PROJECT IDEA EXCHANGE "PIE" MONTHLY NEWSLETTER VOLUME 2: NO. 3 JANUARY 2003 http://pie.mcvts.net PROGRAM OF THE MONTH Teaching Mathematics can often be a challenging task, even for the seasoned teacher. Christine Pytel, Mathematics Teacher at South Amboy Middle School in New Jersey, USA employs a teaching activity entitled "Metric Olympics." This approach is based on the students taking an active role in the learning process while at the same time, having fun. As part of the "Metrics Olympics," Christine establishes teams of Math students, limited to no more than four students per team. The "Olympics" consist of seven events. These events include the "Cotton Ball Shot-put, Paper Plate Discus Toss, Marble Grab and Sponge Squeeze." Each team must first estimate their team's performance for each event. The students then take part in the "Olympics" and record the results of their performances. All recording and calculations are done using the metric system, providing American students with a practical, enjoyable application of this international system of measurements while at the same time enjoying their studies.     The "Metric Olympics" can easily be adapted to any grade level studying Mathematics. It can be used to teach metrics or reinforce the students' knowledge of the metric system. If your country uses the metric system, employ the "Metric Olympics" and have your students conduct the activities by estimating and recording their results using the system of weights and measurements used in America.     To learn more about getting involved with the "Metric Olympics" or other Math activities, please contact Christine Pytel at either cpytel@saboe.k12.nj.us or pinky8678@aol.com. Christine has developed a PowerPoint presentation describing the "Metric Olympics" which she would be happy to share with any interested teachers. Christine would also like to learn about other Math related efforts that other teachers employ. Take advantage of this enjoyable, practical application of Mathematics; your students will thank you for it! MEMBER NEWS     What better way to get to know each other than to "chat." Just ask those students and teachers involved in "chats." Currently in operation is a scheduled PIE webchat which is being conducted across the Atlantic Ocean between the students of Danica Krapez, OS Dobravlje in Slovenia and those of Ernie Read, Perth Amboy VoTech High School in New Jersey, USA. Each Tuesday, since the beginning of January the students and teachers chat for forty-five minutes getting to know each other by asking questions and sharing their interests. So far chat subjects have included music, sports, friends and what students do for fun. It was hard to imagine, unless you are involved, how much fun each is having and learning about their educational counterparts with these chats.     Are you interested in setting up a chat? If so contact Danica Krapez (danikka@epals.com) or Ernie Read (reade@mail.mcvts.net) to learn how easy and exciting it can be to establish a PIE webchat! PIE "TIP OF THE MONTH"     "Space, the final frontier." For anyone who watched the original television program "Star Trek," these are very familiar words. Outer space, one of the last great frontiers, is a subject that interests everyone. I strongly suggest that you visit www.nasa.gov, the official website of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This is so much more than your normal government related website. The www.nasa.gov site is an amazing resource for students, teachers or anyone interested in the efforts to explore outer space.     There are numerous features that bring outer space right to your computer. NASA Television allows the user to view live broadcasts of NASA activities. If you are fortunate, you maybe able to watch actual missions being conducted in space such as the construction of the International Space Station or activities on the Space Shuttle. The Multimedia Gallery contains a wealth of audiovisual images. "Cool NASA Websites" links to user to various related specialized sites. Be sure to visit the "Educational Resources" section. You will be overwhelmed with the resources and possibilities.     Remember that the study of outer space is much more than simply a subject for a science class. Math, social studies, language and other subject areas can easily be linked to the study of outer space. Be creative, visit www.nasa.gov and allow your students to explore "Space, the final frontier." DIRECTOR'S NOTES     As PIE moves into its third year of operation, let me take this opportunity to thank all PIE members for their continued support. In order to share what we each do, I am inviting all PIE members to share one of their favorite educational approaches or programs that would benefit other members. Also, if your school or organization has a website, please share that with me. All information will be posted on the PIE website MESSAGE FORUM as well as being shared in the monthly newsletter. If you are searching for educational resources, programs or other ideas, again contact me so that I can share your requests with other PIE members as well as reply to your requests. Remember that PIE works best when we each share what works best! Be Well, Happy and Safe! Ernie Read reade@mail.mcvts.net; erreadiii@aol.com