Cold Missouri Waters
I'm a mathematics professor at a publicly funded school in Louisiana. I have a passion for great music, for teaching, and for aviation. Here's a bonus assignment I gave my students. ************************************************************************* "Mathematics In History" There was a tragedy. There was a discovery of a new process. There was mathematics. There was an airplane. There is music. Answer the questions based on your research. What tragedy occurred? Give a brief review of the events of the tragedy. What new process was discovered? Give a brief review of what was discovered and by whom. Outline and explain the mathematics that was involved in the analysis of the tragedy. Include information about how velocity was an important aspect of the analysis. Summarize the mathematics involved. What airplane was involved? Outline how it was used and provide any pertinent information about the airplane. Be brief. What about the music? Author? Lyrics? Recorded by? Offer any additional thoughts or comments about what you discovered. Hint: "Cold Missouri Waters" The quality of your report will be reflected in the quantity of your bonus. ************************************************************************ So far, one student has turned in their work. It was outstanding, by the way.
posted byBen H. Rushing on October 24, 2006, 01:41:04 pm

a real teacher
You, Mr Rushing, are worthy of the title: "Teacher". You spent more thought coming up with this assignment than many lesser educators put into an entire semester. And I bet it was fun too. I wish you the secondary (financial, recognition, etc.) rewards you truly deserve, and, tragically, are not very likely to see. I trust you do garner the reward of knowing you stand out in your dedication to you vocation. And, as much as you appear to love it, I hope it gives some back. Our kids need you almost as much as they need involved and thoughtful parents. Im sending this to a math teacher friend of mine, who will be very happy to see he is not alone.
posted by Keith Mears on October 26, 2006, 05:17:26 pm

re: Cold Missouri Waters
[QUOTE=Keith Mears]You, Mr Rushing, are worthy of the title: "Teacher". You spent more thought coming up with this assignment than many lesser educators put into an entire semester. And I bet it was fun too. I wish you the secondary (financial, recognition, etc.) rewards you truly deserve, and, tragically, are not very likely to see. I trust you do garner the reward of knowing you stand out in your dedication to you vocation. And, as much as you appear to love it, I hope it gives some back. Our kids need you almost as much as they need involved and thoughtful parents. Im sending this to a math teacher friend of mine, who will be very happy to see he is not alone.[/QUOTE] Wow, Keith. What nice comments. The assignment has been fun (for me at least.) I think the students enjoyed it as well. I am fortunate that most of my students recognize that I am different (and some of them even think "different" in a good way.) For me, the rewards of teaching go far beyond the financial, etc. There is little better than having a part in helping someone "get it" especially with a subject like mathematics. But, it always meaninful and rewarding to have someone else recognize my contribution. I work hard to make a difference with my students. I wouldn't have it any other way. (and it's a bunch of fun for me as well.) Thanks again, Ben
posted by Ben H. Rushing on November 01, 2006, 01:41:57 pm