SIR Mathematics Investigation Abstract
TEACHING CHINESE SPEED CALCULATION METHOD TO FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS AT CYCLE'S WIZ FACTORY
Presenters:
Anna Hang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; lucky3@imsa.edu
Annie Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 W. Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; blurgrrl@imsa.edu
Mentors:
Connie Van Brunt, MAT, LaSalle Street Community Youth Creative Learning Experience's Wiz Factory, 1111 N. Wells, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60610
George C. Colone, LaSalle Street Community Youth Creative Learning Experience's Wiz Factory, 1111 N. Wells, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60610
Abstract:
LaSalle Street C.Y.C.L.E. (Community Youth Creative Learning Experience) Wiz Factory offers many different opportunities for kids in Cabrini Green and surrounding areas. The labs are designed so that the kids can advance at a rate faster than their schools can provide. IMSA students run their own labs entailing math or science related curriculum. Our lab focuses on the Chinese speed calculation method to solve fundamental math problems. This provides a totally new perspective on doing math than the students are used to. The materials used were sent by a math professor at the JiaoTong University in Shanghai, China. Since mathematics is a universal language, the fact that the books are written in Chinese proved not to be an obstacle to our instruction. The material is first introduced, and then reinforced through much practice. The same ideas are then approached in many different perspectives. The kids take this new knowledge into their classroom environment and into their everyday lives.