Spring 2011 - Baldwin School

in her own Words
Cynthia Schmalzried, Math Department Head
“Technology use in the mathematics classroom is dedicated
first and foremost to illustrating concepts, so that students
better understand the reasons behind the techniques that
they learn. We have a Smartboard in each classroom, allowing
for animated graphics and dynamic visual presentations.
We use Algebra in Motion, Geometer’s Sketchpad and
Calculus in Motion to demonstrate complex ideas. These
virtual learning environments allow the girls to try out their
conjectures before encountering them as theorems to be
formally proven.
Technology is not an end in itself, nor is it
primarily a labor-saving device, but it can
certainly aid in the understanding of concepts
and the presentation of solutions. The
explanations and logical reasoning involved
are still the responsibility of the student, who
is an active, not passive, participant.”
Cynthia Schmalzried participated in the National Science
Foundation-funded Visual Geometry Project, where she
helped develop the concept for Geometer’s Sketchpad.
Laura Jarin-Lipschitz, Ariane Walker-Horn, Elyssa Hays and Tina Salvitti
participated in the VEX Robotics World Championship.
10 for 10
Baldwin was selected by the
National Coalition of Girls Schools
(NCGS) as one of 100 schools nationwide to participate in
the 2011 “10 for 10” campaign highlighting women in science.
Grade V students at Baldwin participated in “10 for 10” by demonstrating
their engineering prowess with a lesson in airplane
engineering. Girls first learned about the principles of flight,
including lift, drag, stability and angle of attack. They then
researched different ways to construct and fly paper aircrafts.
Each student built her own airplane and spent time adjusting the
design using straws, paperclips and index cards to improve the
aircraft’s range. After testing their designs, the girls participated in
a class-wide contest to determine the furthest-flying aircraft. The
event culminated in a grade-wide competition, including discussion
about the engineering tactics that produced the best results.
In its 10th year, “10 for 10” provides positive engineering experiences
for women and girls. The 2011 campaign aimed to reach
10,000 10-year-olds nationwide. The campaign ran for 10 weeks
(February 24 through May 8) and was held in conjunction with
National Engineers Week.
SPRing echoeS 2011 3