Outdoors with Math in the National Parks

I’m an educator.  I teach everyone’s favorite subject, mathematics!  Unfortunately, this is said with a bit of jest.  Much to my dismay, people seem too eager to admit, "Math just isn't my thing."  But I hope to change that!

I work with junior high and high school students at a rural school, just outside of Kansas City, Missouri.  Education wasn’t my initial career, but I finally made my way to the classroom and I feel it is where I belong! 

Over the past few years of teaching, I've toyed with various ideas of how I can make math engaging and approachable.  What I've ended up coming up with is a project that combines nature, photography, the National Parks, and math!  I want to photograph nature in the national parks and then superimpose mathematical concepts on top of them to create a poster series and product line.  My plan is to eventually develop a whole curriculum around nature for even more contents than just math.  In hopes that I can do this project over the summer, I intend to have my students do similar work next year to show how they "see" math in nature.  I have high hopes of working with Weston Bend State Park (our local state park) and even doing a grant for an educational display about math at the state park (if they would agree).  The project continues to grow and evolve, and I think I could be working on this for years!  But, I need an initial "kickstart" to begin!  The following link will take you to my project's website, where there is lots of info!  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1162035579/outdoors-with-math-in-the-national-parks?ref=live

My success in funding this project is largely dependent upon getting the word out to as many people as possible, and that is where I am asking for your help.  I think this could have an incredible impact on students (and adults, too), but I need that initial help to get started.  I'm asking you to make a pledge if you feel you are able (which can be done via the website listed above), and to pass the project on to any individuals you may know who would also consider making a pledge.  I'll continue to work on it regardless, but achieving the funding would help me make it happen more quickly.  

I know this isn't the best time to be asking for financial help, but I'm hoping there are some math, nature, education, and art enthusiasts out there! This is a project I really believe in and hope to make a reality!

~Kristi

A Watchful Eye

Several years ago, standing on the Broadway platform and waiting for the 'L' to arrive and take me to work, I was brainstorming a name for a side business I was hoping to create.  This side business was to involve a number of different creative mediums, but all of them centered around one concept -- the details of life that when observed and noticed are beautifully simple and yet still sophisticated.  In describing my thoughts and focus of work to my oldest brother, he gave me the name "Fundamentally Sophisticated."  Thanks, Brian!

As I mentioned, this was several years ago.  I've used the name to sell jewelry, photography, and such to friends and family, but it's time to get serious.  My thought is that if I begin a blog, there may be a person or two out there who help hold me accountable for taking the next steps.

Now some of you may be wondering why all of this has taken so long.  There are always excuses, so of course I have one!  All of this is an endeavor for me that is happening in my "free" time. As a teacher, I've found that this so called "free" time quickly disappears with making lesson plans, grading papers, spending time tutoring after school, going to meetings, and so on and so on.  And so it is for almost any occupation, I'd guess.  I'm working to be more efficient with how I spend my time!  And hopefully you'll see that with upcoming posts!

Hope you have a great day and that your watchful eye captures a moment of wonder!

~Kristi