Background I am working from the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE) standards, Field 004: Mathematics. This week, we will be discussing a topic from Competency 0002 - Algebra. Within this Competency, I have chosen the following performance indicator: "solves systems of linear and quadratic equations using a variety of methods."  More specifically, I will be focusing on the discriminant of the quadratic formula. Here are the NY State Common Core Learning Standards for Mathematics which align with my selected topic: My goal is to create an engaging activity for students to practice working with quadratic equations. More specifically, the activity will require students to work with the discriminant of the quadratic formula. It will be assumed that students already understand how to use the quadratic formula as well as how to calculate the discriminant of a quadratic equation. For reference, the discriminant is highlighted in orange below. For referenc...

Hello everyone! This is my first blog post, a very exciting time indeed. My name is Foster Harlfinger, and I am a 5th year student in Fordham's 5-year education program. Last year, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Math, and I will graduate with a Masters Degree in Teaching Adolescent Mathematics in Spring 2022. I am currently acting as a student teacher at West Bronx Academy for the Future in a 9th grade geometry class. I have not had any experience teaching in front of a classroom, but I worked as a one-on-one math tutor with an organization in the Bronx and as a homework grader for Fordham's math department for several years. My first official teaching year should begin in Fall 2022.