What are some signs of math talent? Mathematically talented students often show an early interest in and facility with numbers. For example, they may learn to tell time at age two and begin adding and subtracting long before they enter kindergarten. Anecdotes shared by parents about their precocious youngsters are helpful in identifying these students initially, but the objective information determined from an appropriate assessment is essential in determining the extent of their abilities and … [Read more...] about Is My Child A Math Prodigy? What Can I Do For Them?
mathematics
8 Strategies To Improve Your Innovation
Richard Hamming, mathematician at Bell Labs for thirty years, gave a talk before he passed away on the factors that determine why a scientist does or does not make significant contributions. Although his focus was on ideas in science, the wisdom he shared really can be applied to any area where original thought is necessary. Here are the core insights from his talk. 1. Don’t think your success is a matter of luck. Hamming argues a major roadblock is thinking your success will be mainly about … [Read more...] about 8 Strategies To Improve Your Innovation
Above-Level Tests Identify Extraordinary Academic Potential
Do extremely high test scores identify individuals who will grow up to achieve extraordinary accomplishments? This is the broad question asked in a collaboration between Duke TIP and researchers from Vanderbilt University who led the longitudinal Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY). The study also assessed whether test scores identified different types of academic promise and whether outcomes from Duke TIP participants would be similar to outcomes from SMPY participants. … [Read more...] about Above-Level Tests Identify Extraordinary Academic Potential
America’s Got Talent
American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and America's Got Talent have been around for years, and when I was a kid there was Star Search (on which a young Britney Spears appeared) which lasted well over 10 seasons. These shows mostly feature talented singers, musicians and dancers who are often desperate to get their shot at stardom. And only a handful of them go on to become household names. … [Read more...] about America’s Got Talent
Mathematics Achievement = Individual and National Success
Foundations for Success: The Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel The Mathematics Advisory Panel, created by President Bush in 2006, was charged with making suggestions to improve America’s math education and student achievement using the best scientific evidence available. In their report, Foundations for Success, the panel calls on the U.S. secretary of education to “take the lead” in implementing the report’s recommendations and working with the diverse groups that play a … [Read more...] about Mathematics Achievement = Individual and National Success
Kentucky Opens Academy of Mathematics and Science
In August, 120 of Kentucky’s brightest students will begin the school year at the state-supported Kentucky Academy of Mathematics and Science. As its name implies, the school will focus on a strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum and is similar to residential science and math schools in fourteen U.S. states (nine in the Southeast). … [Read more...] about Kentucky Opens Academy of Mathematics and Science
Cubing It
Despite the onslaught of computer and video games designed to exercise spatial cognition, three hand-held manipulative puzzles remain popular: Rubik’s Cube, by Winning Moves, celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year; the Retro Bedlam Cube, by Bedlam Puzzles, Ltd.; and Thinkfun’s modern rendition of the ancient Gordian’s Knot. … [Read more...] about Cubing It
Renewed Interest in Math
Not since the Sputnik era has the federal government exhibited such a vigorous interest in increasing the rigor of math education in America’s public schools. In April 2006, President Bush created the National Mathematics Advisory Panel. This body advises President Bush and Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, on the best use of scientifically-based research in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Gifted education has a voice on the panel—Camilla Benbow of Vanderbilt University. … [Read more...] about Renewed Interest in Math
A Beef with Bush’s Plan
In his 2006 State of the Union address, President Bush called for 70,000 teachers over the next five years to lead Advanced Placement math and science courses. This would be an expansion of nearly 38,000 teachers with such training. The initiative also calls for encouraging 30,000 math and science professionals to become adjunct high school teachers. … [Read more...] about A Beef with Bush’s Plan
Do the Math
For honing mathematical and critical thinking skills, two board games—Space Tivitz, by SAS Games, and Equate, by Conceptual Math Media—get a thumbs-up. … [Read more...] about Do the Math