Measurements

We’re getting acoustic inserts for our bedroom windows — we’re on Main St in Rockland, which is lovely but can be noisy.

For each window, there are six measurements done with a laser ruler, and which we’re doing multiple times and comparing via a third Google Sheet coded to visually highlight large variances that might suggest a need to re-measure. We’re dealing with data, doing unit conversions, figuring out the most user-friendly way to record measurements down to 1/32″, designing tables, determining tolerances, computing ratios, and a million other mathematical things.

When I say that we should be teaching math by including learners in things that are real, collaborative, multi-step and of actual use, this is what I’m talking about. People fixated on tests and word problems and abstraction and so-called ‘loss of rigor’ need to explain why anything they’re talking about is worth teaching to every single American student.

I don’t have that burden because I’m starting from productive engagement with the world, and suggesting that we should be teaching (primarily and first) the skills necessary for that type of engagement.