M. C. Escher

As I was organizing my classroom, I came across an old book - "The Magic of M.C. Escher". His works are amazing. I cut out many of the images from this book and matted them on black poster board. I can't wait to laminate them and put them onto my classroom walls.

U.S. Education

On international tests, U.S. ranks 15th in English and 31st in Math, according to this USA Today report. It really isn't a surprise. I found the article interesting, but the comments posted by readers even more fascinating. There's a lot of racial comments posted. I wonder how we will ever address these issues.

(Image from Corbis.)

It's Done

Today, I got my project formatting officially approved. After waiting in line for 40 minutes to pay the cashier for the the binding fee, I submitted the project to the Graduate Office. It's over. I've completed my master degree. The Registrar said it'll take until mid-January for my grades and degree to be posted. The diploma should be ready in February. I haven't made up my mind yet about attending graduation, but it'll be mid-June. I am grateful for those who have supported me through the last two difficult years. My advisor Dr. Lotfipour showed me patience and perseverance. The faculty in the Educational Multimedia program had been great. I wouldn't be able to do it without my family and friends. I am grateful to my brother Randy for building our home while I selfishly work on my project. Thank you all. Now that I'm completely exhausted, I will rest and rebuild my body and spirit over the winter break.

Project Submission

At 4pm tomorrow, I will drop off this box at the Graduate Office. It delivers my masters project. Seven copies of the 77-page document. In return, I trust that it will deliver my masters degree and professional opportunities. Most importantly, I hope that it'll deliver to me my freedom.

Dice Collection (part 10)

This is the last one of the collection that I got from the Palm Springs math conference. A circle, a hexagon, a square, a triangle, a non-square rectangle, and a trapezoid.

New Toy

I promised myself a new iPod Touch when I complete my masters. This new toy is so much fun. I used it to take photos during field-testing with my class in the computer lab. For some time, I just wanted to play Scrabble. I plan to incorporate it into my classroom. I just need an Apple AV cable.

Dice Collection (part 9)

This one is weak: two plus signs, two minus signs, one division sign, and one multiplication sign.

A Terrible Magician

After school Friday, a few students came to my room to submit last minute homework and made up quizzes. Somehow, they got me doing a couple of magic tricks with a deck of cards to entertain them. I know a good magician never reveals or repeats their tricks. Thus, I initially regretted repeating a few tricks and teaching the kids how to perform the tricks. Only later did I realize that, at the core, I am a teacher. I am not a magician. I did what my instincts led me to do. I did what I've practiced and prepared each day to do. I taught the kids magic.

(Image from: http://customersrock.wordpress.com).

Dice Collection (part 8)

An unlikely outcome. (Likely, highly likely, impossible, highly unlikely, and equally likely are the other outcomes.)

Forgetful

I shared this with my students: Driving home yesterday, Dec. 1st, I realized that I forgot to pick up my paycheck. I was momentarily upset at myself for being forgetful. But I soon realized how lucky I am. For one, I didn't need the check that day. Not that I'm independently weathy, but I can make ends meet without that check for at least a little while. More importantly, getting paid wasn't the reason I went to "work" yesterday. I almost never look forward to the 1st for the sole reason to get paid. I told the kids about the cliche: "If you like your job, you'll never have to work again."

Dice Collection (part 7)

A 10-sided die. (Pentagonal trapezohedron).