrecking for me. Over the four years, I watched and worried about the intensity, rigor and pace of the work. It has been quite demanding. Within the first month of his freshman year, for example, he had to build a wind resistant building, a contraption that would protect an egg from breaking from 20' height, take 2 math classes, an engineering class, a science class...and on and on. As a mom, without a strong math or science backgound...my input was quite minimal (are you hungry honey?). The many all-nighters worried me.... as did the less than normal teenage social life... and yes, the stress. But what eventually eased my concern ... was that he enjoyed it. He was having fun. Project-based learning, the interdisciplinary nature of the teaching, the team work with his classmates, the creative problem solving, the great toys (videocameras, computers, machining tools, rockets, robots), teaching other younger inner city kids, .... made education come alive. It made it real and worthwhile.
I remember waking up at 6 am one morning to take him to Northrup Gruman for something or other. He had not gone to bed. He was awake, wide-eyed and excited that not only had he solved a math problem 6 ways, but that he had also created a new program to solve it... and it worked. I didn't even know at the time that he knew how to program. Actually, I don't think he knew either. He taught himself that evening because he was interested, curious, and excited. I guess it really isn't about academic rigor (the language of today's school reform folks)..I don't think our young people need to be stressed before their time. It is really about instilling excitement and promoting enthusiasm for learning... that is what education needs to be... and that is what he got at CAMS. I know that the love of learning alone will carry him a long way.
CAMS
CAMS C/O 2010
I'm excited to finally see this up. Now I hope that students at my old middle school will consider applying to CAMS.
Math & Science
I was always strong in math & science (as well as everything else), and I obtained a B.S. in Informational and Computer Science, and I've been working as a software engineer now for over 20 years. I'm kind of in a minority position, as I'm a woman, and I'm definitely outnumbered in this field.
My daughter is also another grade A nerd - so far a 4.0 average in high school, & taking 3 AP classes and one honors class as a junior in high school (one of them being Calcalus A.B.). I do worry about her, however, as it still isn't that socially popular to be a science/math nerd. This society does not treat its native-born scientists or mathemeticians very well, and until it does, quite a few people are not going to choose to go into these fields.
