Mr. LaViollette

Mr. LaViollette

Introduction

Escape

My name is Scott LaViollette, and I am a math teacher at Capital High School. I graduated from Washington State University with my Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics back in 1994, and have been teaching high school math ever since. Because of my focus on the pure aspect of mathematics (combined with my study of philosophy), I view math as a connected system with all the branches being related in some way. I focus on the connected nature of mathematics and its use in our everday logical thinking, and I am much less concerned with specific applications for math in potential careers.

Philosophy
Thistle

Mathematics is the most misunderstood (and maligned) discipline in school. People, in general, mistake computation for mathematics, and assume that if they are not good with numbers then they are bad at math. Mathematics is not about numbers, it is about thinking and solving problems. Any problem, whether it involves numbers or not, requires mathematical thinking to find a solution. Mathematical thinking involves both analytical thinking and creativity, and math has very close connections with science, music, and art. The latest brain research shows that the mere attempt to solve a previously untried problem (numerical or not) will cause the brain to grow new neural connections. During the course of the year, we will try a variety of new problems and investigate math in a number of different ways. In the end, your attempts to "Do the Math!" will lead to a better understanding of mathematics, and your very efforts will have made you smarter.

Math Help
Ten-Leaf Clover

There are many websites that offer assistance to those in need of help with mathematics. Some of them discuss various concepts, while others give you access to experts who can answer specific questions. Here are some sites that may be useful:

  1. Math.com - tutorials in math topics ranging from basic math through calculus, and other interesting math content
  2. Webmath.com - self-help math solvers that will solve posed questions step-by-step
  3. Math Forum - Ask Dr. Math - answers to commonly asked questions in math, and the ability to ask a professor a question of your own
  4. Learning Express Library - diagnostic math tests, preparatory tests, and more (Requires a Timberland Regional Library Card)
  5. Mathematician Biographies - an index of biographies of historical mathematicians

Bad Math Skills
Riding on the Tide

The world is full of bad math. Examples of this bad math crop up on almost a daily basis, ranging from simple miscalculations (a grocery store making a sale item cost more than its regular price) to poor spatial skills (people driving into things because they could not judge the distance) to lack of strategic planning (conflicts that begin with no visible resolution.) It is my belief that if people had better skills in math, that there would be fewer problems in the world.

As examples of bad math skills are brought to my attention, I will post some of them to remind us all why skills in math are important no matter what your career may be.

Examples of Bad Math Skills:

    1. Ma & Pa Kettle (wmv)
    2. Vendor's Sign (jpg)

Fractal Images are courtesy of Blatte's Fractals (http://exoteric.roach.org). Used by permission.