I was checking out Dan Meyer’s blog (again) and he had conducted an experiment with other Lovers Of Math, where he asked any person to make and submit a rectangle on the web.  With all of those rectangles, these Math Lovers sought to determine if all of the rectangles together, each of the rectangles made by all the math nerds, interested wanders, or befuddled stumblers, would combine to make the golden ratio. The result? Nothing.  They didn’t combine to make the golden ratio.

I was intrigued. Then disappointed. Then contemplative.

Math is a series of experiments.  Something doesn’t work? Try something else.  I think about all the mathematicians who spent countless years coming up with the beautiful proofs that I now study, proofs that cause me to ask, “Where in the world did they come up with this?!” Seriously, why would you think to use dilations to prove the 9-point circle … it takes a little bit of ingenuity and a lot of patience as each idea is tried out, and finally exciting proofs are developed!

So what should we take from all of that? We may not be professional mathematicians, but that doesn’t mean that we give up at the first sign of math!  “If at first you don’t succeed…” yes, try again.  Try a different method because chances are, there are multiple ways of solving one problem.  Math is fun in that regard – be creative trying to find a solution and then the problem becomes your own … it becomes an exciting journey.

So, if technology, and the combined effort of multiple people can help in the process, why not?  It is controlled democracy – always a good method in the classrooms.  Which reminds me (but doesn’t display my own opinions) don’t forget to vote, and then, go make a rectangle yourself … you might like it!

 

 

 

 

Helping Note: QC is being used as a shelter, and if you go to room 307 in the gym, they are welcoming volunteers.