NKCTM
Mathematics on the Mind
Vol. 1 No. 1
Northern Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics - Our Identity and Goals - The NKCTM was organized October 10, 1989. The first executive board: President Peter Moore, Vice President Ed Long, Treasurer Betty Stephens, Secretary Nancy Harris, Elementary Rep Linda Hawkins, Middle School Rep John Lindle, HS Rep Ray Pfriem, College Rep Linda Sheffield. The purpose of the organization is to encourage and maintain interest in the teaching of mathematics and to promote professional growth and fellowship among its members. Presently there are about 120 members. Sr. Anita Marie (Bishop Brossart High School) is the president, Gina Foletta (Northern Kentucky University) is treasurer and NCTM Representative, and Peter Moore is the college representative. Two meetings are held each year - one in the Fall and one in the Spring - usually at NKU. Our Fall meeting will be on Sept 30 and include a dinner and nationally recognized speaker, Chuck Sunshine. Mark your calendars to be sure to attend.
You Do Make A Difference
- A Reflection by Bill Klopp (Bishop Brossart High School) - As I begin my 29th year in the classroom I look back with fond memories to my past mathematics students.After retiring from public education, I embarked on a "new" career in parochial education. As much as things are different in my new setting, they remain much the same - I'm still teaching kids mathematics. I'm to that point (and have been for years) where I'm teaching children of former students.) Perhaps more than anything that is my greatest reward - I've had the opportunity to see those people turn into loving, caring, concerned, parents. Isn't that what its all about?
I've been fortunate enough to have a small part in helping people become doctors, lawyers, engineers, ministers, teachers, nurses, psychologists - the list goes on and on! What a reward !! But above all, I've had the opportunity to be a small part of a great number of people turning into productive members of society!
Would I do it over again? In a heartbeat. In a word, it's not the math, it's the kids!
Here's to each of you having a terrific year in your mathematics classroom. No matter how difficult it gets, remember you do make a difference!
Call for Officers - The NKCTM is in need of filling some of its offices. If you are interested in volunteering to help as secretary, high school rep, middle school rep, or elementary school rep please email Gina Foletta at foletta@nku.edu. None of these positions require a lot of time. Basically attendance at two planning meetings in the Fall and the Spring are the only responsibilities. We look forward to new ideas and suggestions and look forward to working with you!
Upcoming Conference for Teachers of Mathematics
Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics - October 30, 1999
78th NCTM Annual Conference - Chicago, IL - April 13-15, 2000
Meet Lois Terms - Can a has-been limbo champion find happiness as a math consultant? Lois Terms seems to have done just that with Ask Lois Terms, "a math website for students in grades 5 - 8. Lois How-Low-Can-You-Go Terms was originally created by a 7th grade student who had reached the frustration point in trying to reduce fractions to lowest terms! Lowest terms! That's all you ever talk about! She complained to her tutor. But then, in a moment of inspiration she created sporty character, named her Lois Terms, and gave her a history. Once a queen, Lois had given up her crown to become the Dear Abby of the mathematical world.
"Ask Lois Terms" first appeared in hardcopy as a newsletter. Although students liked Lois's newsletter, they suggested that Lois would be way cooler if she were on the WWW. In June, 1998, Lois opened her website with the address: www.loisterms.com. Since then Lois has been visited by hundreds of students, teachers, and other interested surfers from all over the US, Canada, Europe, and even Australia.
Lois is able to connect with middle grade students because she answers their questions such as, "Why do we have to multiply by ½ to find the area of a triangle? How can I remember the answer to 8 x 7? Why is it called simple interest when it isn't simple? What's the use of learning all this math anyway when you're going all you're going to do is get a job at the local GAS-N-GO?
In her answers Lois attempts to break down math concepts and get at their inner workings. She uses diagrams, illustrations, and stories to get concepts across and adds just enough zaniness to keep the student's interest. She is also willing to throw in a little pertinent advice on life at the local GAS-N-GO for the rest of your life.
Lois's website is interactive with links to definitions and explanations of key words. A quickie quiz allows students to test their knowledge of equivalent fractions. Students can submit questions to converse directly with Lois by calling up the email link (loisterms@aol.com) on the site. To receive a free 8-1/2 by 11 color poster of Lois and her web address for your classroom, send a stamped, self addressed, manila envelope to: