The Teaching Company DVDs -- Mathematics

EEP has the following DVDs that are available for viewing in the EEP lounge or for viewing at home if signed out. Should students sign out these tapes, they are responsible for returning them within a week, in the same shape, or will be charged $30 per dvd (not per course). All dvds contain a series of 30-minute visual lectures -- usually 10 per dvd -- and can be viewed on a tv or computer. See any EEPC officer for access to these dvds -- they are a resource for all EEPsters! These are not college courses, but rather refresher courses for high school material and often a fresh new approach to mathematical concepts that should help in better understanding of college math. Enjoy!

The Joy of Mathematics -- Humans have been having fun and games with mathematics for thousands of years. Along the way, they've discovered the amazing utility of this field -- in science, engineering, finance, games of chance, and many other aspects of life. Nationally renowned for feats of mental calculation performed before audiences at schools, theaters, museums, conferences, and other venues, Professor Benjamin shows you that there are simple tricks that allow anyone to look like a math magician. Throughout these lectures, he shows how everything in mathematics is connected -- how algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, probability, and so much else is based on nothing more than fooling around with numbers. For more information on what is included on this series of 24 lectures on two dvds, click here.

The Joy of Thinking -- The beauty and Power of Classical Mathematical Ideas. The Joy of Thinking is a course about fun, aesthetics, and mystery—about great mathematical ideas that arise from puzzles, observations of everyday life, and habits of curiosity and effective thinking. It is as much about learning to think abstractly as it is about what we traditionally think of as mathematics. Explore the fourth dimension, coincidences, fractals, the allure of number, and geometry, and bring it all back down to Earth -- learn how to play "Let's Make a Deal," and truth behind whether or not monkeys could type out Hamlet! For more information on what is included on this series of 24 lectures on two dvds, click here.

Zero to Infinity -- A History of Numbers. Numbers surround us. They mark our days, light our nights, foretell our weather, and keep us on course. They drive commerce and sustain civilization. But what are they? Prepare to be amazed! Professor Burger will show how mathematicians are both artists and explorers, starting from the mathematical questions and traveling through the moments of doubt and discovery that have pushed math's frontiers forward. Learn how and why numbers are important, and their enduring mystery. For more information on what is included on this series of 24 lectures on two dvds, click here.

Algebra I -- the approach to Algebra in a Technological World. There is a historical overview of the evolution of algebra; the various families of functions (linear to quadratic to rational to exponential); systems of equations and inequalities; and the future (fractals and captivating chaos). Algebra I has a well-established reputation as one of the primary gatekeepers for access to college, and in particular for access to competitive public and private institutions. Therefore, it is very important that students acquire a rich foundation for both a conceptual understanding and procedural fluidity that will serve them not only along their journey through algebra, but also beyond. Many studies have shown that when students are exposed to multiple representations of the concept or topic studied, the resulting understanding is deeper, for rich connections are made among these various forms of representations, thus solidifying a multifaceted mental construct. Professor Dr. Neagoy constantly travels back and forth among the various "universes" of algebra, which she calls words, equations, numbers, and graphs. For more information on what is included on this 30-lecture series on three dvds, click here.

Algebra II -- is the crucial high school mathematics course in preparing for a college education. This series concentrates on two essential algebraic concepts polynomials (operating, graphing and solving polynomial equations) and functions (linear, polynomial including quadratic, rational, and recursive). Even the aspects of Algebra II that are usually considered difficult to teach are treated in a user-friendly manner, including matrices and determinants, imaginary numbers, sequences and series, and logarithms. The final part of the course includes an introductory lesson in Trigonometry. Professor Dr. Siegel punctuates these 30-half hour lectures with humor! For more information on what is included on this series of three dvds, click here.

Geometry -- learn the mysteries of lines, planes, angles, inductive and deductive reasoning, parallel lines and planes, triangles, polygons, and more, while developing the ability to read, write, think, and communicate about the concepts of geometry. So much more than just recognition and definition of terms and symbols, this course uses inductive reasoning to discover mathematical relationships and recognize real-world applications of inductive reasoning, conditional statements, and deductive reasoning. For more information on what is included on this series of three dvds, click here.

Calculus -- "change and motion, calculus made clear." Considered widely as one of the greatest achievements of the human mind, it is calculus that has made it possible to build bridges that span miles of river, travel to the moon, and predict patterns of population change. Yet for all its computational power, calculus is the exploration of just two ideas -- the derivative and the integral -- both of which arise from a commonsense analysis of motion. This course, presenting every equation as a sentence that can be understood and solved in English, is crafted to make the key concepts and triumphs of calculus accessible to nonmathematicians. This series is not designed as a college calculus course; rather, it will help you see calculus around you in the everyday world. For more information on what is included on this series of 24 lectures on 2 dvds, click here.

Other courses available from the Teaching Company (click here) include High School Level Basic Math, Statistics ("Meaning from Data: Statistics Made Clear") and Probability ("What are the Chances? Probability Made Clear"). (Note: the Teaching Company offers many college courses on tape, and has special sales every year. Check out their website for their many other offerings.)