This chapter debunks the myth that the Committee of Ten set the high school curriculum on a pathway to calculus, highlighting that the actual report from 1892 does not mention calculus at all. They emphasize the importance of calculus in various fields and discuss how it underlies optimization. They also address the potential consequences of not having a strong math background in data science and quantitative careers.
Join Anna Stokke in discussion with Dr. Brian Conrad, who is a math professor and director of undergraduate studies in math at Stanford. They discuss some modern-day applications of math, and he gives some advice for parents who wonder what type of math their kids should learn to be ready for a four-year college degree in STEM or other quantitative fields.
Listeners will receive an update on what happened with the California Math Framework since the two episodes featuring Jelani Nelson (Episodes 11 & 12). As well, Brian Conrad shares examples of the many false or misleading citations he found permeating a 1000-page draft copy of the CMF. The discussion of those findings illustrates how citation misrepresentation can lead to misunderstandings about math and data science among the general public.
This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, policy makers and anyone with an interest in math or education.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-15-transcript
EPISODE RESOURCES
https://www.annastokke.com/ep-15-resources
MUSIC
Intro and Outro: Coma Media – Catch it
Blue Dot Sessions – Tarte Tatin, Callison, Ivory Pillow, Coulis Coulis, Cases to Rest, Delmendra, Delicates
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