Math Links for Week Ending Jan. 12th, 2018

Find out about mathematician @lewlefton who is also a stand up comedian (with math jokes) and @TheMathGuru who talks about her first day as a student teacher (and hails from Toronto).
Curriculum Tags: All
https://www.storycollider.org/stories/2018/1/5/math-problems-stories-about-math

If you are talking about simulations then you might want your kids to try this one out from @vihartvihart and @ncasenmare where they use polygons who are happy or sad to simulate why segregation happens.
Curriculum Tags: MDM4U
http://ncase.me/polygons/






If you are at all thinking of using visibly random groups in your class, one thing that might hold you back is getting started. Sure you get the kids into random groups but how do you keep control? Why not give them a non math related starter so they won't be shy about talking to each other with a purpose. So to help you @LauraWheeler has compiled her 90 Getting to Know You questions. So you now have one less excuse to get started.
Curriculum Tags: All
https://mslwheeler.wordpress.com/2018/01/11/90-days-of-getting-to-know-you-questions-for-visibly-random-groups-%F0%9F%A4%94thinkingclassroom/

Some posts on medium from @mathgarden and @JamesTanton on why the current system of education is failing our students. The thread there is that math class can be a lot more enjoyable for students than it is right now and we can do it while still providing a quality math instruction.
Curriculum Tags: All
https://medium.com/q-e-d/six-questions-that-math-educators-need-to-answer-honestly-2ffc9da07aef
https://medium.com/q-e-d/its-time-to-let-go-of-antiquated-edicts-in-the-mathematics-classroom-8629d139a751
https://medium.com/@sunilsingh_42118/back-to-basics-mathematics-movement-re-imagining-the-classroom-as-a-sweatshop-with-victorian-24fc635ba599

And along the same lines and also highlighted at Medium is @MathewOldridges essay on the importance of play along with your math classes. Watch the video and then read the essay.
Curriculum Tags: All
https://medium.com/q-e-d/math-is-play-or-at-least-it-could-be-more-playful-cbd856d92aab

If you are in the beginnings combinatorics then why not start with something simple that students might relate to from @MathBeforeBed and while you are there check out the other math starters
Curriculum Tags: MDM4U
https://mathbeforebed.com/2018/01/09/the-doc-is-in/

Are you new to 3 Act Tasks? Or perhaps helping someone get started? Then you might like this Sketchnote from @LauraWheeler to summarize the main points (and some useful links in the post as well)
Curriculum Tags: All
https://mslwheeler.wordpress.com/2018/01/12/3-act-math-sketchnote/