JOURNAL 4 - A TECHNOLOGY UPDATE LEONARDO DA VINCI AND THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT BODY .

A Technology Update Leonardo da Vinci and the Search for the Perfect Body By Morgan, B., Jernigan, J.
Learning & Leading with Technology. Volume 26, Number 4, 1999, Pgs. 22-25.

This article explains to the students that Leonardo da Vinci made many studies of the human body to try and come up with the perfect measurements of the human body. It explains to the students that what he came up with were two ratios that compared three measurements. It tells the students how they will be using their knowledge of ratios and proportions to make a spreadsheet that will give them the dimensions of the perfect body. This article explains daily practical examples to the students that they can take a survey of measurements of their classmates and use that information to make a database in the classroom. The example given to the students was that they can take measurements of their height without shoes then the height from the floor to their belly button and write them on the worksheet. It also explained to the students that they can take a measurement from finger tip to finger tip with their arms extended to the side and write it on the worksheet. It explained to the students that each of them can easily enter their own measurements onto the computer spreadsheet called the “Body Proportions Spreadsheet” with formulas to determine the accuracy of da Vinci’s work. It talked about how a teacher can explain the use of ratios on the chalkboard. This can be demonstrated by the teacher how to calculate the two ratios: first, by dividing the total height by the belly button height, second, by dividing the arm span by the total height. The teacher can then ask the students to round their result to three decimal places. The students can compare their results with the ratios that da Vinci developed in 1492 and determine if any student has the perfect ratios. Finally the teacher can ask the students to determine the average ratio for the entire class, for girls only and for boys only.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you see the need for students to know how ratio and proportion works?

It is very important for all of us to know ratio and proportion work. Mathematical measurement is based on ratio and proportion. Building industry, engineering and architectural drawings are all based on ratio and proportion. The great pyramids and the Parthenon were built on the great principle of ratio and proportion. Ratio and proportion are very important in our daily life for example in paintings, in sculpturing, cooking, dieting, sewing gardening and simple balance. We must teach this concept as early as kindergarten. More information can be found on the following websites.

http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/isa/ninvest/Measure/measureup.htm
http://mathforum.org/mathtools/activity/51/
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/documents/appropriateness.pdf

2. Is there a simple ratio and proportion related math activity we can use in our classrooms?

I found this simple activity on the internet which can be used in our classrooms.
There are many more activities and lesson plans available on the internet.

http://t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/teacher_resources/MathSite/curriculum/Prealgebra/Pre%204%20ratio/Pre4.3R%20and%20P%20in%20KIDS.pdf

Lesson Title: Ratio and Proportion in KIDS Pre 4.3
Utah State Core Standard and Indicators Pre-Algebra Standards 2-5 Process Standards 1-5
Summary
In this activity, students measure and then figure out proportions using height/head circumference, thumb/wrist, etc. They change the ratios to decimals, organize the data into tables and plots to find patterns and make predictions.
Enduring Understanding
We can use proportion equations to make predictions about sizes and heights in kids. Essential Questions
How can we use ratio to help us make predictions and solve problems?
Skill Focus

• Measuring size

• Ratios

• Proportion equations

• Statistics plots and central tendencies
Vocabulary Focus
Assessment ideas:

• Use the Credit Card and Ratio and Proportion Assessments later in the module.

• Have students respond in writing to the essential questions.

• Have students write about their learning. What was interesting? What did they learn the most from? What connections did they make? What did they think while they were working?

Materials: Calculators, measurement tools, worksheets, Da Vinci picture copies
Launch
Explore
Summarize
Apply

ENJOY!!

JOURNAL 3 - ARE YOU THE COPY COP?

Johnson, D., Simpson, C. Are you the copy cop ?

Learning & Leading with Technology Volume 32 Number 7, 2005, Pgs 14-20

This article explains to the general public what copyright means and why it is important that teachers’ and students respect copyright’s to movies, books, magazines, music and software. It explains how the school librarians and teachers can explain in greater detail what may or
may not have copyright protection. This article explains to the students that a violation of a copyright can happen in schools. If the violation happens in the schools it may result in the school ( a teacher or a student) being sued. This further explains to the public and students’ how some people unknowingly break copyright laws so they understand and avoid making these mistakes. It explains how teachers are instructed to obey copyright laws and to educate their learners about the seriousness of breaking the copyright laws. This also explains to the students that copyright laws help protect the authors or creators of books, magazines, music and movies who earn a living by making these things. It clarifies to the students and teachers that the district is able to scan and review all documents that have been printed on photocopiers to see what has copyright protection. It explains to the students and teachers that the district policy on scanning the software programs on all of its computers to make sure that a license to use the software on that computer has been purchased. It describes that copyright is a federal law and that obeying this law is the right thing to do. Lastly, It explains to the students and teachers that congress has given schools certain exemptions to use limited amounts of published and marketed materials to assist in teaching students.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why is it important for all students to know the copyright laws?

It is very important for all students, teachers, volunteers and all general public to know all the copyright laws. The teachers have the responsibility of educating the students and all other staff that work in the classroom to avoid any law suites and litigations. We must know that we cannot copy other peoples work without their permission otherwise it becomes stealing. The students must be taught the correct ways of researching and using other peoples work with proper permission. People must be given credit for their own hard work. The teachers must teach the students this responsibility and educate them in respecting the copyright laws. Copyright is a federal law and has high penalties if it is violated.The copyrigh laws are written in the constituition of the United States Article 1 sect 8.The penalties are very severe.

2. Where can teachers and students find information about the copyright laws and their penalties?

The following are some websites that we can get more information and educate
ourselves and our learners to avoid law suites:

http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec8.html
http://www.rbs2.com/copyr.htm
http://www.gindylaw.com/
http://www.legalzoom.com/
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/
http://www.copyright.gov/title17/
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
http://www.copyright.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright
http://www.rbs2.com/copyr.htm
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/
http://copyrightlaws.com/
http://it.slashdot.org/
http://www.p2pnet.net/story/14186

JOURNAL 2 - FACING THE FUTURE...

Bolkan, J. V. Facing the Future.

Learning & Leading with Technology November 2005, Pgs. 8-13.

This article explains to the students what personal computer standards are and why they are important. It helps us to understand that standards are used by all major computer manufacturers and last for many years. It explains that manufactures are currently developing new standards that will not only change the way a computer looks and functions on the inside but also how they will affect how quickly a computer functions. It explains the issue of heat inside the computer and how the new standards will help to significantly reduce the amount of heat. It talks about the new standards that will make the personal computer more flexible and expandable. It explained that the new standards will help allow for faster applications. It also explains that personal computers have had many advancements over the last twenty years and that it is amazing that some of the same standards which originated in the 1980’s are still found in current computers. It further explains that a personal computer is not a monolithic thing that many people believe but actually a collection of subsystems. It explains to the students that with a change in standards comes new requirements for replacement parts and systems. It explains that we can be assured that we will be able to find replacement and upgrade parts in the future.

1. Why are computers important in our schools?

Computers are very important for our student education. Computers provide new knowledge at home and at school. It is important for students to know the standards of computers so they will understand the need to upgrade when it hinders progress. It is important for our students to know these details of replacement parts and upgraded standards. Students will also develop new interests in building their own new computers, which will help them develop their own business. When we are unable to expand our computers and, we know its time to add on and upgrade. When we educate our students with this knowledge they intern will help their parents understand this important information about computers.

2. How can we get used to changes in computer technology?

We can get used to new changes in the computer technology by constantly reading and learning about it. We as teachers have the responsibility to educate our learners about modern computer technology and changes. We can also have examples to show our learners with our classroom computers and the upgrades we do and expand the computer applications with our research projects so they will see the importance of change.

JOURNAL 1 - INTRODUCTION LETTER

My name is Asha Edwin-Kent. I was born, raised and educated in India except for three years when my family lived in Sri Lanka. I earned my Plant Sciences degrees in India. Later I moved to Western Samoa with my family where I taught high school reading and general sciences. I came to the United States and attended BYU in Provo, Utah.

My experience with computer technology has been limited. In the early 1980’s I used a Macintosh computer to enter information given by graduate students as a lab tech. I currently use a personal computer in the Cal State San Marcos Kellogg library to complete my home work. I use Word to prepare my papers for my credential classes and WebCT to turn in home work. I use the internet to conduct research and gather information for my papers. I enjoy working on my computer everyday.

What impressed me the most about the College Of Education mission statement was it’s commitment to student-centered education, diversity, collaboration and professionalism. I made my decision to attend California State University because the best teachers at my school are graduates of Cal State San Marcos and exemplify these qualities.