Math and Computer Science.

 I've been trying to get some sort of math based coding class started at school.  The idea is for students to learn coding to write mathematical routines. I thought of using python as the base language for students to program these routines.

Thanks to someone on Twitter for this website.  Its called CS and Math started by Mike Larson and Ashley Tewes.  This site provides free lessons for both primary and secondary classes.

The primary lessons set has seven lessons all done in scratch designed to explore different topics.  One lesson is on writing a program to convert Fahrenheit to Celcius while another is designed to test the probability of a coin toss.  Then there is the one which compares discounts, or another to locate places on a coordinate grid.  Check out the program which is a game that subtracts integers, or check the one designed to calculate ratios in recipes.  The final one allows students to create polygons.

Each of the lessons come with a well thought out lesson plan showing the instructor the steps needed to create the app.  I love the instructions because they are so clear.  In addition, there is a link to a video to use just in case you get stuck and how to do it in Python.

The secondary lessons have eleven routines, three from the primary group.  Of the last eight, they cover the Pythagorean Theorem, Solving systems of equations, Hypnotic squares, Translations, Graphing slope intercept form, solids of revolution, and solids of extrusion.

Again, the secondary routines come complete with the instructions needed to write the routines so it comes out properly.  The directions are interspersed with questions so students change certain parts of the program to see what happens.

 I like the work has been done for me so I don't have to take a lot of time to prepare.  In addition, each lesson has a goal and a standard listed so you know approximately which one it meets. 

I see these programs being used as part of the teaching such as when teaching students about graphing linear equations, it would be easy to slip the lesson on graphing in slope intercept form.  Or when introducing the coordinate grid, it would be easy to include the primary graphing exercise to help students learn more about the topic.

Its great to have a way for students to get some real world experience on a topic.  It definitely answers the question of "When will I ever use this?"  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.