Piece of the Pi

Posted on December 11, 2013 by admin

The recent release of PISA data has caused quite a stir in education circles and beyond. PISA is the acronym for the international organization that every five years tests 15-year-old students in 65 countries on core literacy and math skills (i.e., the Programme for International Student Assessment of the OECD).

The new math results were particularly interesting on many levels. For the third consecutive time, Canadian scores slipped, to the point that some experts are calling the trend a crisis for Canada. For a long time Canada was firmly among the top 10 nations in math results. We have now slipped to 13^th and some feel it’s an indicator that Canadian society may struggle in the coming decade in the competitive fields of science, engineering, and high tech research where math skills are foundational.

Although alarm bells have been ringing across Canada for the past week, here in Quebec, student results on the PISA test were actually very strong. The Quebec results placed our province well ahead of the rest of Canada, at 8^th place in the world – the only North American constituency in the top 10. Already, people are scrambling to know what’s different about the teaching of math here. There was a two-page spread in last weekend’s Globe and Mail about this issue and many are wondering what can be learned from our provincial math programme. Quite simply, it appears that teacher training in Québec mandates a lot more time on the training of math teachers than in other provinces or American states. Policy-makers from across North America and Europe are now dissecting the Quebec teacher training regime and the specifics elements of our core math curriculum.

So, kudos to our LCC math teachers. They teach a subject that can be difficult for many students. Regardless of teaching skills, confidence in mathematics requires constant practice and a lot of focus and resolve. By definition, math can be a challenge in a world full of distractions and easy access to so many digital entertainment tools. I’m impressed with our school’s math culture. Our students’ results on a host of math exams and contests are strong and our top students are among the top in the country. Clearly, our math faculty & students are truly deserving of a brand new math wing. I only hope all the space and light will further enhance our students’ quest for better understanding and achievement on the math front. —Christopher Shannon, Headmaster

Solisterra Take Two: The Art of Parging

Posted on November 13, 2012 by admin

Three weeks ago, the grade 9 and 10 enriched math classes were invited to go on a community service trip to the town of Kazabazua in Quebec. The moment this was presented to me, I knew I wanted to go. Three hours later, my form was already handed in. I could not wait to go back to Kazabazua for the second year in a row.

There we slept in a straw bale house at the Solisterra Eco-Cottages. We were going to stay for two nights and work for two days. Our task was to build a straw bale shed that would create solar energy by using solar panels and be used as a storage room. Straw bales were going to have to be modified and sewed together to make the walls. The entire shed was going to have to be chicken wired. And finally, the walls of the shed were going to have to be parged with a mixture of cement, sand and water. So much to do!

The highlight of my trip was learning the art of parging under the guidance of Andrew the expert. Saturday consisted of applying the first layer of parging on the walls of the straw bale shed. Making the parging was a lot of fun. We got to observe how adding different ingredients changed the texture and stickiness of the parging. Covering the straw bale walls was my favourite part of the process, as I applied this gooey playdough-like substance with my hands. Needless to say, I got very dirty.

During our two days, we got the chance to learn and work with unbelievable people. We learned about our natural environment, about the importance of trees, solar energy and the art of parging. We spent two full days in the cold, working nine hours a day to complete our project. We are happy to say that the shed was successfully built with no complications. What a wonderful experience!—Zack Shine ’15

Problem of the Week: LCC Turns 100

Posted on December 7, 2009 by admin

Grade1Centenary_07Dec2009 Every week, LCC’s grade 1 students receive a “Math Problem of the Week,” which is made up of several math activities that they need to solve.

In honour of LCC’s 100th birthday celebration, the grade 1 students put together their own display of 100 objects. They needed to choose 100 items, count them by putting them into groups and present them in any way they wanted. The results were amazing! Their projects were creative, vibrant and original. Our founder, Dr. Fosbery, would be proud… I sure am!

—Miss Wehlan

Quotes from students:

“I learned how to group by tens. I liked putting the items in colour and shape order.” — Grayson Velan, 1A

“I liked subtracting the extra objects from 100.” — Isabella Taite, 1A

I liked to work with counting.”. — Natalie Clack, 1A

“I learned how to group by 5s.” — Harry Wiltzer, 1A

“My favourite part was presenting. I learned how to count to 100.” — Devon LLano, 1B

“I learned how to group numbers.” — Lily Trestan, 1B

“I know that 10 x 10 is 100.” — Alexander Chneerov, 1B

“I think all of the projects were super!” — Sophie Rioux, 1B