World Math(s) Day 2011

World Math(s) Day is a global education event where students from around the world are invited to unite to set a new world record for the number of Maths questions answered correctly.

“Students play at home and at school against other students around the world in live games of mental arithmetic. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 100 games, earning points for their personal tally. Students can play beyond 100 games during the event, but points will only count to the WMD Mathometer, not their personal point score. The students who answer the most questions correctly will appear on the Hall of Fame. There are 5 levels of play, 20 games on each level.”

“This is a truly unique world event and a fantastic way to promote numeracy. Past results show that students will make significant improvements in their mental arithmetic skills and have fun in the process.”

At IST the World Math(s) Day Challenge will start at 2.00pm (GMT +3) on 1 March and finish 2 March at 2.00pm. Learn more about World Maths Day at www.worldmathsday.com

IST Grade 2 students will be participating in this year’s World Math(s) Day. Each student has their own unique login and password information. This information should be available so that students can start practicing and participating from home.

EdHeads – Simple and Compound Machines

Simple machines are all around us. We use simple machines all the time and probably don’t even realize it. There are six different types of simple machines. Can you name all six?

Grade 2 is using a resource called EdHeads to learn about simple and compound machines.

EdHead Simple Machine – Learn about simple machines
EdHead Compound Machine – Learn about compound machines

After completing the activities from EdHeads, see if you can answer any of our key concepts/guiding questions.

Form/Function: What is a simple machine and what are the different types?

Causation: How do simple machines reduce the amount of force needed to do work?

Connection: What ways do simple machines make work easier?

Simple Machines – Simply Fun

Grade 2 students have been exploring the world of Simple Machines. Simple Machines make work easier for us by allowing us to push or pull over increased distances.

In the computer lab, students have been using the Fantastic Contraption game to apply what they know about simple machines to solve problems. Students learned that simple machines can be used together to create compound machines.

Games are a fun way for students to explore Simple Machines. Check out these and other great games under the STUDENTS tab that will help you learn about Simple Machines:

Simple Machines Game – Museum of Science and Industry Chicago
Fantastic Contraption 2 – Create and solve problems with simple machines

Students also LOVE learning with Bill Nye the Science Guy!
You can watch his fun and informative Simple Machines video here:

Bill Nye the Science Guy – Simple Machines part 1

Bill Nye the Science Guy – Simple Machines part 2

Grade 2 challenges YOU to get creative and have fun learning about Simple Machines!