Monthly Archives: April 2013

4 Color Map Problem Video

Here’s a video of some grade 4 students working on the famous 4 color map problem.  They formed spontaneous groups to try and find 5 color counterexamples, maps that REQUIRE 5 colors.   4 Color Map Problem from John Heffernan … Continue reading

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4 Color Map Problem Research Conclusion

It was extremely valuable and interesting for me to take a lesson I have been doing for twenty years and examine it in-depth and against the background of extant research and theory.  For example, the research provided insights into how … Continue reading

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Spinning Top Misconceptions

The study of alternative or common misconceptions is an active educational research field (Confrey 1990).  I have been paying more attention to it in my second grade robotics unit this year which focuses on gears and pulleys.  One the of … Continue reading

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New Social Technologies

I noticed for the first time this year (when sixth graders were doing their yearbook pages),  how much of their photos are on Instagram and other social media.  In the past, kids have brought in photos on CD and USB … Continue reading

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