A Bit of Geometry,
a Bit of Trig
A unique math course based on learning along with Althea and her friends, as we read Althea and the Mysteries of Triangles, Circles, and Pi.
We will meet on Zoom, dates..., on Tuesdays.
Embedded Files
Welcome to class!
I'm Sue VanHattum, and I'll be your guide as we explore geometry and trigonometry along with Althea and her friends. Please take a moment to watch my video. And then explore the rest of this page to decide if you'd like to take this unique online course.
See you soon!
- Professor Sue
Who This Course Is For
Students who:
Like math
Like reading stories
Have a solid foundation of algebra
Want to explore geometry and trigonometry
Look forward to connecting with others with similar interests
How This Course Works
We'll meet in Zoom on Tuesdays, from x to y, 9 sessions from 4:30 to 5:30pm Pacific time, which is 7:30 to 8:30pm Eastern time.
The course costs $300, paid in advance. (Scholarships based on need are available.)
Supplies will cost under $30. Curricular materials are free.
Zoom Time:
Learning Together: I will pose puzzles, help you solve problems, and lecture on new ideas; you will ask questions from the homework, think hard about new ideas, and work with partners. Sometimes we'll read together.
Labtime: Some days we'll also have labtime, to work on constructions. We'll keep the Zoom open to share ideas. If you'd like to start playing ahead of time, check out this construction site mentioned in the video.
You'll do some homework after each class (mainly reading from the story, and doing activities from the activity book). I'll be available to answer questions (for up to one more hour each week).
There will be at least one quiz and an optional final exam.
All online course materials will be at the course site, on Canvas. Here's the schedule.
Students who finish the course and would like to earn a stipend of up to $200, may apply to do so. The stipend will cover work done offering feedback on the book and the activity book. If you are interested in this stipend, you may want to keep notes during the course on what you'd want to change.
Interested? Email me at altheasmathmysteries@gmail.com to register.
Sue's Tips for Success
Before the course starts, read everything on this site, and then go to our Canvas shell, and explore that. Read through the 'Course Resources' module.
Make it to class on time. (And make sure you've had enough to eat before class. Hard thinking uses up lots of calories.)
If you don't usually ask questions, please make a commitment to yourself to be extra brave and ask your question when you're confused, at least once each class. Besides asking questions in class, please let me know if you're struggling. I'm here for you.
Open your heart to math. (This may be the most geeky thing I'll write on this site. Or not... I love math, and I hope to help you enjoy it at least a little bit more, if you didn't love it already.)
Take notes in each class and while reading, and review them before beginning your homework. Do all of your homework as soon after class as possible.
Before each quiz, take the practice quiz. And after each quiz you didn't ace, study and retake it.
My Philosophy of Teaching & Learning
Teachers are like coaches. We help our students find their way toward being better at this thing they're trying to do. We encourage (and sometimes give a loving nudge), we suggest better ways to practice and better ways to visualize, and we use our expertise to help you find your own way.
The typical classroom, with 15 to 40 students, makes it hard for individual students to feel safe enough to ask questions, and also makes it hard for the teacher to actually connect with each student. And that's why our class will be only 6 to 10 students. That will also make it easier for us to celebrate our mistakes and questions.
Working with peers helps you to build a firmer grasp on your understanding. (So I recommend working with a partner outside of classtime.) I'll be there to help you over the humps. I'll have ideas for you to try. Each student is in a different place, so each one needs different suggestions. Everyone gets the help that works for them. Your learning is your own. I am there as your guide.
[Here's a video by Jo Boaler about some of the research behind changing the ways we approach learning math. In the video, she shows how one part of the brain recognizes body parts. I love the way the finger recognition part of the brain fires when we think about math.]
My pledge: I will be available to help you, patient when I work with you, and flexible when needed. I have worked hard to create a unique course that could change how you think about math. I believe in each one of you and I'm on this journey with you!
Any Questions? Email me at altheasmathmysteries@gmail.com, and I'll get right back to you.
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