
By Norman Alston, President, eMODE Learning Foundation
Thirty-two students gathered for eMODE's Math Academy on Saturday, October 11, and received a scary lesson on measurement and proportions using the "skeleton" of the giant, Robert Wadlow, currently on exhibit at Seattle's Pacific Science Center. This skeletal replica is to scale, 8 feet, 11 inches, or 2.72 m tall!!!
Students are beginning a semester-long series of lessons on the origin of measurement. They are learning how body measures such as a foot, cubit, and span led to standardization of customary units of measure. However, later students will learn to use the metric system, and they are already building an understanding of the relationship of inches to centimeters (1 to 2.54).
Thirty-two students gathered for eMODE's Math Academy on Saturday, October 11, and received a scary lesson on measurement and proportions using the "skeleton" of the giant, Robert Wadlow, currently on exhibit at Seattle's Pacific Science Center. This skeletal replica is to scale, 8 feet, 11 inches, or 2.72 m tall!!!
Students are beginning a semester-long series of lessons on the origin of measurement. They are learning how body measures such as a foot, cubit, and span led to standardization of customary units of measure. However, later students will learn to use the metric system, and they are already building an understanding of the relationship of inches to centimeters (1 to 2.54).
This semester students will also learn how to perform all operations on the ancient Chinese Suan Pan Abacus. All students will master their multiples and begin to explore advanced number theory—every child a number theorist!
Two parents attending the academy are themselves classroom teachers! We had so much fun, but something very special was shared with me. One of the children, a little girl, is the great granddaughter of a teacher, Mrs. Ernestine Tinner. Mrs. Tinner trained me many years ago when I was a young Seattle Public Schools paraprofessional serving under her tutelage at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Mrs. Tinner passed away in 2007.
To now be teaching her great granddaughter touched me very deeply. Mrs. Tinner's granddaughter is in a certification program now studying to become a teacher, and she will work with me on Saturdays as I teach her little daughter. It's just beyond special what we are doing in our community. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
The eMODE Learning Foundation offers enrichment to children in grades kindergarten through 8th grade focusing especially on those from disadvantaged populations. These enrichment offerings include products and services centered around advanced math concepts utilizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based instruction allowing us to offer curriculum and instruction, well ahead of standard grade level expectations.
Two parents attending the academy are themselves classroom teachers! We had so much fun, but something very special was shared with me. One of the children, a little girl, is the great granddaughter of a teacher, Mrs. Ernestine Tinner. Mrs. Tinner trained me many years ago when I was a young Seattle Public Schools paraprofessional serving under her tutelage at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Mrs. Tinner passed away in 2007.
To now be teaching her great granddaughter touched me very deeply. Mrs. Tinner's granddaughter is in a certification program now studying to become a teacher, and she will work with me on Saturdays as I teach her little daughter. It's just beyond special what we are doing in our community. I am so grateful for this opportunity.
The eMODE Learning Foundation offers enrichment to children in grades kindergarten through 8th grade focusing especially on those from disadvantaged populations. These enrichment offerings include products and services centered around advanced math concepts utilizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based instruction allowing us to offer curriculum and instruction, well ahead of standard grade level expectations.