Rotating and translating

Today was an easier day for both classes. In Mr. Ambrose's class, they had a test just before the break, so they were starting a new unit. He gave them a brief introduction to the equations involved in uniform circular motion, and a worksheet. Most of the students were having a bit of a hard time settling down - I can sympathize, it was hard to get up this morning after a long weekend. They were also checking with him on what their grades are - the marking period ended right before Thanksgiving, so report cards are coming out soon. There are several students who have pulled their act together and really improved a lot, and they can be proud of that. Also, a few people are starting to get college acceptances, and one young lady just got notified that she's admitted to her first-choice college. Now, she says it's a matter of scholarships, since she can't afford them.

In Ms. Colwell's class, they're working on using matrices for translations. I helped a few students, but most of them seemed to have the idea pretty well. A few of them had some minor confusion, but it was easily resolved, and most of them got a good start on the homework during class. One student didn't feel like doing his homework - he said he'd take it home. I asked if he wouldn't rather get it done and free up that time, but he said no. I think it's a shortsighted decision, but he has to deal with the consequences. By that class period, most people had settled down and were better able to work than during first hour. They're just about done with Chapter 4, and will be taking a test pretty soon.

Oh, and the subject of birthdays came up somehow... I don't remember the conversation... but mine is coming up this week. One student asked how old I'd be, and I told her that "it's 25 in hexadecimal." If she's interested enough, she can figure it out. I doubt if she'll go through the math to figure it out, though.