Physics :: Knee Deep in Grace

Archive for Physics

Jan

Virtual Nerd

Posted by: PK | Comments (7)

As many of you know, we have homeschooled our children for years. Teaching higher math has always been a challenge. Usually, it’s the only subject I want to ship them out for or at least hire someone to come in and tutor them. If I thoroughly understand something, I tend to be able to break it down and teach it. Notice that “thoroughly understand” and “higher math” are not in the same sentence. The cavalry has arrived though and this challenge can now be conquered at www.virtualnerd.com.

Virtual Nerd is an interactive video tutorial with over a thousand videos. Presently covering Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Intro Physics. Searching by keyword, topic or textbook, questions are asked and answered. Students learn at their own pace, gaining a clear understanding of science and math concepts as they study. A private tutor, available on your schedule, for a fraction of the cost.

Use the 2 hours FREE to see if this program works for you and read more reviews on the Homeschool Crew blog

Subscribe today:

Will this be your new conquering hero? Let me know.

What other challenges do you face and who do you call when you need the cavalry?

Blessings,

This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Categories : Computers, homeschool, math, technology

Comments (7)

Dec

Our newest addition… Aleks

Posted by: PK | Comments (0)

Alas, there is no new child in our home, but there is a new discovery.

Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces “is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in a course.”

In November, I was asked to use and review the ALEKS online math program for one month. This was my first opportunity to use such a full service web-based program. Use it, we did…thoroughly, often and on-going, for each of my children, elementary through college.

THE question in our house for the past month has been, “Did you do your Aleks, today?” Not once did I have to coax, prod, plead, bribe, threaten or even demand that any of my children do their math for the day. ALEKS assessed each of their strengths and weaknesses and placed the results in pie form.

They enjoyed the freedom and independence of choosing which subject they would work toward mastering. If they got it, ALEKS would add to their pie, if they didn’t seem to understand it, ALEKS picked up on it and gave them review. ALEKS graded each problem and confirmed answers or errors, assigned tests and reassessments as needed AND sent me a progress report.

Watch this video and see Aleks in Action in less than 2 1/2 minutes.

Curious about what ALEKS might do for you? Here’s a sample:

Addition/Subtraction, Multiplication/Division Practice = Quick Tables
Elementary, Middle School and High School
Algebra
Geometry
Pre Calculus
Trigonometry
Math for College success
Prep for GED mathematics
Review for AP Calculus
Review for AP Physics
Business math
Prep for College Physics
Higher education Chemistry

You can browse the full Course Library, including recommendations by grade level and course descriptions.

ALEKS is correlated with common core state standards for all 50 states, grades 3-12. Their customer service is outstanding!

I want you to check out ALEKS, for yourself. I think it is an exceptional program and because you’ve read this review you have an opportunity to try ALEKS, free, for 1 month.

This is a $19.95 value, per student, per month. When you discover how much you really like them, check out their family discounted rates. It seems expensive, but I broke down the cost and came up with surprising results. My 6 students, for 6 months of access 24/7 is only 50 cents a day per student (figured on an actual 25 days of use, each). There is not a math tutor anywhere that I can hire for that amount.

My crew mates have also posted reviews of this program and you can find those at http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783474.

Blessings,

Categories : homeschool, math, reviews, TOS

Comments (0)

Nov

KBTeachers

Posted by: PK | Comments (0)

Busy minds and hands tend to stay out of mischief. Granted, I am not one for busy work, just for the sake of being busy, but… I appreciate being able to give one of my children a work sheet to occupy and sometimes even stretch their mind, while I’m helping another with a problem.

KBTeachers has been offering free and premium worksheets, activities and printable pages since 1998. Founded by Christophe Popper, it was originally Knowledge Bears. They have accumulated more than 10,000 pages; yet, if they don’t already have what you need, they will create it or at the least, help you find it.

“ABC worksheets, to 20 page exams.” The team at KBTeachers is not sitting back and resting on their laurels. Though, they also developed KBears, 2006 Finalist of

They strive to improve and update regularly, giving you a myriad of options. Categories include:

For This Season

Thanksgiving
Fall Themed Activities
November Webquests

English Language

Alphabet Factory
Learning Cursive
Grammar Writing

Math Activities

Math with Images
Counting Money
Addition Worksheets
Subtraction
Multiplication Makers
Division Practice
Telling Time
Themed Math
Classic Math

Science Workbooks

Astronomy Activities
Geology Workbooks
Weather & Climate

Biology Worksheets

Human anatomy
Nutrition Worksheets
Marine Biology
Plants & Microbiology

Social Studies

Workbooks & Maps

More Activites

Dino Workbooks
The Four Seasons
Visual Arts and Crafts
Free Clip Art
Mixed Basic Skills

You can view every page and have unlimited access with a 10 day Free Trial. Just $29.00 for a 1 year membership, after your trial period, or the better offer of $49.00 for 2 years. If you are not completely satisfied, after 30 days, you are guaranteed your money back.

This product was given to me, free of charge, in exchange, for my honest review, as a member of the TOS Homeschool crew. I receive no other compensation for my reviews on this blog. The opinions expressed are my own.

Categories : homeschool, math, Reading, reviews, Writing

Comments (0)

Sep

Marinated in Math

Posted by: PK | Comments (3)

Math is not my favorite dish. It wasn’t when I was learning it and the feeling wasn’t any different when I started teaching it. It isn’t a flavor I care for. That may be about to change though, because of Math Tutor DVD and Jason Gibson.

My children and I recently used The Pre-Algebra Tutor: Vol. 1 and The Texas Instruments TI-83/TI-84 Calculator Tutor.

Pre-Alg. Vol. 1 has 5 hours of run time with sections covering real numbers and the number line; adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers; powers and exponents. (I’ve browsed Vol. 2. It is a 7 hour DVD, beginning with factors and multiples, working through fractions and expressions; ending with single step equations.) For some of us it was a review and for a couple of my younger ones it was brand new, but we all voted it “sweet”. Jason, the tutor, has the ability to cut the mathematical processes into bite size pieces, making them easily palatable; nourishing understanding of the concept and adding a side of confidence. He begins the Pre-Algebra by saying he wants you to go through the DVD, without pencil or paper, first. Sit through it; marinate in it. There’s no force feeding here! Jason’s method of teaching works, and in fact it is “guaranteed to raise grades immediately. If you are not fully satisfied, simply send the DVD back for a full refund.”

The TI-84/TI-83 tutor teaches you how to use all of the functions of the calculator by actually working example problems, not just handing you a manual. Simmer through 8 hours of teaching, covering 37 sections and you can’t help but absorb and improve your usage.

These DVD’s are available at MathTutorDVD.com, or you can call: 1-877-628-4383 to place your order. You pay shipping/handling on the 1st DVD only. MathTutorDVD.com has Basic Math for elementary and middle school, Algebra (Pre-, 1, 2, and College level), Geometry, Calculus (Pre- and Advanced), Physics and more. Each course is seasoned with working examples, multiple servings of problems and step by step solutions. Jason begins with small morsels of information and builds concept upon concept.

The two courses I reviewed, The Pre-Algebra Tutor: Vol. 1 and The TI-84/TI-83 Calculator Tutor are currently on sale for $26.99 each. In my opinion, all of the DVD’s are moderately priced for the portion you receive. $19.95 per month (with the option to cancel at any time) will give you immediate online access to 170 hours of tutorials, download worksheets, participate in discussion forums and generally feast on mathematics, if you choose.

We like the taste of Math Tutor! I’ve added it to our curriculum menu for this year. I ordered Math Help: 1st – 7th Grade Math Tutor and 1st – 7th Grade Math Tutor Companion Worksheet CD (500 pages of worked problems AND solutions.) Looks like a no-risk, guaranteed, recipe for success!