Session 4 - Question 1

The cover of this book has the following quote, “Math is often taught as all scales and no music. This book contains the music!” After reading this book does the statement regarding the mathematical music found within the pages ring true for you? Support your response with page numbers. Would it ring true for gifted students? Why or Why not?

Session 4 - Question 2

How does Edward Zaccaro create rich and in-depth avenues for gifted students to learn and experience mathematics? Site page numbers to support your response.

Session 4 - Question 3

Complete three of the "Math Contest" questions from different contests, located on pages 307-326, by using the author’s information, and share your experience. Site the page number and the question number in your answer.

Session 3 - Question 1

Why do you think gifted students would like how the author introduces Trigonometry?

Session 3 - Question 2

What were "Ah-Ha's" or "Golden Nuggets" for you while reading Chapters 12-15? Include the page numbers for the other bloggers.

Session 3 - Question 3

Complete any one of the Einstein Level Problems using the author’s information and share your experience. Site the page number and the question number in your answer.

Session 2 - Question 1

What were some “A-HA” moments for you while reading chapters 6-11? Include page numbers in your blog response.

Session 2 - Question 2

Why do you think students identified as gifted in mathematics would like the author’s methods?

Session 2 - Question 3

In this reading selection, complete any one of the Einstein Level Problems using the author’s information and share your experience. Remember - site the page number and the question number in your blog answer.

Session 1 – Question 1

On page 1, the author speaks of “intellectual frustration” and states how students must have this experience. Do you agree or disagree with his complete statement? Why? or Why not?

Session 1 – Question 2

The author demonstrates a strategy of instruction throughout Chapters 1 – 5. Discuss how you have and/or will use this method for challenging gifted students. Include page numbers in your discussion for the ease of other readers participating in the book study.

Session 1 – Question 3

Complete any one of the Einstein Level Problems using the author’s information and share your experience. Site the page number and the question number in your answer.

Challenge Math

The subject of this GT book study is Challenge Math by Ed Zaccaro. It is most appropriate for 4th - 8th grade teachers. The first 25 SBISD teachers who sign up on PDLC will receive a book for free. Any other SBISD teachers who sign up on PDLC are welcome to participate but must purchase their own books. Teachers outside SBISD who wish to participate are welcome.

You can learn more about the book at the following sites:
Amazon
Hickory Grove Press
Prufrock Press

Expectations and Directions

Expectations for the blog:

1st Session - June 10, 2010:
1) Participants need to have the first assigned reading completed BEFORE the first session. Participants who choose to attend the face-to-face session will post their responses to the first set of questions during the session. Those who do not choose to attend the face-to-face session are expected to post their responses by midnight.
2) In addition, all participants are expected to comment on 2 other participants' responses within 48 hours of the first session.

2nd Session - June 24, 2010: (by blog)
By the meeting date, participants must post their responses to the Session 2 questions. Participants must also post at least 2 comments that specifically address fellow participants responses.

3rd Session - July 15, 2010: (by blog)
By the meeting date, participants must post their responses to the Session 3 questions. Participants must also post at least 2 comments that specifically address fellow participants responses.

4th Session - July 29, 2010: (by blog)
By the meeting date, all participants must post their responses to the Session 4 questions. Participants must also post at least 2 comments that specifically address fellow participants responses.


Instruction for the Blog:

• Click on "comments" below the post to which you want to respond.
• Type your comment in the box. If you write a lot, you can use the light gray bar to scroll up and down within the comment box.
• When you finish typing your comment, click on the little black arrow beside "Select profile…"
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• In the box under "Name:" type in what you want to be known as in our book study. You can use your first name and last initial or last name and first initial – something that lets us know who you are. (For example, I'd probably call myself LBreedlove or LynetteB.) Leave the URL box blank and click on "Continue".
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• It might take a minute or two, but then your comment will be posted. You'll know your comment is posted because you'll get a notice saying it was, and the comment will appear on the page, just below the post.
• Hint: The blog page does not have spell check. In addition, there have been times when the blog page hicupped, losing the response typed in the comment box. To reduce frustration, protect your thoughts, and allow for spell check, we advise that you compose your response in Microsoft Word (or other word processing software) and then paste it into the comment box.