When the Arabs discovered the
concept of algebra, its applications have encompassed almost all fields in the
sciences. This innovation has led to identify the unknown in terms of quantity.
Algebra can be a “pain in the a**” but its contributions have played a
significant role in uplifting and understanding the dynamics of life. Being
equipped with the basic concepts, our group decided to adopt “Algebra” as a
group. Algebra means “reunion of broken parts” in Arabic. We were fascinated to
know the unknown; similar to a puzzle that needs to be deciphered and decoded.
The wonders of algebra does not stop
in the mathematical realms. Equations such as the Newtonian Laws of motion make
use of algebra. Also, the academe, technology, politics, economics, health
policies, aviation, research, engineering have incorporated the basic concepts
of algebra in understanding one’s realm of expertise.
Last week, the group took the turn
to report about the wonders of algebra. It was a long process – a journey in exploring
into the deep trenches of this topic. A class presentation which will last for
a week was prepared by group two. The algebra group has decided to follow this
time schedule:
Table
1. Time table of activities for the Algebra group.
Date
|
Activity/Event
|
February
5, 2014 (Wednesday)
|
·
Outdoor game activity
-
Amazing Race
|
February
7, 2014 (Friday)
|
·
Group debate
-
Conceptual vs. Operational
·
Video presentation
-
Muchacha ng Masa (10 minutes)
·
Indoor game activity
-
Pass the equation
|
This time table of activities has been
approved by our instructor, Ma’am Cielo Fe C. Blasing. Prior to the activities,
the group performed a series of tapings for the video presentation from
February 3 up to February 4, 2014. The group also met at the common available
time to talk about the debate and the strong points needed to be discussed. The
games were assigned to each member and it is the member’s decision and
discretion on how to facilitate the game that they had thought about. Together
with Maye and Karen, we edited the video which will be presented to the class.
February 5, 2014 (Wednesday) – 1st
Day
The continuation of last meeting’s
activity has commenced where we will sell our products (based on polygons) to
the class. We advertised the “Labby Reppy” to the class and after a while, the
group headed to their designated stations. Here are the stations of each group
member: Station 1 – Nykka Sara; Station 2 – Sharmaine Lacanaria; Station 3 –
Zam Zailon (yours truly); Station 4 – Karen Carigo; Station 5 – Jaina Jabel;
Station 6 – Marielle Cuanan; and pit stop – Zeul Lim.
Station 3 was named as “Find your X.”
In this station, a group of equations was given. The players need to find the
value of x and pair them to their respective equation. The other groups need to
finish this activity within 90 seconds. If the players don’t finish the game
within the time allotted, they faced the consequence by imitating any
commercial seen on TV. Three groups have managed to finish the game within 90
seconds: Number Systems, Statistics, and Geometry. Meanwhile, the Computers
group had to face the consequences by imitating the commercial of Palmolive
(haha).
After the game, the scores were
tallied. 20 points will be accumulated if the group placed first, 15 points for
second, 10 for third, and the last group will receive 5 points. The twist in
reaching in the pit stop is that Kuya Zeul is not staying in a single place,
making him difficult to look for. Here are our criteria for deciding the
winner:
80% - Game points
accumulated
20% - Place in the pit stop
Table
2. Tally Scores for the four groups in the Outdoor Activities.
Station
|
Highest
Possible Score
|
Groups
|
|||
Statistics
|
Number
Systems
|
Geometry
|
Computers
|
||
1
|
10
|
8
|
5
|
6
|
6
|
2
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
3
|
10
|
8
|
10
|
9
|
7
|
4
|
10
|
8
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
10
|
Total
|
55
|
49
|
50
|
50
|
48
|
80%
|
71.27
|
72.73
|
72.73
|
69.82
|
|
Pit
stop
|
20
|
5
|
15
|
10
|
20
|
20%
|
5
|
15
|
10
|
20
|
|
TOTAL POINTS
|
76.27
|
87.73
|
82.73
|
89.82
|
|
RANKING
|
4
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
|
In the end, the Computers group
plummeted once again to first place, followed by Number Systems, Geometry, and
Statistics respectively.
February 7, 2014 (Friday) – 2nd
Day
The weather during that day was
gloomy. Yet, we did not consider this as a hindrance to give our best in the
last day. The highlights of that day were the debate, video presentation, and
an indoor game.
We started the class with a debate focusing
on the topic “Which mathematical perspective should be prioritized in secondary
to college level education: the operational approach or the conceptual
approach?” This debate is a very interesting one since we only focus on solving
and solving, not knowing which approach is the most appropriate to use. Both approaches
have significant importance in revolutionizing algebra. Thus, we were walking
beyond our comfort zone.
The initial votes after the parameters
were tallied. Results show that there is a slight leaning towards the
conceptual team having 8 points. Meanwhile, the government’s side, the
operational team have 7 seven votes. At the initial stage, the audience was
divided on the concepts.
I, myself, was the prime minister of
the government’s side, strongly supporting the operational approach. Our team
strongly believes in this way of learning. We emphasized that the operational
approach is more simple and practical. Also, we strongly stressed how
operational approach has led into developing other fields such as physics,
engineering, and aviation. As a whole, the point is that it is universal.The
conceptual team dwelled on four arguments. They strongly believe that
mathematics is “inherently conceptual;” a stepping stone to formulate
knowledge; general and can be applied to other disciplines; and removal of
dependency on equations and formula.
Meanwhile, the audience was observed
talking among themselves, discussing the topic and reflecting on the points
that have been introduced. We were able to attract the attention of the
audience, especially when Zeul and Nykka almost reached on a heated argument.
In the end, the audience gave the trophy to the conceptual group, with a 13-1
vote.
After a long heated debate, the
group showed the 10-minute presentation to the class. The genre is a
comedy-mockumentary and applying the concept of consumerism mathematics. I
played the role of Kuya Kim, Nykka Sara as Doris Bigornia, and a student with a
problem on his enrollment was played by Zeul Lim. The story started when Doris
approach the troubled student then called Kuya Kim to help with the problem.
Kuya Kim initially helped the student by applying a loan scheme in the bank
with a 3.5% annual interest. Kuya Kim also suggested to establish a soap-making
business to fund his studies. Kuya Kim then visits a laboratory known for
making soaps. The scientist, played by Jaina Jabel, made soap and Kuya Kim
named it as “Kalapati Whitening Soap,” a parody of the Dove Soap. After a year,
the troubled student was able to pay his loans together with the interest.
Gross income, interest, and budgeting were also emphasized on the film.
Sharmaine Lacanaria played a parody commercial, mainly advertising the Kalapati
Whitening Soap; Maye Cuanan went to the consumers and asked the thoughts of the
consumers about the soap; and Karen Carigo played as the accountant from the bank where Kuya Kim and the troubled student applied for loan. The film was observed to have been likened by the
audience as they express laughter and delightment. We were able to play our
roles well in spite of the tight schedule we have.
The last leg of our schedule was an
indoor game. The game was known as “Pass the Message.” Similar to the game “Find
Your X,” equations will be given to the first people who were in line. The
first person will pass the equation to the next person until it reaches to the
last person where he/she will solve the equation and go back to the host,
giving the final answer. The first two questions worth 1 point where the
Computers group was able to get the answer correct. The succeeding questions were
equivalent to two points. As a summary, in a series of twists, the Geometry
group emerged as the winner:
1.
Geometry
– 3 points
2.
Number
Systems – 2 points
3.
Computers
– 1 point
4.
Statistics
– 0 points
After
the activities, a sudden realization has struck my mind. I will miss the
bonding that we have shared with my groupmates. Hard work and team cooperation
has been there all along. Also, algebra became fun and meaningful. I hope we
may have suppressed the fear of others with the “X” and numbers.
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