PAEMST: The application is finally done!

AUGUST UPDATE

Congrats to the NYS Finalists! The list was published last week.

APRIL UPDATE

I haven't been able to blog for the last few weeks as I was finishing the PAEMST essay! It's a 12 page PDF. I know that sounds like a lot, but I could barely fit all I had to say into those 12 pages! I was given a MS Word file as a template. This file had 12 pt font, 14 question prompts, 1" margins as well as headers and footers already setup. I could not change any of it, so there wasn't a lot of room. 

Dimension 1 had 3 prompts and was limited to 3 pages. Dimension 2 had 3 prompts and was also limited to 3 pages. Dimension 3 had 3 prompts and was also limited to 3 pages. However, Dimension 4 had 3 prompts and was limited to only 2 pages. Finally, Dimension 5 had 2 prompts and was limited to 1 page! 

The Essay had to reference 10 supplemental pages (see below) and time stamps from the lesson video (see above). Have a look at all the documents I uploaded to the PAEMST website:

(revised) Alvar garcia tid32327_dimensions_essay from A Jorge Garcia

Supplemental Page 1:

Tid32327 supplemental1 alvar_garcia_tid32327_page_1 from A Jorge Garcia

Supplemental Page 2:

Tid32327 supplemental1 alvar_garcia_tid32327_page_2 from A Jorge Garcia

Supplemental Page 3:

Tid32327 supplemental1 alvar_garcia_tid32327_page_3 from A Jorge Garcia

Supplemental Page 4:

Supplemental Page 5:

Tid32327 supplemental1 alvar_garcia_tid32327_page_5 from A Jorge Garcia

Supplemental Page 6:

Supplemental Page 7:

Supplemental Page 8:

Supplemental Page 9:

Supplemental Page 10:

Tid32327 supplemental1 alvar_garcia_tid32327_page_10 from A Jorge Garcia

Tid32327 resume resume2013 from A Jorge Garcia

Tid32327 recommendation1 knors_rec from A Jorge Garcia

Tid32327 recommendation2 judy_broadwin from A Jorge Garcia

Tid32327 recommendation3 murthy from A Jorge Garcia

Tid32327 teacher information_form from A Jorge Garcia

Tid32327 employment verification from A Jorge Garcia

Generally Speaking,

Sincerely,

A. Jorge Garcia

 

Applied Math, Physics and CS

http://shadowfaxrant.blogspot.com

http://www.youtube.com/calcpage2009

2013 NYS Secondary Math PAEMST Nominee

Teaching with Technology, 

pastebin youtube slideshare 

mathforum apcommunity

sage ebay

LIMACON 2013: SAGE Advice - Let's replace TI-83s???

UPDATE:UPDATE:UPDATE:UPDATE:UPDATE
I was a guest speaker at LIMACON 2013 today. What you will find below is a mix of my experience preparing for LIMACON this year and an update of all the materials I created for and during the talk including a screencast! It's all about coding in math, science and computer science classes in High School! Take a look at this site too.

UPDATE:UPDATE:UPDATE:UPDATE:UPDATE

LIMACON 2013 is March 15th at SUNY Old Westbury and I have to get my presentation together! My problem is that I have too much material. Do I speak about "SAGE Advice: preCalculus" or "SAGE Advice: Calculus?" Do I base it on all my pretests or make a packet of samples? 

My plan was to speak on how I used SAGE in preCalculus this year in place of a TI-83/84 Graphing Calculator. I never got to use SAGE in preCalculus, however. I tried to introduce SAGE and Python slowly and ween the students off the Graphing Calculator. That was a huge mistake. They never wanted to get rid of the Graphing Calculator. So, I'm presenting on what I'll do differently next year! I will start day one with only SAGE in class. I have taken this approach in my preComputer Science Honors class with great success. Further, SAGE is a viable alternative in preCalculus as this course does not have an exit exam such as a Regents or AP requiring the Graphing Calculator. SAGE is great for doing High School as well as College and advanced mathematics. SAGE is a free alternative to Mathematica and MATLAB available online. Why not show our students how to code a bit in Python and use more modern technology such as a CAS (Computer Algebra System)? 

So, I've been looking at some preTest review sheets we had over the course of this year reflecting our preCalculus curriculum and coding some SAGE snippets to share. I'm trying to solve preTest1A-preTest12A with SAGE and Python. I'll record a screencast of the presentation if I can hook up my laptop correctly. In November, I'm speaking at T^3 Molloy so I can do Calculus then. 

Here's my SAGE Solutions:
preTEST1A Coordinate Geometryhttps://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/404/
preTEST2A Linear Functions https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/405/
preTEST4A Polynomial Functions https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/406/
preTEST5A Exponents and Logarithms
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/407/
preTEST6-7A Trig Identities
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/410/
preTEST8A Law of Sines and Cosines
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/411/
preTEST9 Vectors in 2D and 3D
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/412/
preTEST10A Conics and Polar
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/413/
preTEST11A Matrix Algebra
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/414/
preTEST12A Sequences and Series
https://sage.math.clemson.edu:34567/home/pub/415/

Here's a handout from my LIMACON presentation:

Limacon2013 - SAGE Advice: preCalculus from A Jorge Garcia

Here's the preTests I'm working with:

4R2012 preTest1A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest2A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest4A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest5A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest6+7A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest8A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest9A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest10A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest11A from A Jorge Garcia

4R2012 preTest12A from A Jorge Garcia

Limacon 2013 from A Jorge Garcia

I've also been invited to speak for T^3 at Molloy College in November!

T3 2013 speaker proposal form 2 pagefrom A Jorge Garcia

CORRECTION:
Somewhere in my ScreenCast above I said something like:
I've been teaching - 
Programming since 1975
High School Math and Science since 1984
AP Calculus and CompSci since 1993
Linux Clusters since 2002
and SAGE since 2011.

What I should have said was:
I've been teaching with -
BASIC since 1975
Pascal since 1984
C/C++ since 1993
Java since 2002
and Python since 2011!

Based on the pattern above, it seems that I change what I'm teaching approximately every 9 years or so.  I wonder what 2020 will bring?

Well, that's all folks! I hope you got something out of all the above.

Generally Speaking,

PAEMST Application Nearly Done!

FEBRUARY-MARCH UPDATE 

Everything's done except for one letter of recommendation and my essay. I'll work on the essay in April! The application isn't due until May 1st. I'm taking my time to do it right. Besides, I've been really busy prepping for LIMACON (3/15/13 SUNY Old Westbury) and T^3 (11/1/13 Molloy College). 

Part of that prepping was the Grand Experiment in Math 4R preCalculus for Seniors. Said experiment involves using SAGE instead of TI-83s to teach Chapter 12: Sequences and Series! Next year I think I'll use SAGE from day one, no Graphing Calculators at all in preCalculus. Further, during the Great Common Core Curriculum ReWrite, I propose covering the preCalculus curriculum starting with Chapter 12 and moving our way backward. We can do this more quickly in Math 4H preCalculus for Juniors than in 4R. The idea is to start coding in SAGE/python with Lists, loops and List Comprehensions from the beginning of the year. When the 1st Semester is up, 4H can start on Calculus material. 4R can have a bit of Calculus in Quarter 4. The sequence of topics would be something like this: 

CH12: 

Series, Induction, Binomial Expansion

CH11: 

Linear Systems, Matrices, Linear Programming, nonLinear Systems

CH6+7+8: 

SOHCAHTOA + Trig Identities, Law of Sines, Law of Cosines

CH9: 

Polar Coordinates, CIS(theta), Vector Sums, Dot and Cross Products, Area, Volume

CH10: 

Standard Conics, Polar Conics

CH5: 

Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

CH4: 

Solving Polynomial Equations

CH3: 

Rational Functions (talking about horizontal, vertical and slant asymptotes as an introduction to Limits)

JANUARY UPDATE 

Dear Mr. Garcia,
The 2012-2013 application period for 7-12 grade mathematics and science, including computer science, teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is currently open.
To begin the application process, please confirm your eligibility to compete for the award by logging in to your PAEMST account at https://www.paemst.org/account/login using these credentials:

   User Name: xxxxxxxx
   Password: xxxxxxxx

After verifying your eligibility, you will receive a confirmation email with additional information regarding the application process. We encourage you to review all details entered by the person who nominated you and to make any corrections necessary. Completed applications are due by May 1, 2013.

You may contact your State Coordinators with any questions you may have. Your State Coordinator contact information is as follows:

xxxxxxxx@mail.nysed.gov
518-xxx-xxxx

If you have any technical questions or concerns, please contact us at info@paemst.org. Please include the following Teacher ID in all e-mails: xxxxx.
Again, we encourage you to apply and look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely yours,

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
National Science Foundation

********************

Here's the instructions for filing the application. Mind you, this 15 page document is not the application itself!

2012 2013 paemst application packet from A Jorge Garcia

Generally Speaking,

My New Speaker Schedule!

LIMACON 2013 is March 15th at SUNY Old Westbbury. See the flyer below. I'm speaker number 43! I'll be speaking on how to integrate SAGE into your math classroom. I've done so in my Computer Science class. I'm trying to move away from Graphing Calculators in Math class. I prefer a PC based solution with a Computer Algebra System such as SAGE, Octave or R. SAGE is a lot like Mathematica. Octave is a lot like MATLAB. R is a lot like SPSS. Also, Python is to SAGE as BASIC is to TI83/84. So, we can use numpy and scipy in SAGE to get the functionality of Octave and R! Also, if you have an MPI based Linux cluster, you can use mpi4py!

Limacon 2013 from A Jorge Garcia

 

I've also been invited to speak for T^3 at Molloy College in November!

T3 2013 speaker proposal form 2 page from A Jorge Garcia

FYI, I just updated my resume for the PAEMST application (see below). I've basically uploaded and filled out everything on the application website except for my essay. I'm focusing on LIMACON now. SO. after that, 3/15/13, I can work on the essay. The application isn't due until 5/1/13 after all...

Resume 2013 from A Jorge Garcia

Generally Speaking,

PAEMST: Applications Website is finally up!

JANUARY UPDATE 

Dear Mr. Garcia,
The 2012-2013 application period for 7-12 grade mathematics and science, including computer science, teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is currently open.
To begin the application process, please confirm your eligibility to compete for the award by logging in to your PAEMST account at https://www.paemst.org/account/login using these credentials:

   User Name: xxxxxxxx
   Password: xxxxxxxx

After verifying your eligibility, you will receive a confirmation email with additional information regarding the application process. We encourage you to review all details entered by the person who nominated you and to make any corrections necessary. Completed applications are due by May 1, 2013.

You may contact your State Coordinators with any questions you may have. Your State Coordinator contact information is as follows:

xxxxxxxx@mail.nysed.gov
518-xxx-xxxx

If you have any technical questions or concerns, please contact us at info@paemst.org. Please include the following Teacher ID in all e-mails: xxxxx.
Again, we encourage you to apply and look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely yours,

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
National Science Foundation

********************

Here's the instructions for filing the application. Mind you, this 15 page document is not the application itself!

2012 2013 paemst application packet from A Jorge Garcia

Generally Speaking,

PAEMST Nominations WebSite Finally Up!

DECEMBER UPDATE 

PAEMST: New Nomination
From: PAEMST Application
To: calcpage
Date: Thu, Dec 6, 2012 8:05 pm
Dear Alvar Garcia,

Congratulations on being nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in 
Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). You have been nominated by Peter Hoffmeister.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching 
(PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade 
mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for 
outstanding teaching in the United States. Awardees serve as models for their 
colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of 
mathematics and science education.

Awardees also join an active network of outstanding educators from throughout 
the nation. Since 1983, more than 4,200 teachers have been recognized for their 
contributions in the classroom and to their profession.  Up to 108 teachers are 
recognized each year.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the 
United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition 
events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the 
National Science Foundation.

The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House 
Office of Science and Technology Policy. If you are unfamiliar with this 
prestigious award, we encourage you to visit http://www.paemst.org, where you 
can find out more about the award.

We hope that you will seriously consider applying. Teachers of your caliber need 
to be recognized for the excellent teaching they do. An online PAEMST account 
will be created for you so you may login to the system. You will be notified 
when your PAEMST account is ready and the application process is open.

Again, we encourage you to apply and look forward to receiving your application.

Sincerely yours,
   Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
   Directorate for Education and Human Resources
   National Science Foundation

Generally Speaking,

PAEMST Timeline Continues!

NOVEMBER UPDATE 

Sorry to report nothing new. The nomination website was supposed to open in October and the application website was supposed to open in November. Neither is available as of yet, so I'm in a holding pattern! I'm hoping to get officially nominated in December and file the application in January.

********************

OK, here's the PAEMST Timeline as I see it. The online application isn't available until November this year. As soon as it becomes available, people can start nominating! 

So, September was all about the video. 

This month, October, I finally got to scan student sample work. My HP scanner renders JPGs, so I had to use a Linux utility (sams2p) to convert everything to PDF format for uploading to http://www.slideshare.net/calcpage2011

Next month, it's November already! So, I'll have a colleague nominate me. Even though the nominations aren't due until March, I'd like to get the application process started.

Finally, I'll work on the application proper in December which isn't due until April. Everything is done online. So, I will be uploading the application with the video, my essay and student samples. Even if I finish everything by 12/31/12, I probably won't hear anything about the outcome, one way or the other, until 12/31/13! So, I hope it'll be a Merry XMass!

Here's some of the student samples. Samples 1-8 are each from different students handing in the Conics Worksheet from the video. The video was recorded the second day of school. The first day we talked about SOHCAHTOA a little. But we also did seating assignments, book cards and bio sheets. Samples A-D are some of the bio sheets. Sample A1 and A2 are from one student, B1 and B2 are from another, etc:

Sample1 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample2 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample3 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample4 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample5 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample6 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample7 from A Jorge Garcia

Sample8 from A Jorge Garcia

Samplea1 from A Jorge Garcia

Samplea2 from A Jorge Garcia

Sampleb1 from A Jorge Garcia

Sampleb2 from A Jorge Garcia

Samplec1 from A Jorge Garcia

Samplec2 from A Jorge Garcia

Sampled1 from A Jorge Garcia

Sampled2 from A Jorge Garcia

Generally Speaking,