Our first week at NRA has been a buzz of activity. We have studied new theorems and paddled new rivers. Our new students are blending in seamlessly while the old students are picking up right where they left off.
Students in Algebra class have been assigned individual projects that illustrate applications of mathematics in science, engineering, computer science and nature. Taylor Cote is studying conic sections and their applications to astronomy. Eric Bartl is exploring the many uses of the catenary curve, especially the way it is used by engineers to build the strongest arches. Alex Anderson is learning to program in Ruby, and will study the most efficient algorithm to solve the scheduling problem. Zoe Ross is learning about the Fibonacci sequence and its relationship to the Golden Ratio.
AP Physics and Calculus are slugging away at the books and looking ahead to the AP Tests. Tracy D’Arbeloff and Matti Hill have just finished doing integration using limits and are ready to move on to the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Chase Simmons is finishing up a section on fluid dynamics and making a study plan for the AP exam. Jessica Droujko is working on a review before she begins a section on trigonometry.
Pre-calculus students are also discussing a variety of topics. Clay Whitaker is learning about vectors and parametric functions along with their applications to digital animation. Steven Forester is developing an independent study that will investigate the use of fractals in video editing and rendering software.
With so many projects and so little time, I often wonder how we find time to make it to the river. But there is nothing like a good evening of paddling to wash away the mental fatigue that comes from a long day of classes. This semester is off to a great start and I thank all of you who had a hand in putting it together.
Andy Kirby
