Singapore NEM -- gaps?

[KarenDV]

I posted this on the general curric board but thought I'd try here, too:

 

So I'm all set to order NEM 1 for next year for my son, who will complete Singapore 6B this year in 4th grade, when I read Rainbow Resources' description of the program, particularly this:

 

Saxon's Algebra 2 ... covers a wider variety of topics, including polar coordinates, imaginary and complex numbers, and logarithms...Also, NEM is extremely weak in coordinate graphing. The slope-intercept method of graphing lines also is not covered...(etc.)

 

My question: is this a concern right now, or will the subjects be covered in due time? Also, I plan to use Key to Algebra with said son as a supplement; will that fill in the gaps?

 

And as a tagalong question -- have any of you Singapore Primary users supplemented for topics such as statistics and probability? Did you cobble together your own unit or use a specific book?

 

Thanks,

Karen

[Nan in Mass]

I've used PM, a few of the Keys to Algebra, and NEM 1, 2, and we're now working on 3. Then my older one will do pre-calc at CC his senior year, and calc at college. He isn't quick at math and had to start entirely over in 5th grade.

 

I have from time to time posted about the gaps in PM/NEM. You can search these boards and the old boards (if they still exist) for Nan in Mass and hopefully find them. If you can't, I'll see if I kept copies.

 

Keys to Algebra will give you a little bit of the US terminology (not very different) and phrasing, and some drill, but doesn't cover anything not covered in NEM 1 and 2.

 

I am not worried about the gaps because I'm planning on doing NEM1-3, a proof-based geometry, then CC for my engineer child. By the time he's done pre-calc at CC, he will have covered any gaps. The gaps won't be a problem for the SATs.

 

I like the way the material is presented very much in NEM.

[Pongo]

I was looking into this recently and I found a discussion about what to do after 6B. After 6B

HTH's

[KarenDV]

Thank you both -- your responses have been helpful. I think I'm going to proceed with NEM series and Key To Algebra. My husband has his master's degree in math so I'm confident we'll be able to spot any gaps or shortcomings as we go along; I just wanted to know if I should purchase anything up front to help us.

 

Peace,

Karen

[StephanieZ]

Suffice it to say, I'm using the Key To Algebra as a warm up to higher math in between 6B & NEM1. Going straight into NEM1 from 6B was a bust for my then 10 yo daughter, so we stepped back. Also, using the Joy to Mathematics DVDs has been a great supplement. Highly recommend it!

[jeri]

This is from Perpendicularpress.com. This is a marvelous book since Russian math comes from a more proof perspective than SM's calculation perspective. It's a great, high level review of many of SM's concepts, as well as covering some of NEM. I also like it because while it is not dumbed down, it is less dense than NEM. We will be done this spring, then start NEM1 (of which she'll have covered about 1/2 in RM) in the fall. Also, this is a Myrtle-approved book! Do a search for Russian math and you may come up with more.

 

jeri

[Myrtle]

From the link above: "To have a complete pre-calculus course, you would also need Singapore's New Additional Mathematics. (For instance, NEM doesn't cover logarithms, matrices, or trigonometric identities."

 

This is something to be considered if one is on the road to engineering calc.

There is no shortage of good advice about how to get to engineering calculus!

 

On the other hand, if you are interested in mathematical rigor (as opposed to academic rigor) though, there seems to be a problem.

 

At any rate, there is a review of a mathematically rigorous pre calc on my blog that includes the topics of logarithms, matrices, and trigonometric identities.

 

I also just got a copy of Serge Lang's "Basic Math" and it also includes all of the above topics as well as proofs and since the original poster said their her husband had his degree in math he may well appreciate that the Serge Lang is a Yale mathematician and one of the original Bourbakiists. While Lang says that his book is intended for the junior year of high school or as a review for adults returning to college, I wouldn't attempt this without an in person back up that I could run to for help. Lang uses precise language and it requires a lot of concentration to understand what he is saying. The answers are in the back of the book, but again, since many of the exercises involve proofs you will need someone to explain to you what makes a proof a proof or how far off you were in your own attempt.

 

If you read the reviews on Amazon and this sounds appealing remember that used copies can be found at bookfinder.com for much, much cheaper.

[Myrtle]

The Singaporemath.com website lists the gap topics in NEM as being covered in the 11th grade math course,

 

" College Mathematics Syllabus C consists of 2 volumes (College Mathematics 1 and College Mathematics 2) and is a two-year series for 11th and 12th grades. Students in and out of schools can make good use of these books for self study. These two volumes provide a fundamental background knowledge of Mathematics for other College and University courses such as Physical and Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Economics, Management and Social Science, Statistics, Accountancy and Business Studies.

 

This series is deliberately comprehensive, brief and concise. Theorems and definitions are emphasized and there are examples to illustrate each new concept presented and to show different computational techniques involved. This direct approach allows students to grasp basic concepts and techniques clearly and quickly.

 

Exercises form an integral part of the book. They provide an opportunity for students to test their understanding of the concepts learnt and to acquire through practice, confidence in handling computational techniques. Answers to problems are also included.

 

There are no workbooks nor teacher's guides for this college math series. The textbook provides answer keys to the Textbook Exercises.

 

The series covers the following topics:

 

Algebra

Complex Numbers

Relations and Functions

Trigonometry

Vectors

Matrices and Transformations

Differential and Integral Calculus

Probability and Statistics

 

My only comment is that not having seen the book it isn't clear what "theorems and definitions are emphasized" is supposed to mean. I don't care that the author of the textbook knows how to prove a theorem, I care if the student is expected to do this in the exercises and without reviewing a copy it's hard to tell. I think it's clear from the description of this book that it's about math methods (math as a tool, vocational or career prep) in the physical sciences, which seems to be what most people want for their kids, rather than studying math as a field in and of itself.