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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In elementary school, math is rarely _______.

2. Which doctor was the inventor's good friend?

3. Deciding how to buy which item might help children learn?

4. Many people assume that cashiers can calculate ________.

5. What did Paulos dream about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Freud's calculation incorrect? What was overlooked?

2. What is Paulos' quote regarding innumeracy and pseudoscience?

3. If algorithms are taught in elementary school, why is it difficult for students to learn and use them?

4. What is the author's opinion of parapsychology as a pseudoscience?

5. What is one of the largest errors in integrating math into a student's life? What is a common result?

6. What is the author's opinion of the most common example of innumeracy?

7. Who is used as Paulos' example of educated innumerates? What is the person known for in the scientific world?

8. Why is estimation important? Who does it affect?

9. What is another commonly overlooked skill in elementary math classes? Why is it an issue?

10. Discuss the story of the student, the professor, and UFOs.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose at least three famous people. Link yourself to that person through as few intermediate links as possible. Were you surprised at the results? Write out each experiment and compare results.

Essay Topic 2

Winning streaks are a big topic in regards to probabilities. What are Paulos' explanations regarding winning streaks? Which examples are used? Do you agree or disagree with Paulos? Explain. Use at least five examples of unnoticed winning or losing streaks compared to public perception and the correlation to mathematical principles.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how technology affects a person's math skills. Is it okay to use technology at any time? What does Paulos believe technology encourages? Do you agree or disagree? Explain. What is the most effective way to use technology in regards to math? What do you think has been the most effective and/or significant invention in regards to technology and mathematics?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 663 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample