Calculating Change

Even the kids know something's wrong: they've all heard the statistics about Pacific Rim students who leave American children in the test score dirt in the areas of math and science. Educators, parents, and school children all agree--the American system of education isn't working. In particular, rote memorization of formulas or principles, divorced from any practical application or model, is widely agreed to be--in the Beavis and Butthead worldview dichotomy--something that "sucks." What's to be done about it, however, is another question. The Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project's Calculating Change, hosted by popular NBC weatherman Al Roker, talks with V.P. Al Gore, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, and a handful of educators who understand that--to resurrect recent campaign rhetoric--the time has come for a change. In Lorain, Ohio, Michael Ferrer plays pool with suspendees and works in percentage problems on various shots. In Mississippi, David Dennis, Sr. and Robert Moses run The Algebra Project which uses subway rides and architectural design to teach the principles of algebra. And, in New Mexico, Dr. Vincente J. Lamas works with kids and their parents afterschool to build a space shuttle using math (which has to be pretty accurate since the students are given a set amount of materials). While some might be quick to dismiss these ideas as capitulating to children's apparent need to be endlessly entertained, real gains have been made, and that's more than can be said for the traditional methods of teaching math and science. An excellent discussion starter. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)