Math in my life

Today is the day that I finish revising my last Algebra 2 test of the school year. I am re-writing an older version. My hope is that it will be better and better understood than any other test I have written this year or in my past years of teaching. I think my students are ready for the test. In fact I know that after my conversations with most of them. After seeing the work that I have seen that if they study and practice more tonight they will be very ready to pass the test tomorrow. Not just pass the test, but do exceptionally well.



We are studying the topic of conics. Now the name itself sounds mysterious and perhaps confusing, but really it is stuff that we see all around us. It is taking a cone and cutting it up and seeing a pattern.

Like circles,or ellipses when you take a circle and bend it

(like tipping a glass of water),

parabolas are just the path that a ball takes when you toss it to someone else

or try to make a basket,

and hyperbolas are like the shadow

of light that comes from a lamp shade.

Enough math talk.

You know a lot of the time I feel like I think my students might be feeling right now or right before they walk into my room before the test. I am anxious over the new expectations for my life. Even though I've prepared and "studied". I've practiced and discussed what I need to do and how to do it. I still feel like I am not ready to see if I am ready to use my new skill.

But I need to remember that I should be happy about the time of testing. It usually does not last long (my Algebra 2 test will only last about 50 minutes). It is there to help me be stronger. It is there as a measuring point as to how I am doing at this point along the path. It is just an assesment. I am not doomed if I don't pass. I just know how I am doing. Of course I always want to pass the test. I like how James put it in his letter that is recorded in the Bible.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4 (New International Version)

I am glad when the "testing of my faith" is done for a season. I know that I need to prepare for the next test, but I am confident that God will help me with that one as well.

I know that I want to be shown mature, complete and not lacking anything. Speaking of not lacking anything...I better get back to that test or I will be lacking it for class tomorrow.