New "Woodbury" Math Stories Debut
Three new episodes in the popular "Jasper Woodbury" math videodisc series have been released. Co-produced by Vanderbilt University, which originally developed the series, these new episodes have grade 5 and up students work together to solve math problems that are embedded in believable "video stories."
In "Get Out the Vote," Jasper helps a mayoral candidate; students must prioritize goals, organize data and develop algebraic shortcuts. In "Bridging the Gap," they help Jasper's friends develop a grant proposal to save a local environmental preserve; this episode integrates math and science. In "Blueprint for Success," the setting is designing a playground and ball field and the topic is geometry.
The series' publisher has also updated and is now distributing the original six Woodbury episodes.
Each of the nine packages includes a teacher's manual with reproducible student materials, the videodisc, a possible solution, teaching tips and additional problems, as well as a HyperCard stack correlated to content. A sample videotape and booklet are free upon request. Learning, Inc., Mahwah, NJ, (800) 926-6579.
This article originally appeared in the 12/01/1996 issue of THE Journal.