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Visualize, Don't Memorize

Using a hands-on approach inspired by Montessori materials, students will delve into the "why" of mathematical/geometric formulas.

Cathy Rohrer, PhD

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(1)

What's included

1 live meeting

1 in-class hours per week

Class Experience

This class will be a hands-on exploration of geometric formulas. Students will be engaged in creating paper and digital models that demonstrate what these formulas mean. We will be practicing measuring with a ruler and working precisely. Questions and discussion about the work at hand are encouraged throughout the class! 

The classes are related and sequential, but each will stand alone. Topics include:

Week of September 5: Area of Parallelograms and Triangles

Week of September 12: No classes

Week of September 19: Area of Trapezoids

Week of September 26: Area of Polygons

Week of October 3: Circumference and Area of Circles (In addition to the usual materials, please bring the following to class: a circular object (can, lid, ..., string or yarn, calculator)

Week of October 10: Sum of Angles in Polygons

Week of October 17: Pythagorean Theorem visualization #1 

Week of October 24: Pythagorean Theorem visualization #2

Week of October 31: Distance Formula 

Week of November 7: Volume of Right Prisms

Week of November 14: Volume of a Cone (In addition to the usual materials, please bring the following to class: empty cylindrical can or jar or cup, aluminum foil)

Learning Goals

Students will gain hands-on understanding of where mathematical formulas come from. They will develop physical models that derive these formulas.

Other Details

Supply List

Materials that will be needed weekly include:
pencil
paper (computer paper, construction paper, and/or graph paper)
ruler
scissors

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Cathy Rohrer, PhD

Joined June, 2021

5.0

1reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

I have been a credentialed Montessori teacher for 12 years, but my teaching career started while homeschooling my three - now grown - children. During that time, we participated in a homeschool cooperative where different parents brought their unique skills and passions to each other's children, much like Outschool! I came to the program with a BSE in Electrical Engineering and certificates in Engineering/Physics and Theater and Dance from Princeton University, as well as a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Pennsylvania. Now enhanced by Montessori Elementary I-II (1st-6th grade) and Adolescent (7th-12th grade) credentials, I most frequently teach hands-on, often arts-infused, math and science classes, but I also love leading novel studies, current events, and performing arts. I encourage collaborative learning and creating in my classes. Students will definitely get to know and learn from each other! My goal is to support children to make connections and to problem solve for themselves.