Calculation Nation™ uses the power of the Web to let students challenge opponents from anywhere in the world. At the same time, students are able to challenge themselves by investigating significant mathematical content and practicing fundamental skills. The element of competition adds an extra layer of excitement. Players compete in online games that require math and strategy. In the game of Factor Dazzle, for example, one player chooses a number and the other earns points by identifying all of its factors. “This game is awesome,” said 7th grader Lexi Hughes. “It’s dazzle icious!” When playing the highly addictive Slam Ball, students use their knowledge of symmetry and angles to earn points by capturing tokens on a grid. The games of Calculation Nation™ are organized around content from the upper elementary and middle grades math curriculum. By becoming a citizen of Calculation Nation™, you will play online math strategy games that allow you to learn about fractions, factors, multiples, symmetry and more, as well as practice important skills like basic multiplication and calculating area — all while having fun. Membership is free, but a user name and password is required.

Students, sharpen your math skills and get ready for the state assessment with any one - or all - of the practice sites provided.

Valuable resources for the COCISD secondary math teachers.

Everyone struggles with math, whether learning the multiplication tables or trying to figure out how to stretch the monthly income to pay bills. Some find mathematics easier than others, just as some find spelling easier. Some use mathematics extensively in their work, just as some make more use of hammers. Everyone, though, uses mathematics daily, and limited math proficiency leads to limited success with the daily challenges of our society. Research shows that the level of parent involvement in a child's education is strongly related to the degree of success in school (Henderson & Berla, 1994). "Families play a vital role in educating children. What families do is more important to student success than whether they are rich or poor, whether parents have finished high school or not, or whether children are in elementary, junior high, or high school" (Robinson, in Paulu, 1995). (http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-2/math.htm)

One of the biggest questions students have about majoring in mathematics is "What kind of a job can I get with a degree in mathematics?" It is a common misconception that the only job you can get with a mathematics degree is a teaching job. Many professional occupations (engineering, medical, law) and business oriented occupations (finance, actuarial) are open to mathematics majors. Suppose you love mathematics, but ultimately see yourself pursuing a career as a doctor, lawyer, or businessman. Then you should be aware that professional graduate schools in business, law, and medicine think mathematics is a great major because it develops analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem solving environment. Statistics show that beginning average salaries for mathematics majors are higher than beginning average salaries for many other majors, and that job satisfaction among mathematicians is higher than in other high-paying jobs. So the questions really should be, "Why NOT major in mathematics?!" For more information on careers in mathematics, check out this website. (The headline is also linked to another informational website.)