Math inspiration for teachers continues at the New York Math Circle:

* Our Math & Dinner series has begun. https://www.nymathcircle.org/...
* Henry Ricardo's 4-part "Joy of Inequalities" mini-course starts on April 17th. https://www.nymathcircle.org/...
* Registration is open for our Summer Teachers Workshop at Bard College. https://www.nymathcircle.org/...

And, please don't forget our student math circles in Manhattan and Queens!

So what is the proof on the blackboard that Gil Kessler is working on?

Hi Brewer,

Gil is demonstrating a construction to solve the following classic challenge:

"Given a circle with center O, and point P outside the circle, construct (with straightedge and compass) a line through P and tangent to the circle."

The diagram shows what Gil termed the "standard" construction. Can you deduce it, based on what you see in the photo?

Gil then went on to show another construction, due to Steiner, that only requires a straightedge. Wow!

Yep - teacher burn-out is a big concern. Keep things as fresh as you can, and get some interesting angles on the subject matter. This is what I try to do at mathtricks.org - keeping the material fun and interesting.

I think Gil's different colored pen idea is a great way to increase student involvement, for it stimulates another part of the brain plus they get to choose what's important. I believe that multisensory teaching, that's generally reserved for the younger learner (www.sticksandsteps.com), reaps benefits for the older learner. The need for tactile, and other multisensory instruction, continues throughout adulthood. Too often it's pushed to the side and students lose out.

Many teachers benefit from attending the NJ Artist/Teacher Institute in the summer. It fuels their creativity for the entire school year! www.njati.org.

There has been a great resurgence in yearbook curriculum and programs in schools with the production process being a great educational vehicle. I work run an after school program with the yearbook publisher Walsworth Yearbooks which does tremendous job with coming to schools and teaching on a weekly basis in content areas such as journalism, photography, design and even business. Students serve as marketing managers and meet not only content goals but business-related goals in selling books and ads, so it's actually a great real world working example of running a business. There is a full yearbook curriculum for schools where yearbook is daily class period. you can email me at jeff. wood@walsworth.com to bring yearbook education to your school.