Mathematics
Alexander Von Humboldt
Scientist Explorer The German naturalist Friedrich Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt’s (1769-1859), known in English as Alexander von Humboldt, is considered the father of modern geography and ecology. He was a German polymath, geographer, naturalist, explorer, and proponent of Romantic philosophy and science. Humboldt’s quantitative work on botanical geography laid the foundation for the field of biogeography. His advocacy of long-term systematic geophysical measurement laid the foundation for modern geomagnetic and meteorological monitoring.
A Mathematician’s Lament
A musician wakes from a terrible nightmare. In his dream he finds himself in a society where music education has been made mandatory. “We are helping our students become more competitive in an increasingly sound-filled world.” Educators, school systems, and the state are put in charge of this vital project. Studies are commissioned, committees are formed, and decisions are made–all without the advice or participation of a single working musician or composer.
Books on Mathematics
Some of the books that inspired me while teaching middle school mathematics. As always, inclusion does not imply agreement.
The Math Revolution
An Atlantic article reviewing the practice of teaching math through problem solving.