| OCR Text |
Show 4 - TEN TIMES - NOVEMBER 1992 SCHMIDT, Cont. from Page 2 changes they have seen in Castle Valley. Like all old-timers they see the roads as having been greatly improved Joan says she would prefer not to have CV Drive paved but that dust control would be good. Joan says she likes seeing people moving here. Lou agrees, feeling that five acres is enough space to have distance and closeness. When they first bought here they were told there would be a convenience store and gas station. Joan says that though it would be handy, it wouldn’t feel like Castle Valley. “I’d miss going to Ann’s for milk,” she says. For the first ten years they were here there were no telephones. Joan recalls with enjoyment Origin of the -La Sal Mountains The La Sal, Abajo, and Henry Mountains and probably Navajo Mountain have a rather unusual origin. They formed 20 to 30 million years ago when molten rock from deep in the crust of the earth intruded the area’s generally flat lying layers of sedimentary rocks. The molten rock rose through pipe-er conduits until it was within a few thousand feet of the surface where it forced itself horizontally between the rock layers to form large mushroom-shaped masses called laccoliths, doming the overlying layers a movie at one another’s homes. It was a way for hard working busy folk to gather together, made less necessary once molten rock that was deeply buried is now exposed as peaks in the now through our modern home entertainment systems that cause increased isolation. Both express Some geologists believe that some molten rock from the northemthe of most of the three laccoliths in the La nostalgia for more community gather- Sal Mountains rose all the way to the land surface and erupted in volcanoes. However, no rock from these volcanoes remains today. Round Mountain in maintain their pioneer spirit—one of humor, a willingness to embrace labor, generosity towards friends and neighbors, and an abiding love and appreciation for each other that has lasted over 44 years. —Joan Sangree Family Math is Fun Math can be fun for students, if it becomes a part of family life and not just a disconnected subject confronting them at school. “School" math often seems restricted to operations having no relationship to real life: 2(3+4=y, etc.). Problem solving, application, word problems (whatever euphemism is used) can be confusing for some and terrifying for those with math phobias years ago, and the complex pattern of forces within the western margin of the North American Continent that produced the molten rock have changed. Should the residents of Castle Valley be concerned about volcanic eruptions? Only a little. The only direct volcanic threat to Castle Valley is ash falls from volcanoes hundreds of miles to the west and north. —Don Mabey laccoliths formed the core of the La Sal Mountains. The molten rock cooled and Though they are feeling the creaks and groans of age more these days, they mountain building solidified millions of of rocks into mountain masses. Three the more frequent and casual visits of neighbors. She reports missing neither the phone nor tv. They tell of the days when neighbors would gather to watch ings. Joan also recalls a craft fair held at the Branch. A successful event for all involved, it was not repeated for lack of organizers. Most of all they appreciate the peacefulness, the views, and the people. Is there any danger that Round Mountain will erupt as a volcano? No. All of the molten rock involved in the 30 million years ago: Sedimentary rock layers. solidified and erosion has been removing rock from the surface of the La Sal Mountains since they were formed. The La Sals. 20 to 30 million years ago: Molten rock intrudes and arches overlying rocks. Cools and solidifies. l LA SAL MOUNTAINS Castle Valley appears to be the remains of one of the vertical pipes through which the molten rock moved upward and may have fed a volcano above. There are many math-oriented games, as well as many that can be either adapted or referred to in mathmatical terms. For example, did you know that checkers is a great game for developing SPATIAL VISUAL SKILLS, and that having to plan your moves ahead develops your LOGIC AND PROBABILITY SKILLS. Playing chess uses these same skills plus piece values. Word problems can be fun to act out, but set them up so they relate to a child’s daily experiences. (Money problems, no matter how current the text, are always underinflated, and perhaps that is one reason why they (oh, yes, there are many of us). seem so unrealistic to kids). Go to a However, you and your family can discover ways of becoming comfortable with math and gaining ncessary play restaurant, baker, or laundramat. skills at the same time. as real. It’s fun to be either cashier or grocer’s checkout stand in your house, Present: Erosion has removed much of the overlying rock and has exposed the intrusive rook. customer, then exchange places. With older children who may want to bake cookies, make tea, plan a party, etc., let them estimate costs then purchase goods from the family pantry. Later when they figure costs per serving (and how much profit they might add next time) they will begin to see how math skills can be advantageous as well as fun. And by all means, don’t be afraid that your child won’t learn math if she uses a calculator to solve word problems! Another way to enjoy math, especially this time of year, is to shop from “wish books” or catalogs—even dream orders take figuring. Besides adding up the price of items, some may even want to grapple with tax, postage, and possible finance charges. —Anne Benge Playing with fake money works as well lZ-‘l‘4 b ’1, \ |
