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What's New? -- Archives Mar.
25, 2013. Sept. 26, 2012. Math Machines has gained international recognition in the latest issue of International Innovation. Click here for a pdf version of the article, "Advancing the World of Math Machines: Providing a Real World Context for Algebraic Thinking." International Innovation is the leading global dissemination resource for the wider scientific, technology and research communities, dedicated to disseminating the latest science, research and technological innovations on a global level. More information and a complimentary subscription offer to the publication can be found at: www.researchmedia.eu The latest version our computer software is still available for free download, as are links to video demonstrations. We also have EQUIPMENT GRANTS available for US STEM educators who are willing to help test Math Machines with students. July 28, 2012. The latest version our computer software is available for free download, as are links to video demonstrations. We also have EQUIPMENT GRANTS available for US STEM educators who are willing to help test Math Machines with students. April 27, 2012. The latest computer software from our NSF-Funded project is now available for download. There are also 4 videos which show how the software makes algebraic functions real and alive. WE CAN NOW OFFER EQUIPMENT GRANTS TO US STEM EDUCATORS WHO ARE WILLING TO HELP TEST MATH MACHINES WITH STUDENTS. April 18, 2012. The latest computer software from our NSF-Funded project is now available for download. There are also 4 videos which show how the software makes algebraic functions real and alive March 29, 2012. Four new HD videos are now online. Click here to access them. Also, FREE Function Planes are still available for Community College Math, Science and Technology Faculty. Email Fred Thomas for more information. March 27, 2012. Three new HD videos are now online. Two show the Function Plane as an Earthquake Simulator and as a Laser Controller for linear and quadradic functions. The third video is an updated version of Functions in Color. Also, FREE Function Planes are still available for Community College Math, Science and Technology Faculty. Email Fred Thomas for more information. March 21, 2012. New HD videos are now online showing the Function Plane as an Earthquake Simulator and as a Laser Controller for linear and quadradic functions. Also, FREE Function Planes are still available for Community College Math, Science and Technology Faculty. Email Fred Thomas for more information. Feb. 12, 2012. Free Function Planes are still available for Community College Math, Science and Technology Faculty. Email fred.thomas@mathmachines.net for more information. Nov.
21, 2011. Registration
is open for two free workshops at which community college STEM
faculty
can receive 2 free Math Machines -- a Function
Plane (controlled by either a calculator or a computer) and an RGB
Color Mixer. Sept. 15, 2011. Registration is now open for two free workshops at which community college STEM faculty can receive 2 free Math Machines -- a Function Plane (controlled by either a calculator or a computer) and an RGB Color Mixer. One workshop will be in Lafayette, Indiana on Oct. 21st and the other in Dayton, Ohio on Dec. 2nd. Click here for more information or to schedule a workshop in your area. Aug. 25, 2011. Two workshops have been scheduled at which community college faculty can receive FREE Function Planes (controlled by either a calculator or a computer) and RGB Color Mixers. One will be in Lafayette, Indiana on Oct. 21st and the other in Dayton, Ohio on Dec. 2nd. Email Fred Thomas (fred.thomas@mathmachines.net) for more information or to schedule a workshop in your area. July 12, 2011. FREE Function Planes (controlled by either a calculator or a computer) and RGB Color Mixers are available to community college faculty willing to participate in a one-day training session and to provide evaluation data. Email Fred Thomas (fred.thomas@mathmachines.net) for more information. You can also see a video of the RGB Color Functions software. May 3, 2011. You can check out the new Function Plane, controlled by either a calculator or a computer or a new video of the RBG Color Functions software. Feb. 28, 2011. Click here to view PowerPoint presentation from T3 in San Antonio, or click here for free instructions on building you own calculator-controlled Math Machines. You can also check out the new Function Plane, controlled by either a calculator or a computer. Feb. 23, 2011. See the latest Math Machines, Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 pm, Convention Center 209 at the T³ conference in San Antonio, or click here for free instructions on building you own calculator-controlled Math Machines. You can also check out the new Function Plane, controlled by either a calculator or a computer. Feb. 2, 2011. Announcing the new Function Plane! Click for details. Dec. 10, 2010. Thanks to Dwight Souder, we now have a Math Machines Facebook group, and we also have a YouTube channel with the Honda-Math Machines video produced by Paul Sanchez. Nov. 15, 2010. Paul Sachez, one of the participants in this summer's Honda - Math Machines workshop at Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio, has produced an outstanding video of the experience. You can see it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbUGArVQMTU Oct. 14, 2010. Plans are proceeding for week-long workshops in the Summer of 2011 and for 2 NSF-Sponsored workshops. One of the day-long NSF-sponsored workshops will be in Omaha at the Summer Meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers. We hope to post information soon about a second day-long workshop for community college math faculty. Email Fred Thomas for more information or to join the e-mail list. June 30, 2010. The National Science Foundation has awarded us a new grant for $156,500 (DUE-1003381) to further develop our computer-controlled Math Machines and to work with community colleges around the US in expanding their use. May 11, 2010. The Third Honda - Math Machines Workshop will be held at Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio, August 2-6 with a follow-up session in November. Click here for more information and an application form. April 22, 2010. 17 teams of students used Math Machines' SAM vehicles to compete in the 2010 National Robotics Challenge. A 5-minute student-produced video from the challenge (including views of SAMs in action) is available at http://www.schooltube.com/video/d8fc8fc1ff627bd8d2d2/2010-National-Robotics-Challenge-Marion-Ohio Feb. 25 , 2010. The presentations at SECO include information about free building instructions and free software for a simple Servo Pointer. Click here to access the downloads either for Windows computers or for TI-83/84 calculators. Jan. 30, 2010. Plans are progressing for workshops in the summer of 2010. Check back for details. Free software (upgraded Sept. 5, 2009) and building instructions are now available to control a low-cost hobby servo motor with Vernier's SensorDAQ interface. Click here for more information. July 25 , 2009.Free software and building instructions are now available to control a low-cost hobby servo motor with Vernier's SensorDAQ interface. Click here for more information. You can also see the AAPT presentation which describes the controller. There are still a few spots available for the Martha Holden Jennings workshop, to be held at the Miami Valley CTC in Clayton (NW of Dayton, Ohio), August 3-7, 2009. Click here for information and application materials. June 24 , 2009. Thanks to all the teachers who made the workshop in Gahanna such a success. We'll be posting pictures soon. Meanwhile, space is still available in the the Martha Holden Jennings workshop, to be held at the Miami Valley CTC in Clayton (NW of Dayton, Ohio), August 3-7, 2009, including some for teachers outside MVCTC community. Click here for information and application materials. May 19 , 2009. Space is still available in the the Martha Holden Jennings workshop, to be held at the Miami Valley CTC in Clayton (NW of Dayton, Ohio), August 3-7, 2009, including some for teachers outside MVCTC community. Email fred.thomas@mathmachines.net for more information. Click here for information and application materials on the Honda of America / Math Machines workshop, to be held in Gahanna (NE of Columbus, Ohio), June 15-19, 2009. March 1 , 2009.Infomation and application materials are now available for the Martha Holden Jennings workshop, to be held at the Miami Valley CTC in Clayton (NW of Dayton, Ohio), August 3-7, 2009. Click here for information and application materials on the Honda of America / Math Machines workshop, to be held in Gahanna (NE of Columbus, Ohio), June 15-19, 2009. Feb. 16, 2009. Click here for information and application materials on the Honda of America / Math Machines workshop, to be held in Gahanna (NE of Columbus, Ohio), June 15-19, 2009. December 14. 2008. Honda of America has approved funding for a Math Machines workshop, to be held in Gahanna (NE of Columbus, Ohio), June 15-19, 2009. Check back here for more details and application materials. December 2008. Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for an enjoyable and productive year of 2009! November 2008. We will be in Marion, Ohio Nov. 14-15 and Dec. 5-6 for a pair of workshops in preparation for the National Robotics Challenge. October 2008. Come see our presentation at the NCPN conference in Cincinnati. August 2008. The last of this summer's workshops is in Ottawa, OH, August 5-7, but we are already starting to plan for 2009. Contact Fred Thomas if you would like to have a workshop in your area. June 2008. The Honda - Math Machines workshop will be June 23-27 at the Middle School in Marysville, OH. Participants will "make-and-take" an ACV and other Math Machines. There will also be a workshop Aug. 5-7 for teachers in Putnam County, Ohio. May 2008. The Honda - Math Machines workshop will be June 23-27 in Marysville, OH with a follow-up in October. Participants will "make-and-take" an ACV and other Math Machines. Click here for more information and an application form. There will also be a workshop Aug. 5-7 for teachers in Putnam County, Ohio. April 2008. The Honda - Math Machines workshop will be June 23-27 in Marysville, OH with a follow-up in October. Participants will "make-and-take" an ACV and other Math Machines. Click here for more information and an application form. March 2008. Honda of America and the First Energy Foundation have agreed to help sponsor our summer workshops and more sponsors are expected soon. Participants will "make-and-take" an ACV and other Math Machines. Check back later for details or email: workshops@mathmachines.net. Feb. 2008. Summer 2008 workshops are planned in Ohio for Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus and Northwest Ohio. Participants will "make-and-take" an ACV and other Math Machines. Check back later for details or email: workshops@mathmachines.net. Jan. 2008. Planning is underway for FOUR 1-week teacher workshops during the summer of 2008, all including construction of the new SensorDAQ ACV. (You have to provide your own mascot.) Check back for details or email workshops@mathmachines.net. Dec. 2007. "Learning with Math Machines" has received approval from the IRS as a "501 (c) (3)" non-profit organization, able to receive tax-deductable grants and gifts. During the next few weeks, it will be taking over full operation of this project--which should result in more and better workshops with no decrease in any of the previous project activities. If you would like to make a year-end charitable donation, please email fred.thomas@mathmachines.net. Nov. 2007. We are working on the full version of software for the Algebraically Controlled Vehicle (ACV) which will be available early in 2008. Click here for more details September 2007. We are working on the full version of software for the Algebraically Controlled Vehicle (ACV) which will be available in early October. Click here for more details Also, Math Machines is a corporate sponsor for Brian Thomas in his 50-mile run to raise funds for the Lupus Foundation. Click here for information about Brian's run. August 2007. The new ACV -- Algebraically Controlled Vehicle -- will be ready to ship by Oct. 1. Utilizing Vernier's new SensorDAQ interface, the ACV's velocity can be programmed via standard algebraic functions to achieve uniform acceleration, simple harmonic motion and much more. Click here for more details. March 2007. We will soon release a set of LabVIEW programs to operate our SAM robot and other Math Machines with Vernier's new SensorDAQ. This includes the ability to program SAM's acceleration! February 2007. We are looking for schools who would like to co-host a future Math Machines workshop, focused on either TI calculators or the new SensoDAQ computer interface from Vernier. Contact Fred Thomas if you are interested. (Co-hosts get some free equipment.) January 2007. Vernier's new SensorDAQ is on the way as a new and powerful computer interface for both Vernier probes and Math Machines. Contact Fred Thomas if you want to be an early adaptor. On a different note, the posting of numerous spam messages on the Math Machines discussion forum has forced us to tighten the registration procedure. Both new and old users will need to reregister. December 2006. Learning with Math Machines is coming soon as a non-profit organization that will be responsible for workshops, leaving "Math Machines, Ltd." to focus on hardware and software. November 2006. Another new vehicle is now available for the Math Machines radio controller. You can now operate a skateboard from Fly Wheels! Let us know what vehicles you have discovered. October 2006. We are working with Vernier Software & Technology and National Instruments on new ways of operating the SAM robot platform and other Math Machines with the SensorDAQ interface. Check back later for more details. September 2006. School is back in session and it's time get math and science classes on the move with SAM robots, Pointer activities, RC vehicles and all the other Math Machines. See the Classroom Activities link for a variety of ready-to-use activities August
2006. Computer control
of Math Machines in becoming a more and more powerful option--including
fully programmable velocity control for the SAM robots. The opportunities
provided by Vernier's new SensorDAQ interface
are especially exciting, and Vernier is even offering a FREE
sensor to every K-12 school in the US. July 2006. Check out the results below of a 9-line geometry program written by 8th and 9th graders in Highland Park ISD, Texas. Later this month, stop by our booth at the AAPT meeting in Syracuse to see all the new developments with LabVIEW. June 2006. The teacher workshop at Ross High School, Ohio is ready to go, along with a workshop for both teachers and students at Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas. Have a great summer! May 2006. The Getting Results video series produced by WGBH features Bob Chaney and Math Machines. It is now available online from the League for Innovation in the Community College. The June workshop on using Math Machines with both calculators and computers is nearly full, but there may still be a few spots available. Click here for workshop information and the application form. April 2006 . Calculators are still a great way to control Math Machines, but computers are better in some situations. The LabVIEW computer language is a growing part of our work and a key new element in the upcoming workshops. March 2006 Several new math, science and technology classroom activities have been posted and we are planning for a brand new workshop this summer. Click here for information and the application form for the workshop. Feb. 2006 The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation has approved our proposal for a ROBOT workshop in Southwestern Ohio, June 19-23, 2006, with follow-up sessions July 21- Aug.1 and Oct. 14. Click here for information and the application form. Jan. 2006 Several new activities have been posted under Classroom Activities and more are being posted each week. Dec. 2005 New activities are being posted. Click "Classroom Activities" above and check back regularly this month. Nov. 2005 There are new versions of the SIGNAL program for CBL2 and LabPRO, which allow key-press input. We have also posted new resources for using the RC Controller with a computer using LabVIEW. Oct. 2005 SAM robots are on sale for the rest of the year for just $495 and it is now much easier and less expensive to run your Math Machines from a computer. Email fred.thomas@mathmachines.net for more details. Sept. 2005 More online activities will soon be posted and we're also working on the schedule for additional workshops. To see photos of past workshops, click here. August 2005 The 1-week workshop at Butler Technology & Career Development Center was a great success. Click here for photos. We're working on the schedule for additional workshops. To arrange a workshop in your area, contact Fred at fred.thomas@mathmachines.net July 2005 There is a special 1-week workshop July 18-22 at Butler Technology & Career Development Center in Hamilton, Ohio. June 2005 This summer's only two-week workshop is in Dayton, June 13-24, and then we'll be focusing on ways to work more closely with community colleges and school districts. What can we do for you? For information about arranging a workshop in your area, contacting Fred at fred.thomas@mathmachines.net May 2005 Final preparations are underway for a 2-week workshop in Dayton, OH, June 13-24, 2005 and a 1-week workshop in Hamilton, OH, July 18-22. April 2005 Selection is underway for a 2-week workshop in Dayton, OH, June 13-24, 2005 and a 1-week workshop in Hamilton, OH, July 18-22. March 2005 We have completed all the workshops planned under our NSF proposal--but there is enough money left for more. There will be an extra 2-week workshop in Dayton, OH, June 13-24, 2005. Check it out and tell everyone you know who might be interested!! Workshop information for 2005 February 2005 If you're in Columbus, Ohio for the SECO meeting, be sure to stop by our booth or come to our presentation at 2:00 on Friday, Feb. 11. It's a great chance to see the latest in both calculator and computer control of Math Machines for the classroom. January 2005 We're working on plans for one or more workshops during the summer of 2005. There has also been a great deal of progress in developing LabVIEW computer programs that control the SAM robot, the pointer and other equipment. December 2004 We expected the NSF-funded to end in 2004. Thanks to supplemental funding from Tech Prep, it now looks like we will be able to have one or two additional 2-week workshops during the summer of 2005. Email Robert Chaney if you want more information. Also look for Math Machines at the ACTE meeting in Las Vegas, Dec. 9-11. November 2004 The first follow-up Fall workshop went very well at Rhodes State College. This month, we'll be meeting again with workshop participants (plus some new colleagues) at Lakeland and Seneca Valley. It's great to see how much teachers are using SAM and the other equipment in their classes! October 2004 Follow-up Fall workshop start this month with a session Oct. 29-30 at Rhodes State College. We've also updated most of the SAM and POINTER programs for the TI-83 and TI-84. August 2004 The last of the NSF-funded summer workshops was a big success. Thanks to all the folks at Seneca Valley School District who made it such a great experience!! Information about Fall follow-up workshops will be available soon. Also, information about purchasing robots, pointers and other math machines is now available by *clicking here* or by contacting Fred at fred.thomas@mathmachines.net Breaking News -- Due to unforeseen difficulties, the final workshop of the NSF-funded series (Aug. 2 - 13) has been moved from Wheeling to Seneca Valley Senior High School in Harmony, Pennsylvania (just north of Pittsburgh). There are a few places available for participants who can provide their own accommodation. Contact Bob Chaney for more information: robert.chaney@mathmachines.net July 2004 We've finished the first of the year's three big workshops, and this month we'll be at Lakeland Community College. We are also now ready to provide additional motor controllers, pointers and other equipment for past and present workshop participants who want to use them in their classes. For more information contact fred.thomas@mathmachines.net or use our new fax number -- 614-455-0856. June 2004 This month begins our last series of NSF-funded summer workshops. We've been working hard to find ways of sustaining the activities beyond the end of our federal funding, and we have recently finalized an agreement between Sinclair Community College and Math Machines, Ltd. to let the project stand on its own. That also means educators who want to purchase additional robots or other materials will soon be able to do so. Check back for more details or email fred.thomas@mathmachines.edu May 2004 We're in the final stages of preparation for this summer's final round of NSF-funded workshops and looking ahead with long-term plans to keep the project moving forward. Apr. 2004 Planning is well under way for this summer's workshops and applicants will hear from us soon. We will also be announcing some hardware enhancements, including a single-board controller for the SAM robots. Mar. 2004 We'll be at the T3 conference in New Orleans, March 12-14, with presentations and also a booth in the exhibit area. Four teachers from Auburn Career Center will also be in New Orleans presenting at 9:00 Sunday with "Welcome to the Jungle" using SAM robots. Feb. 2004 Activities include a workshop at Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, PA (north of Pittsburgh) and a workshop for high school and college students who will soon be working with students at Kiser Middle School in Dayton. Jan. 2004 We're starting the final year of our NSF grant, and planning seriously for long-term continuation of the project. We're also experimenting with new modes of working with schools, including work with high school students from Dayton who are interested in becoming teachers. Dec. 2003 Exciting things are underway at Auburn Career Center where students from different classes are cooperating to build robots and participate in a spectacular competition. Nov. 2003 The first of the Fall follow-up workshops is at Auburn Career Center, Nov. 7-8, and the second at Sinclair Community College, Nov. 14-15. New projects under way include programs to control SAM with the TI-73 calculator. Oct. 2003 We'll be in Washington, DC, for a gathering of all projects under NSF's Advanced Technological Education program, and the follow-up workshops from last summer are now set for November. We've also established an exciting new link with the NASA Classroom of the Future in Wheeling, WV. They will be hosting one of next summer's workshops. Aug. 2003 We are in the middle of a two-week workshop at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio -- view the workshop images from the first week, and watch for additional images next week. July 2003 We just finished a two-week workshop at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio and will do another this month in Cleveland, Ohio. We have a new name, Math Machines, and a new Web presence. The discussion forums are up and running, and our on-line content is being reorganized, redesigned, and enriched.
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"The
mathematical preparation of technical students should focus on applications.
The effectiveness of their education will be very limited, however,
if they do not become proficient in performing basic mathematical
skills and have an intuitive understanding of fundamental mathematical
principles. The mathematics studied by students as part of their
technical programs must support them if their careers change, or
if they decide to study additional more sophisticated mathematics." |
"The
process of inquiry, not merely 'giving instruction,' is
the very heart of what teachers do. Inquiry not only tests what students
know, it presses students to put what they know to the test." |