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Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 2:12 pm
by Carrie
Ladies,

We have waited to share our Geometry recommendations to have time to really look and decide what potential paths to offer for families that will best meet their needs. We ended up, after much comparing of texts, with 3 different options that we recommend for Geometry. These include Geometry: A Guided Inquiry (for a textbook-based option with clear examples), YourTeacher.com (an online program for students who have struggled with math in the past, or for those who need a very time-conscious option, or for those who might find Geometry very challenging), or VideoText Algebra and Geometry (for a strong video-based option). The description for each program is found below. :D At Heart of Dakota, we will carry the textbook option which includes Geometry: A Guided Inquiry and Math Without Borders DVD. :D

Description of Geometry: A Guided Inquiry from David Chandler (of Math Without Borders): :D
“Most geometry textbooks present a long list of facts about geometric figures organized in a rigid logical order, working generally from simple to more complex. Applications of these facts may or may not be made clear to the student. Geometry: A Guided Inquiry starts each chapter by posing an interesting geometric problem (puzzle), called the “Central Problem” for the chapter. Clusters of geometric facts are introduced, as needed, in the process of solving these problems. The usefulness and relevance of the new facts are therefore apparent from the moment they are first presented.

Most geometry textbooks, especially those written under the influence of the “New Math” era of the 1960s, put heavy emphasis on precise use of technical vocabulary and mathematical notation. Geometry: A Guided Inquiry emphasizes the underlying geometric and mathematical ideas and works to help the student understand them intuitively as well as logically.

Most geometry textbooks start each problem set with lots of routine, repetitive problems, gradually working up to an interesting problem or two at the end of the assignment. Geometry: A Guided Inquiry puts the best problems right up front! From the very beginning the student is given problems worth solving.

Most geometry textbooks read like they were written by a committee following a prescribed agenda. Most in fact are! The life is squeezed out of the narrative in the process. Geometry: A Guided Inquiry has a distinct sense of authorship. The authors are good mathematicians, good teachers, and good writers. Their joy in the pursuit of mathematics shows through their writing.

Geometry: A Guided Inquiry makes frequent use of compass, protractor and ruler activities, data tables, guess and check methods, model-building, and other techniques of intuitive exploration in preparation for general solutions. (Use of either The Geometer’s Sketchpad or Geogebra adds a new dimension to the opportunities for exploration with dynamic illustrations.) Each chapter begins with a “Central Problem” that provides the focus and motivates the discussion in that chapter. The Central section presents all the essential new material. Along the way the student is led to a solution of the Central Problem, while exploring its connections with other topics. After the Central section is a Review section, and each of the first seven chapters are followed with a short Algebra Review that stresses algebra topics related to the current work.

Each chapter has an open ended Projects section with problems that are extensions to the material in the Central section, sometimes carrying the discussion in new directions. (The Project sections include some of the most interesting material in the text!)”

Table of Contents: :D
Chapter 1 The Shortest Path (i.e. distance between points and lines, perpendicular lines, reflection, triangle inequality, some properties of angles)
Chapter 2 Tiling the Plane (i.e. polygons and angles)
Chapter 3 Triangles (i.e. SSS, SAS, ASA congruence properties of triangles; proving theorems)
Chapter 4 What is a Proof? (i.e. devising proofs and properties of quadrilaterals)
Chapter 5 Constructions with Straightedge and Compass
Chapter 6 Quadratic Equations
Chapter 7 Expressions and Equations Containing Two Variables
Chapter 8 Area and Volume
Chapter 9 The Pythagorean Theorem
Chapter 10 Similar Figures
Chapter 11 Perimeter, Area, and Volume of Similar Figures
Chapter 12 Circles
Chapter 13 Coordinates
Chapter 14 Conic Sections

Click to read a comprehensive review that includes samples from the text and Math Without Borders DVD. :D http://www.homeschoolmath.net/reviews/g ... nquiry.php

Description of Math Without Borders: Geometry DVD: :D
The Home Study Companion Geometry DVD supplements the textbook in several important ways:
*It provides complete, worked out solutions (not just answers) to all problems in the Central and Project sections of the text.
*It provides additional commentary to supplement the presentation of the text, much as the lecture portion of a traditional course supplements the text.
*It provides a collection of nearly 300 demonstrations using The Geometer’s Sketchpad or Geogebra covering most of the main concepts, and many additional explorations, in the Central and Projects sections of each chapter.

Geometry: A Guided Inquiry was written long before the current obsession with standardized testing, and it marches to a different drummer. It covers many fascinating topics you will see in no other high school Geometry textbook. The selection of topics in the text is excellent, but the authors’ choice of topics (in 1970) did not anticipate every choice of the Academic Standards Commission at the end of the century. Therefore the Home Study Companion Geometry DVD adds Extensions to the chapters, as needed, to cover these additional topics. The text plus extensions cover the standards for California and nearly all other states. (Students not affected by mandatory statewide testing can treat the extensions as optional topics.)

VideoText Algebra or Video Text Geometry Description :D
List Price – Visit http://www.videotext.com to purchase
Author – Tom Clarke
Bibliographic Data – DVD, print copy, or online options

If your student began with VideoText Algebra in the World Geography Guide, then he/she will need to complete the course prior to beginning Geometry. This is because VideoText Algebra is an interactive, video-based program that teaches Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II in an integrated manner. Due to the integrated manner in which VideoText teaches algebra, once you begin VideoText it is best to complete the course because all modules work together to teach Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II. Therefore, to claim credit for both Algebra I and Algebra II all modules must be completed. All students must begin VideoText Algebra with Module A, regardless of previous math experience with Algebra. The same is true for VideoText Geometry, which teaches Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus.

The main components of VideoText are the video lessons and the worktext.
However, unlike textbooks that may use a video supplement, in this case the video lessons “are” the textbook. With each module of the course, you receive the video lessons (each 5-10 minutes in length, either on DVD or online), course notes, worktext, solutions manual, progress tests, and an instructor’s guide with detailed solutions to all quizzes and test problems. Students will love the brief lessons and the clear explanations of concepts in VideoText Algebra. To view samples and purchase VideoText Algebra or VideoText Geometry visit http://www.videotext.com

YourTeacher.com Description :D
List Price – Visit http://www.mathhelp.com to purchase
Author – Mike Maggart
Bibliographic Data – online options

This program is one of Cathy Duffy’s Top 101 Picks. YourTeacher's lessons replicate the entire math classroom experience, but you are the only student! Each lesson includes:
*Multiple Video Example Problems
(similar to how a teacher starts class at the board by explaining the examples from the textbook)
*Interactive Practice Problems with Built-in Explanations
(similar to how a teacher assigns practice and walks around the class providing math help)
*A Challenge Problem
(similar to how a teacher assigns a higher level problem which students must work on their own to prove mastery)
*Multiple-Choice Self-Tests
 (similar to how a teacher assigns problems which you must work on your own to prove mastery of material)
*Extra Problem Worksheets
(similar to how a teacher assigns additional problems for homework)
*Review Notes
(similar to how a teacher provides summary handouts or refers you to your textbook for online math help)

This math program works well for students who have struggled with math in the past and who are likely to find Geometry a challenge. It also works well for students who may have begun another Geometry program that was not successful and need to switch to a different program mid-stream to finish the learning out, or for students who may not have a long period of time to complete Geometry and need to get it done in a timely fashion, or for students who must do much of their work on math alone without help from a parent.

This Geometry program does not have nearly the depth of Geometry: A Guided Inquiry, but it does cover needed Geometry concepts in a plain, no-frills fashion. We used it with our own oldest son who needed to get Geometry done in a timely fashion after he took longer than expected to complete Video Text Algebra I and II. At that time, he had begun VideoText Geometry, but we could see it would take him longer than we desired for him to complete it. So, we switched him to YourTeacher.com for Geometry due to time constraints. He really enjoyed the course and did very well with it! :D

Of course, you may choose a different math path than those we have outlined above, but hopefully these options will give you some help as you search for the right math program for your child! :D

Blessings,
Carrie

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 7:01 pm
by StillJulie
Thanks so much for all your thought and research that goes into your recommendations! I'm so happy you got this one up... it's the one I've been most eager for.

I'm looking forward to our geometry experience!

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 8:57 pm
by Tabitha
We are in the WG now, and my dd is using No-Nonsense Algebra alongside CTC Math (online). CTC Math has taken over for a bit as she is quite enjoying it. My thoughts were going from this into Foerster's Alg. II. We have CTC Math for another 1 1/2 years, and it does cover Alg. II, Geometry, Pre-Calc and more. I don't think I'd want to use just this and think of it more as a companion to something else.

For those that have taken the No-Nonsense route, is Alg. II not the next step? Should we go right into Geometry, then come and do Alg. II later?

My dd will be finishing her math before the WG guide is over, and I'd like to make sure everything is fully covered so she is ready for the math recommends in the WH guide.

Thanks!

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 11:31 pm
by momtofive
This looks great, Carrie!!! :D

I was hoping this was the one you were going to recommend! ;) You mentioned the Geometry:A Guided Inquiry text quite a while ago as a possibility for someone, and I had looked into it as well. I like the looks of it, and think it'll be a great fit for geometry to follow Foerster's Algebra 1 with!

Thank you so much for taking time to post this. We sure appreciate all you do! We'll be praying for you as you finish the writing of this new guide! :)

Blessings! ;)

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Fri May 16, 2014 12:34 pm
by mamanlait
I'm really excited about these Geometry choices! The text to follow Foerster's Algebra (Geometry: A Guided Inquiry) looks very much logical and meaningful. I am grateful that this set includes worked out solutions since I will need to learn alongside dd for this subject. I'm also thankful for the DVD supplement. Do you recommend trying to use the Text without the DVD supplement to start with (similar to your recommendation with Foerster's Algebra)?
Also praying for your continued healing!

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Sat May 17, 2014 5:40 pm
by Carrie
Tabitha,

Since No-Nonsense Algebra is a very streamlined approach to Algebra, hence the No-Nonsense title, it will be very difficult to go into Foerster's Algebra II after No-Nonsense for Algebra I. The level of Foerster's Algebra I is considerably more challenging overall, and Foerster's Algebra II will assume your child has had that type of instruction with Algebra I prior to entering his Algebra II. This means that you would need a more streamlined approach to Algebra II, more similar to what was used for No-Nonsense Algebra I. You could consider YourTeacher.com for Algebra II as one possible option. :D

For Geometry, however, you could use Geometry: A Guided Inquiry or use YourTeacher.com as both would work as possibilities. :D

Often students do Algebra I, then Geometry, then Algebra II.

Blessings,
Carrie

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Sat May 17, 2014 5:44 pm
by Carrie
mamanlait,

For Geometry: A Guided Inquiry we will be recommending the Math Without Borders DVD Set as an essential part of using the program. This is because there is no fully worked solutions available anywhere without the Math Without Borders DVDs. :D They just don't make a solutions manual for this text anymore. So, we are blessed that David Chandler, from Math Without Borders, has received permission from the authors and taken the time to demonstrate fully worked solutions and include printable PDFs as well of them on his DVD! :D

On a sidenote, I so appreciate the prayers for my healing! The Lord is refining me through this process to be more balanced! I am just beginning to heal and am grateful beyond measure!

Blessings,
Carrie

Re: Sneak Peek #11: New World History Guide

Posted: Tue May 20, 2014 8:55 am
by Tabitha
Thanks, Carrie.

I had planned to use Foerster's Alg. 1 after No-Nonsense pending how quickly she moved through it, just because she has seen where it isn't as indepth. We only went with No-Nonsense because she used Mr. Fisher's Pre-Alg. to help her through some stumbling blocks in TT Pre-Alg. She wanted to stick with Math Essentials over TT. Then we found CTC Math and she loves it. However, I haven't seen anyone comment much on CTC Math to know where that stands compared to other curricula. It may be similar to Math Essentials. I originally intended it for a help alongside another program.

My dd doesn't like math/isn't math minded. She likes learning a concept and moving on, not being bogged down with numerous examples. However, with the right program I feel she could do really well at it (she thinks she can't). I have been letting her choose which program to use just to keep the complaints/struggles about math down. I do like how Foerster's is laid out and wish I had shown her that first. I think it would be good for her with it's step by step approach. We will certainly have some decisions as to what comes next.

We are just starting the WG guide. I am feeling I need to look at some lessons online of Foerster's again with my dd. If she feels she can do it, we can switch and keep the others alongside for extra help which was always my main intent. I don't mind spending more in this area to make sure she fully grasps concepts. I just do not want to 'short change' her down the road and have her on a path below what she can really do.

Am I looking at this all wrong? Do I just need to stay with where we are?

eta: My dd and I spent some time this morning looking at both online samples of Math Without Borders lessons for Foersters and those same concepts in CTC lessons. My dd found CTC less confusing in the later chapter samples of Foerster (ch. 7-9). I did re-read Cathy Duffy's review of CTC Math, and she feels it can be a stand alone core program with additions to Pre-Calc and Trig when you get to those grades. She recommends moving through their materials at a faster pace after 3rd grade. She also states that it can be a supplement to other programs if desired. :) So, I think for now we will stick with that we are doing since my dd feels less confused with it, keeping in mind both your (Carrie) and Cathy Duffy's recommends for what should follow and precautions for supplemental work. Then if we run into any problems, I will re-evaluate what we are doing and perhaps go into using CTC as a supplement verses a core as we are doing now. It's one of those areas that I guess I just need to 'let go' in and am having a hard time doing so. I just don't want to mess things up for her later down the road.