from SIMPSON MATH:
"The Simpsons has established itself as an award-winning international pop culture phenomenon. It is the longest-running sitcom of all time and it is also one of the most literate television programs on the air, containing many references to subject matter and scholars from various academic fields, including mathematics. Since The Simpsons has been airing in prime-time for most of our students' lives, they likely are familiar with the program and its large cast of characters, including a resident scientist. The Simpsons also contains over a hundred instances of mathematics ranging from arithmetic to geometry to calculus, many designed to expose and poke fun at innumeracy. In fact, Al Jean, Executive Producer and head writer, has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. Several episodes of The Simpsons contain significant mathematics that relates to material we normally cover in our classes. For these reasons, this program is an ideal source of fun ways to introduce important concepts to students, and to reduce math anxiety and motivate students in courses for non-majors. "
You can find them at:
http://www.mathsci.appstate.edu/~sjg/simpsonsmath/
http://homepage.smc.edu/nestler_andrew/SimpsonsMath.htm
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Jackie
These were some really excellent inquiry based problems. I would never have thought of the Simpsons as a source for inquiry math, but you have changed my mind. I will tell my teacher about this.
Thanks so much.
Marcia
I never really thought about cartoons being used to enhance a math class, but with the Simpsons being such a popular show with kids, why not? I think the best way to reach a child is to, at times, get down to their level and teach what they are interested in.
I remember my high school English teacher using an episode of the Simpsons when we were reading "The Raven." It was a great way to get our attention while reading a classic...I'm not a Simpsons fan, I have to admit, but if there's one thing I remember from hs English, its the Raven! So, might as well try it with Math! Interesting concept! Boredom in math? "NEVERMORE!!!" :)
Post a Comment