Think “Tropical Math From the Dominican Republic" With the Fabulous Fibonacci Sequence!
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
After an introduction of the Fibonacci sequence, students will view a short video showing how this sequence can be found in nature. Students will be taught how to calculate and create the number sequence for the Fibonacci sequence and then draw the spiral, guided by the teacher, on graph paper provided in the class welcome link. Next, students will view live flowers and shells collected in the Dominican Republic and see evidence of Fibonacci numbers in flower pedals and leaves and see the spiral in marine life on the beach. Directions will be included in the class welcome for students to try drawing the spiral before the class begins, and after class if they wish. Drawing of the spiral IS NOT a requirement for this course and may be difficult for younger students who have not learned how to use a compass.
Learning Goals
Students will understand how to calculate and create the Fibonacci sequence. Students will learn to draw the Fibonacci spiral.
Other Details
Supply List
A link for graph paper to be printed out will be sent in the class welcome, along with a sample drawing of mine of the Fibonacci spiral. A compass will be necessary for more advanced drawers to use if they'd like to draw the spiral. Note that drawing the spiral IS NOT required for students who have not learned how to draw with a compass, nor is it necessary for learning and enjoyment in this class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Kentucky Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from University of Minnesota Minneapolis
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Western Kentucky University
Hi, there! My name is Mr. Thurman and I enjoy teaching math. And, at “Math You Can Do” we’re always cooking up some good “recipes” for a tasty math experience! I was a public and private school educator for 36 years, and have experience teaching 3rd through 6th grade math. I was a principal for 5 years too, but I must say, it is much more fun and rewarding to teach. I have undergraduate degrees in music and in elementary education from Western Kentucky University. As well, I have a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and a theology degree from Bethany Global University. I am offering math classes for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders because, for the last 20 years of my career, I have been doing just that, working as a math specialist for intermediate students. We will be using a fun math program which allows me to teach you, and then monitor your work when we're not in class together, enabling me to see just where I can best help you until we meet again. I can even communicate with you while you are working between our online classes. And yes, you can and WILL excel in math!! You might even learn to love it! (Conceptual Math producing Efficiency and Accuracy)
If you had asked me when I was your age, students, if I wanted to be a math teacher when I grew up, I would have said, "NO!" I had to work hard at math when I was young, and, to be quite honest, I don't think some of my teachers really knew how best to teach the subject. Here's the big idea I share with my students: LEARNING TAKES PLACE OVER TIME! It can't be rushed...especially with math. Our class motto will be," Learning takes place over time AND it's all about the effort!"
My wife is a music teacher and we have 3 grown daughters. We played music together as a family for many years and performed 45 concerts in 5 countries in Europe. Now, we have 9 grandchildren, 4 boys and 5 girls. I have been a professional musician for many years now and play french horn in Orchestra Kentucky of Bowling Green and we perform lots of concerts. We have a little Yorkie named Sir James Paul McCartney Thurman. We call him Paul and I don't think he knows he's a dog! 😃
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$5
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 8 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-11
3-18 learners per class