Alien Math: Exploring Alternative Number Bases

While they are learning how to compute in different bases, students will: 

- deepen their understanding of place value in our base ten number system by examining how it works in other bases.

- practice multiplying and dividing by single digit numbers, thus strengthening their basic math fluency. 

- understand the symbolism of numbers and invent their own symbols for numerals beyond 9. 

- have fun being playful and creative with numeracy!

I have been working with children in a variety of schools for the past 20 years. I have a degree in Elementary Education with an area of emphasis in Mathematics. After college, I began teaching 5th grade in the public school setting and found that most students weren't receiving the foundation to love math and numbers. Instead, many of the "strong" students were those who could follow steps, yet they didn't really grasp or understand what they were doing and why the algorithms they were using  actually worked. 

I left my public school career in 2009 to pursue teaching in small private schools, first a small Quaker school and now an Agile Learning Center.  I am continually working on reinventing how math is presented to children. I have spent the past decade reading, researching and testing out my ideas, with most of my teaching pulling from the work of John Van De Walle.

John Van De Walle's book Teaching Elementary and Middle School Mathematics is a fantastic resource for math games and lessons for students. This text was used when I studied teaching mathematics in college, however in the public school world I was never allowed to incorporate any of his strategies or techniques into the classroom. I've found that ability in the private school world and am now excited to offer this to the Outschool community. 

Key to Van De Walle's approach is the use of invented algorithms, estimation, problem-based inquiry, and discussion to build a solid foundation of mathematics. Students are not rushed to learn standard algorithms. I firmly believe that no child should be pushed to use a system that doesn't make sense to them. I care to create more space for a love of numbers, logic, and problem solving that comes with math, not the memorization of steps to just get an answer. 

There is no homework for this class. 

The learner will be given narrative feedback based on their participation in class.

50 minutes per week in class, and no time outside of class.