About Me
- Neal Christian
- Neal graduated from The Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Spanish, a Master’s Degree of Mathematics Education from Georgia State University, and a Specialist's Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. He has taught mathematics on the high school and college level and served as the Academic Support Partner for the Office of Minority Educational Development (OMED) at Georgia Tech. As a former Mathematics Implementation Specialist with the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE), Neal traveled to high schools within the state to assist teachers with the transition from the Quality Core Curriculum to the Georgia Performance Standards Frameworks. Neal has also trained mathematics teachers in several districts throughout Georgia. In 2007, Neal presented on Implementing Mathematical Tasks at the European Teacher Education Network Conference in Liverpool, England. In 2010, Neal was the founding assistant principal of Fulton Leadership Academy. Currently, Mr. Christian is the founding director of Genesis Innovation of Academy for Boys and is pursuing his Doctorate's Degree in Educational Leadership.
We use math in everyday living just don’t really notice it. It really depends on what profession one is going to be in. One of the many benefits of having good math skill is; it makes us more of analytical thinker or/and good problem solver. This is not limited to math but everyday life as well.
ReplyDeletePure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas. ~Albert Einstein
What professions, other than teaching mathematics, require an extensive amount of mathematics?
DeleteI agree with Patel, we utilize math on a daily basis. However, utilizing algebraic equations daily may depend on your profession. Some of the professions I believe require advance mathematics are scientists, architects, analysts, doctors, engineers, and analysts. I think at a minimum Algebra. Algebra should be taught whether you are on a college preparatory path or technical path.
DeleteWhile shadowing with a Microbiologist at the CDC last year, he told me that the requirement of higher math is essential in the field of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Education, or Medicine. We have to take courses such as Algebra and Calculus in order to have a better understanding of the scientific and mathematical laws. However, basic algebra or math is used on a daily basis. A general knowledge or understanding of the subject is needed to become successful or to function. The advancements in technology have made things so easy for us; everything is literally right at our fingertips or just a click away.
ReplyDeleteI have a better understanding of mathematics when I am able to use it and relate it to everyday life. I used to be an Independent Sales Manager. I sold custom cabinets (flat or raised panels), granite countertops, crown molding, and pre-finished hardwood floors. The cabinets was 100% Wood (no fiberboard), the granite was from Brazil. I was required to visit my customer’s home and take measurements of their kitchen. With my measuring tape in hand, I had to know high the ceiling was in order to determine how high the cabinets should be (standard was about 30 or 36 inches), some customers preferred an upgrade of 42 inches, which would cost more. I had to make sure that everything was symmetrical. I had to calculate the amount of space that should be in between the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher, to ensure that nothing clashed when the doors opened. The cost of the granite countertops was based on the style/design ($28.99-49.99 per sq. ft.) and the edge (bullnose or ogee) was included, some companies charge for the edge; I had to measure the length and width of the countertop or area, to determine the cost of the granite per square footage. Then, we used an expensive program in the showroom called 20/20 Design to enter all of the measurements and layout of the kitchen to show the customer what the finished project would look like. We charged $50-$100 to do the design, because some customers would go to Home Depot and get a cheaper quote, so we made sure we got something out of the deal. I also learned how to read blueprints and how build a design based off of the blueprints of a home or apartment. I was able to make some really good commission once the cabinets and granite was paid in full and the installation was complete. I worked for a friend of mine who had a small franchise or showroom called Panda Kitchen and Bath of Atlanta located at N. Druid Hills and Lawrenville Highway back in 2006, down from the Cici’s Pizza, now it’s a UPS store. The main office is on Jimmy Carter and there is a location in Kennesaw or Woodstock. I also drove around and sold cabinets and granite to some Commercial Builders as well. I tried to get commercial contracts with companies like, H. J. Russell & Co. and Brock Built. I enjoyed doing what I do best, talking, and more talking, and meeting new people, and getting paid to use math. :) I worked with mostly “men” :) and people from all different professions and walks of life. I started getting a lot of commercial contracts, but the owner didn’t want to pay us our commission, so I had to move on to something else…LOL :) Overall, I enjoyed meeting new people. And til this day, I am still friends with some of my customers/builders and I had fun using math. :)
ReplyDeleteDo the Math? If I sold 40 sq ft of granite at $49.99 per sq ft=$1999.60 round up $2000 worth of granite sold, at 20% commission= $400, what if we had 10 customers who purchased granite within one month, that is $4000 before taxes. :)
ReplyDeleteI also sell MaryKay, in which the commission is about 50% of the product sold. There have been times when I have earned more selling MaryKay than I've earn per week from working. So, I'm thinking of how I can use math while in school to increase my income. I have my eye on a new BMW... LOL :) Thanks for the topic, Mr. Christian. :)
As many of the replies exhibit, although simple, the question of math's importance in post-school life is also very loaded. Math tends to be the villainous culprit of lagging GPA's from elementary school on up through to college and grad school for countless students and soon to be professionals. The ever lingering question rattling around in the overworked minds of these stressed out students is "when am I ever going to use this useless information?" I tend to agree with the majority of these math-worn students in that most will only truly utilized a fraction of what they've been taught in this subject to achieve success in life. Algebra is certainly the base layer leading to many more complex arenas. I fundamentally disagree with the label of "useless" regarding the extended realms like trigonometry, calculus, statistics, linear algebra, and so on. These more extensive forms of math are not just useful they are essential in other fields and professions. All the luxuries we enjoy today that are readily available to us with little to no effort on our part as individual consumers. We take these products and devices for granted, not truly appreciating what it took to create these near miraculous advancements. Smartphones, flat screens, laptops, cleaning agents, hygienic products, hybrid fruits, shoes, fabrics, vehicles, the list is endless. All of these wondrous creations were born of theories, testing, and experimentation. Science. Numbers. Math. If not for the deep understanding of this pivotal subject on the part of these biologists, chemists, physicists; we would not have all that we enjoy so much so often. When we leave school and release ourselves to forget those worrisome fractions, exponents, and logarithms these troopers forge ahead and continue evolving their mathematical knowledge so they can better understand our world. And with that understanding that most of us didn't have the patience or focus to achieve they help better all our lives. And who do we have to thank for imparting this fundamental numeric wisdom to these brilliant scientists? The ever dedicated mathematicians. From the preschool math teacher to the college professor they are the cogs in the evolutionary machine of progressive society. They must house a deeper understanding and/or love for the very same equations many of us shun, myself included, in order to teach hundreds of students year after year. Without a willing teacher an apt pupil is cannot excel. Without the help of math I wouldn't be typing this comment on my laptop. :)
ReplyDeleteEXPLORING CAREERS IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
ReplyDeleteForensic Pathologists, or Medical Examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine the bodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently. The forensic pathologist is responsible for determining the cause (the ultimate and immediate reasons for the cessation of life) and manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or unknown).
To determine the identity of the victim and the time, manner and cause of death, the forensic pathologist: studies the medical history, evaluates crime scene evidence including witness statements, performs an autopsy to uncover evidence of injury or disease, and collects medical and trace evidence from the body for further analysis.
While taking College Algebra online, there was one particular section that caught my immediate attention, to solve these problems were challenging, but quite interesting at the same time. Chapter (5.6) Modeling with Exponential and Logarithmic Functions: I have always had an interest in Pathology, Forensic Science, and Mortuary Science. This section covered The Radioactive Decay Model and Newton’s Law of Cooling. Radioactive substances decay by spontaneously emitting radiation. The rate of decay is proportional to the mass of the substance. This is analogous to population growth except that the mass decreases. Physicists express the rate of decay in terms of Half-Life. Newton’s Law of Cooling states that the rate at which an object cools is proportional to the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings, provided that the temperature difference is not too large. By using Calculus, the following model can be deduced from this law.
Source: Stewart, Redlin and Watson, Algebra and Trigonometry
Biomedical Engineers
ReplyDeleteBiomedical engineering combines the study of engineering, biology and medicine to improve medical procedures, create equipment and eradicate disease. These engineers research and develop artificial organs and limbs and improve the mechanical devices used in hospitals and clinics. Many biomedical engineers work in research alongside chemists, physicists and other scientists in universities, hospitals and private companies searching for answers to complex medical problems and designing new equipment and methodology.
Biomedical engineers are responsible for many advances in modern medicine. The heart-lung machine, for instance, keeps a surgical patient alive by pumping and oxygenating the blood. Kidney dialysis machines remove waste from the blood, allowing people with renal failure to continue living relatively normal lives. Biomedical engineers have developed lasers to use in delicate eye surgery, in noninvasive clinical diagnostic procedures and in scanning microscopes. Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as laparoscopy and surgical robotics are a result of biomedical engineering research.
Biomedical engineers study how to improve biological function through engineering principles, bridging the gap between engineering and medicine. An artificial heart and a magnetic resonance imaging machine are examples of biomedical engineering achievements.
Biomedical engineers typically obtain a bachelor's degree in an area of engineering such as industrial, electrical, chemical or mechanical and extensive coursework in biology.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_4623800_what-do-biomedical-engineers-study.html#ixzz2mH1isylH
you don't have to know calculus or have an extensive amount of knowledge in even Algebra to be successful in life. algebra and its principles are used in everyday life ranging from finance and marketing to medicine and in basically every business. it is right that algebra is the gatekeeper to success because without acknowledgement for its principles the easiest of businesses and jobs would not be able to be done efficiently. a deeper understanding of math beyond algebra I think would in better interest to individuals seeking careers that have an extreme focus to detail and who's work will rely on exact perdictions, measurement, and so forth. not having any understanding of even basic algebraic principles at a minimum will set up a person for failure as they will be at a disadvantage in life in general when it comes to solving the easiest of things, predicting income, profits, interests when borrowing money. well all deal with math on a daily basis and all are faced with even the simplest of algebraic problems in life, so ata minimum to be successful you should know a some algebra.
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