Scientific Notation

I am guiding my daughter in preparing her PowerPoint presentation for her 2-day duty as Math Teacher in celebration of the World Teachers’ Day. One of the 2 topics is she was tasked to discuss was Scientific Notation. Find it easy or hard? I guess pretty easy because you just need to remember simple things in converting numbers from standard form to scientific notation and vice versa. Recall the following:

* Scientific notation is a method of writing numbers as the product of two factors where the first factor is a number greater than or equal to 1 but less than 10 and the second factor is an integral power of 10.

* When the decimal is moved to the left the exponent gets larger, but the value of the number stays the same. Each place the decimal moves, increases the exponent by one (1). If you move the decimal to the right it makes the exponent smaller by one (1) for each place it is moved.

Pointers:

* In writing numbers in scientific notation, you must remember the 2 factors wherein the first factor is equal or greater than 1 but less than 10 & the second factor is an integral power of 10.

* When it comes to decimal point, going LEFT the exponent gets larger and so going RIGHT the exponent becomes smaller. Add 1 to the exponent each place the decimal moves. Going LEFT the exponent is POSITIVE and ergo going RIGHT the exponent is NEGATIVE.

Now get a pen and paper and try the following problems: 1.)  6.8270 x 10^7 ;  2.)  0.000728  3.)  6 271 973 000 000

REMEMBER! The essence of Math education is to make complicated things simple, not the other way around.

DepEd's K-12 Program

Next week private schools will commence their classes for the SY 2012-2013. Part of the orientation of these schools will be the implementation of the K-12 program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

Salient points on the enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program

• K to 12 means Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education.
• The model that is currently being proposed by DepEd is the K-6-4-2 Model. This model involves Kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) and two years of senior high school (Grades 11 to 12). The two years of senior high school intend to provide time for students to consolidate acquired academic skills and competencies.
• Features of K 6-4-2: (1) Kindergarten and 12 years of quality basic education is a right of every Filipino, therefore they must be and will be provided by government and will be free. (2) Those who go through the 12 years cycle will get an elementary diploma (6 years), a junior high school diploma (4 years), and a senior high school diploma (2 years). (3) A full 12 years of basic education will eventually be required for entry into tertiary level education (entering freshmen by SY 2018-2019 or seven years from now). 
• What is Senior High School? It will be a 2 years of in-depth specialization for students depending on the occupation/career track they wish to pursue. Skills and competencies relevant to the job market. The 2 years of senior HS intend to provide time for students to consolidate acquired academic skills and competencies. The curriculum will allow specializations in Science and Technology, Music and Arts, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sports, Business and Entrepreneurship. 

I am pretty sure that there are still confusion on this new program so I guess it is advisable to all parents to attend the orientation to be properly informed on how this K-12 program. Read the links below for more information.

Briefer on the Enhanced K to 12 Basic Education Program
K-12 Program

Bachelor of Education @ Nipissing University

The Nipissing University has branches in North Bay, Brantford and Muskoka District in Ontario Canada. The Nipissing University Act of 1992 created the Nipissing University and dissolved the Nipissing College. It became a chartered university on December 10, 1992. Said act elaborated the structure and duties of the Board and Senate, established the positions of Chancellor and President as well as their roles and method of appointment, and outlined the transition matters between the former college and the new university. The Act was amended in 2001 to allow Nipissing University the power and authority to grant “any and all degrees, honorary degrees and diplomas in all branches of learning.” Also, minor amendments were made to clarify terms of office for Board and Senate members.



Currently, the Nipissing University is accepting applicants to the Bachelor of Education program with the following qualifications: must hold a recognized undergraduate degree, all required teachable subject courses and be able to provide a transcript indicating that the degree has been conferred by June 2012 to be considered. Also, applicants must have a minimum of ten full courses (20 semester courses) to their undergraduate degree, not including advanced standing credit, to be eligible for consideration.

As part of Nipissing University’s policy, it encourages applicants who are aboriginal, members of visible minorities and differently-abled persons. Upon receipt of application, information will be sent for self-identifying but applicants under special admission criteria must still meet the minimum admission requirements.

Slots in the Bachelor of Education program are limited. Primarily, the selection of candidates will be based on academic achievement. Hurry and check out their website because the first round of offers of admission will be on April 1, 2012.

Math shortcut: Sum of 3 & 5 consecutive whole numbers

My daughter will be attending her 6 Saturdays MTAP sessions beginning on July 16. We paid 300 pesos for that but I am sure the sessions will help her enrich her mathematical abilities. I do understand that most of the kids find Math a bit hard but I always told my daughter that whatever you needed to study just take time, so give it time kids.

One Math topic which I may share to you is how to get the sum of 3 and 5 consecutive whole numbers without having so much computation, the shortcut should I say.

Examples:
* 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 The sum of three consecutive whole numbers is thrice or three times of the second addend. In this case 2 is the second addend so 2 x 3 = 6. If you have 4 + 5 + 6 it will equal to 15 or 5 x 3.
* 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15 The sum of five consecutive whole numbers is 5 times of the third addend. In this case 3 is the third addend so 3 x 5 = 15. If you have 10 + 11 + 12 + 13 + 14 it will equal to 60 or 12 x 5.

There’s this MTAP question that asked for 5 consecutive whole numbers that equal to a certain number wherein you can apply this concept.

Example: Find 5 consecutive whole numbers that equal to 110. First, you need to divide 110 by 5. Why 5? Because you are looking for 5 consecutive whole numbers. The answer will be 22 and it will serve as the third number or middle addend. To get the 5 numbers, get the 2 numbers before 22 and 2 numbers after 22 and that is the answer (20, 21, 22, 23, 24).

Teen summa cum laude breaks 65-year UP record

Nineteen year-old JOHN GABRIEL PELIAS, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, broke the record of a professor emeritus in political science in UP after 65 years by garnering a weighted average of 1.016. Prof. Emerenciana Yuvienco Arcellana, Ph.D, widow of the late National Artist for Literature Francisco Arcellana and mother of STAR desk editor Juaniyo, held the previous record with 1.02 upon graduating in 1946, whose commencement speaker was President Manuel Roxas. Pelias is one of UP’s poorest scholars with his family earning less than P80,000 a year.

Congratulations John Gabriel! You’ve such a good example to many youth out there. You’ve shown how to value education, be triumphant after many challenges, and rose from difficulties in life.

Congratulations Justin!!!

 

I just got my son’s report card today for the SY 2010-2011 and got a chance to talk to her adviser. Her teacher told me that he is smart and if will add some focus on his stuff he will make it to the top. Actually, he even told me that he is within the Top 5 of his section. The only problem aside from the focus is that he is a sort of talkative. I guess that’s no wonder because even at home he is a sort of talking and talking and talking. But the teacher noted that he gradually change as to his talkativeness.

I am so happy and proud of you my son. You finish your pre-school with high grades (no grades lower than 90) since Nursery and you never sent mommy to the principal’s office. You won first place in your declamation contest and I am so glad to hear that you are one of teacher’s best students.

Congratulations baby and we love you so much!!!

Year End Recognition Day of my daughter

The family is so tired but we’re all happy as well. Today is my daughter’s Year End Recognition Day at St. Matthew College. Students from Grades 1-5 will be honored with medals and certificates for garnering high grades during the school year. My daughter, Nicole, was in Grade 4 and she got 2 gold medals: 1 gold for overall Rank 1 (First Honors) and 1 gold for co-curricular activities.

As she started her schooling way back her Nursery time, I could say that she’s a dedicated and active kind of student. I heard nothing but good words and praises for her coming from classmates, parents and her teachers as well. Although at times we quarrel when she loses her time management and focus because of her young age and influence around her, she’s still in the stage of listening to our words and discerning things we used to tell her.

Again, my heartfelt congratulations to you baby! Keep up the good work and we’re so happy and proud of you.

2010 Bar Exams Top 10 list

Cesareo Antonio Singzon Jr. of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) law school in Makati City got the highest score of 89% in the Bar Exams held last year. There were 982 other bar passers, or 20.26% of all the 4,847 examinees. Half of the Top 10 were occupied by Ateneo students. Below is the ranking:

SY 2010-2011 about to end

End of classes is nearing. My son who is a graduating student from Preparatory Level just finished his final exams last week and practicing for the graduation this week until next week. Their graduation was set on March 26 at Maria Rafols Hall of Virgen del Pilar School, while my daughter who is a Grade 4 student in St. Matthew College will have their finals next week. Their Year-End Recognition was set temporarily on March 30.

I am thankful that the 2 occasions do not coincide on the same date and at the same time congratulates both of my kids for another school year they are about to finish with flying colors. Love you both.

SMC 3rd Grading Reading of Honors

After the MTAP Elimination Round for Rizal where Nicole and her classmate Patricia advanced to the next round together with SMC representatives from Grades 1,2,5 and 6, today happened to be the Reading of Honors for the 3rd Quarter. Nicole seems to be reaping the fruits of her hard labor because she got the overall Rank 1 for Grade 4 Level. One quarter remains and the Year-End Recognition is another exciting event for her to look forward too. But of course she knows the MTAP 2nd round comes first on February 10 and we need to study hard and be prepared for it.

Congratulations baby! I know sometimes mommy is hard on you, pushing you to the limit of giving your best when it comes to your education but you know my reasons why. Mommy can help you at times but you owe much to yourself so that you can reach your goals in life.

Good luck on everything and keep up the good work! We’re always 100% here for you to love, guide and support you. Lots of love.. ♥♥♥♥

My daughter's Year-End Recognition Day

Today is the Year-End Recognition Day of my daughter, Ysabel Nicole. She is in Grade 3 at St. Matthew College in San Mateo, Rizal. She’s always included in the recognition since her Grade 1 when she was transferred to that school. This school year’s recognition she was able to reap 3 gold medals for herself. She ranked the overall TOP 1 from her level (with 7 subject proficiencies), no. 1 also in the Deportment Category and no. 1 in the extra-curricular activities.

Every Year-End Recognition, her school gives recognition on 3 categories: overall academic performance, deportment (attitude) and extra-curricular activities. I know the hardships and perseverance my daughter went through this school year but it all pays off.

From me, papa and Justin we are so very proud of you and keep up the good work.

Camcorders digital capture every moment

February 17 is one of the busiest school days of my daughter. This week is their “Academic Week” and parts of it are the different quiz bee on per subject basis. She was chosen as a contestant in three subjects namely Math, Science and Civics.

Thanks to modern technology we have now camcorders digital to make every moment captured. I will bring ours to record the happenings as hubby is not fortunate to be around. I am crossing my fingers that she makes it till the end. Good luck sweetie!!!

3rd quarter report cards

Report card of my daughter (Grade 3 - Patience)

Report card of my son (Kinder - Tulip)

I got the report cards of my kids for the 3rd quarter. Hubby and I are happy with their performances. My boy is in Kinder Level at Virgen del Pilar School and my Grade 3 girl at St. Matthew College was again in the overall Top Ten. For my two smart and loving kids congratulations and keep up the good work!!! We love you so so much!

Back to school (SY 2009-2010)

On Monday, June 1, is the first day of school for public schools’ students. No wonder why Divisoria is jam-packed with parents and kids rushing out to buy uniforms and school materials. My daughter (St. Matthew College, San Mateo, Rizal) will starts on June 8 while my boy (Virgen Del Pilar School, Montalban, Rizal) on June 15.

In that regard, the family went out shopping for some groceries in Puregold San Mateo branch today. We delivered the items in our family business located at San Juan’s Agora Mall. The family sells dry goods and it’s been my family business for decades already. Right now my parents are the ones who personally manage the business since I and my 2 other sisters are incapable of being there. We help them financially and later on I am planning to take over the business after my husband’s retirement. Usually during vacation is the downside season for our store so now that students are back to school again we’re also back to business. I just hope that despite the crisis and the lay offs our business will still go strong as usual.

So to all the students out there, as what Michael Kors said in Project Runway: Study! Study! Study!

Efren Peñaflorida @ CNN 2009 Heroes

Are there still heroes nowadays? Do you know one? Do you think that at this point in time there are still others out there who will consider first the welfare of other people rather than themselves or their families?

The answer is a big YES and I am fortunate to know one real Filipino hero thru a radio program. This 28 year old EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA is one of those heroes being featured at CNN Heroes. For more than a decade, Peñaflorida together with his team of teen volunteers in Dynamic Teen Company teach street children and gang members in reading, writing, Math and English. If PGMA has her rolling store, Efren and his teen volunteers have their pushcart classroom jam-packed with school materials they need in teaching those kids.

For more information about the heroic deeds of Efren and his team visit CNN Heroes and please do support them. To Efren and your team, may we have more fellows like you who have a heart, passion and perseverance towards our youth who are less fortunate and for those who are in the wrong path of their lives. Good luck and more power!

You reap what you sow

The month of March is such a busy month for both schools and parents. Lots of recognitions and graduations happen left and right. My daughter had their Recognition Day (for Grades 1-5) yesterday, March 26. She just finished her Grade 2 reaping the overall Top 3 for her level.

She was happy on that special day but kind of sad too. When she was in Grade 1 she got the overall Top 1 and now she ranked Top 3. She will turn 9 only this May so I need to explain things that will make her understand what might be the reason/s in such a way I will appease her mind. I am glad that after our heart to heart talk she understood what happened very well. I discussed with her the famous saying “you reap what you sow” and from there she picked things that maybe considered her shortcomings.

For the coming school year, I asked her to have this goal so that everything she will do will lead her in meeting that goal. Anyway, below are pictures during her Recognition Day.

Recognition/Graduation Day of my boy

My boy just had their Recognition/Graduation Day in school yesterday. The affair started with a mass at 9:00am followed by a short break before the main event. Although the venue is near the mountains of Montalban you can still feel the heat of summer. The special day consisted of Nursery to Grade 2 students wherein the Top 5 students per level will be given recognition and served as the graduation day for the Preparatory students.

The school is being managed by Sisters of Charity of St. Anne Foundation and there are 25-30 students per section and only 2-3 sections per level. Below are pictures I was able to take during the affair.

My kids' summer classes @ home

Summer is here and students are nearing to end the school year 2008-2009. Some parents are geared toward sending their kids to sports during summer like swimming, dancing, taekwondo and more. I do understand that these lessons help them develop discipline, patience and perseverance. Actually the school of my daughter handed over to them a swimming lesson application for Php2,500.00 for a 2 week session. I talked to hubby about it but we both agreed that it would be beneficial for the kids now that they prioritize mastering their academic lessons.

Let’s face it. In school, sometimes or often than not kids are tend not to master the topics due to different reasons. When they go up for another level and tackle the same topics it seems like it is their first time or only a little stick to their minds. I talked to my daughter and explain to her why she can’t go to swimming lesson for now and instead we will have a summer lesson for her and her brother at home. We will be discussing their previous lessons one at a time daily, do some exercises about it to assess their understanding of the topic discuss for the day. Though there are schools and institutions who handle summer classes and special trainings, we are out of tune for that because that is not included in the budget. LOL. Maybe next year.

For parents out there who have the budget and want to send their kids for summer lesson, Kumon is a great choice. It is a global educational institution that offers Math and English lessons. I heard good things about it from a relative who sent her son in Kumon for 4 years now and she is satisfied with it.

Have a happy and fruitful summer with your kids!!!

Math Time: Number Pyramid

My daughter who is currently in Grade 2 is about to finish the school year 2008-2009 till March 18. Her teachers gave instruction to finish all the magazines for submission. Yesterday night I helped her in answering the 6 volumes of her MATH-Talino magazine. I came across a topic which is quite unfamiliar. I read the instructions several times but it did not sink into my mind. LOL. So what I did, I open the computer and searched for the topic. When I read some information from a certain site that’s the time I fully understand the instructions and the relationships of the numbers in the pyramid.

In the number pyramid, the number above is the sum of the two numbers below it. Study the diagram below for some illustration and click here for additional online exercises:

Science Time: 8 planets in the Solar System

Yesterday my daughter was assigned to do a research about the 8 planets in the solar system. The internet really makes it easy when it comes to research matter as compared before my time wherein I need to look the topic among encyclopedias. Aside from Wikipedia, I also tried other references available and just summarized it.

Below is the list of the 8 planets in the solar system with a brief description:

MERCURY

The Planet Mercury is the closest planet to our sun and is the smallest planet in the solar system. It is named after a roman god. It has no natural satellites and no substantial atmosphere.

VENUS

The Planet Venus is the second closest planet to the sun. It is located between our Earth and Mercury. It is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. Venus is covered with thick clouds that create a greenhouse effect that makes it very hot. Venus has no moons.

EARTH

Planet Earth is third planet from the Sun and the fifth largest planet in the solar system. The Earth consists of a gaseous atmosphere, the hydrosphere (all water on Earth), the lithosphere, mantle, and core. Water in the form of the oceans covers approximately 70% of the earth's surface. The remaining 30% is land. There are five contientnts: Eurasia (Europe and Asia), America (North and South Amererica), Africa, Antaractica and Australia.

MARS

Planet Mars is also called the Red Planet or Red World. Mars is reddish in colour and was named after the god of war of the ancient Romans. Mars is the only planet whose surface can be seen in detail from the Earth. Mars is the fourth closest planet to the Sun and the next planet beyond the Earth.

JUPITER

The Planet Jupiter is the LARGEST PLANET in our Solar System. Jupiter has at least 39 moons and they include: Europa, Io, Callisto and Ganymede. Jupiter was explored in flybys in the 1970s by NASA's Pioneer 10 and 11 and Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, and is currently being studied by the Galileo spacecraft.

SATURN

The Planet Saturn is the second largest planet. It is the next planet after Jupiter. Saturn is named after a Roman God and is famous for its beautiful rings. It has at least 31 moons. These include Titan, Hyperion, Mimas, Enceladus, Rhea, and Phoebe.

URANUS

The Planet Uranus is the third largest planet in the solar system, is a Gas Giant and is the seventh planet from the sun. Planet Uranus has rings like Planet Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune.

NEPTUNE

The Planet Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun. It is also known as the Blue Giant. Neptune is the fourth and outermost of the gas giant planets and also has rings. Its atmosphere is mostly hydrogen and helium. In Roman mythology Neptune was the god of the Sea.