Posted by David Wetzel
Math Problem Based Learning
Project-based learning or Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is one of the best teaching strategies for engaging students in realistic learning activities. Students are not only interested, they are also learning math in the process.
Why?
Because their minds are engaged, critical thinking is taking place!
This is often referred to as critical thinking, minds-on, or inquiry-based teaching and learning.
PBL activities are designed to answer a real-world question or solve real-world problem. A good PBL problem provokes students to struggle with central concepts and principles in math.
These problems reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom.
PBL is typically completed by groups of students working together to solve a problem, as they reflect upon their own ideas, prior knowledge and experiences, and communicate their recommendations based on findings.
Math Project Based Learning Activities
The following are examples of Problem Based Learning activities:
Repainting Tennis Courts
Students:
Determine the total cost of supplies.
The number of gallons of paint to cover all 8 courts if they apply two coats of green paint on each court, along with two coats of white paint on the lines of each court.
The cost of all the paint combined.
The grand total spent on paint and supplies.
Contextual information needed by students include:
Dimensions of a tennis court
Total number of lines, along with line dimensions on a tennis court.
How many square feet does a gallon of exterior paint cover.
Cost of a gallon of exterior paint.
Cost of a combo pack of roller frame, roller cover, and paint tray.
Cost of an appropriately sized paint brush.
Cost of any other materials they feel they need.
Additional Math PBL Activity Themes
Scavenger Hunt
Students:
Locate definitions of Tessellations on the Internet to compare with the real-world examples of tessellations (for example M. C. Escher’s work).
March Madness
Students:
Explore the many different areas of math found in the NCAA basketball tournament.
Use the NCAA bracket to determine which team or teams they want to follow in the tournament.
Find fractions, decimals, and percents; probability statistics; make predictions; and look for patterns within the basketball statistics of the team(s) they selected.
Make connections with and between the math contained within the NCAA tournament.
Explain the importance of mathematics in basketball.
You may also enjoy ….
Geometric Problem Solving with Snap Cubes
Math Problem Solving Stories and Case Studies
Challenging Math Strategy for Students
The Math and Science of Junk Mail Project
http://www.teachscienceandmath.com/2009/03/17/gifted-science-lessons-and-activities/
Comments:
Filed Under: Math
Posted by David Wetzel
Science and Math Integration
The Zerofootprint Kid’s Calculator is designed to help kids measure their life style’s impact on the planet.
Science and math measurements and calculations are made concerning carbon, land, water, and trees.
Environment Lessons
The website provides links to many lessons that integrate math science, examples include:
Impact on the environment through the use of cars, buses, trucks, planes, and more.
- How Gasoline Works
- Pollution Prevention
- Green Cars
Impact on the environment based on what kids eat.
- Bio Foods
- Filter It Down - Water
- Food Web
Impact on the environment of what kids use for example:
- A Day Without Energy
- Alternative Sources of Energy
- Energy Alternatives
Impact on the environment of what kids throw away.
- Enviroinfo: Recycling
- Enviroinfo: Wastes
- Garbologists Audits
Along with environmental lessons to teachers and home school parents.
- Audit of Household Waste
- Clean Air
- Home Chemicals
Check out their website.
Additional Math and Science Integration Resources
Problem Solving and Science Process Skills
Math Teaching Strategies that Challenge Students
Posted by David Wetzel
Math Teaching Tips
It is important for students be placed in situations in which they must apply, what they are learning in mathematics, to personal experiences and situations. This helps reinforce math concepts and moves them to a level of true understanding in mathematics.
Math Teaching Tips
Real World Geometry – take students outside and have them draw pictures of all the geometric shapes they see. Then have them share after reentering the classroom.
Weekly Word Problems – once a week begin math class with a word problem students must answer related to current concepts being studied. This is a key step in learning how to develop problem solving skills.
Use Math Tradebooks – use tradebooks in connection with concept being studied, such as: Anno’s Magic Seeds, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Sir Cumference, and Grapes of Math.
GeoBoards – use geoboards for students to design their own shapes and describe them to each other using correct geometric terminology.
Additional Resources
10 Math Teaching Tips for Elementary School - Problem solving, mental math, integration of technology, interactive math websites, math games, and more are all critical to helping students understand and learn math.
Teaching Math with a Box - A hands-on, minds-on approach to teaching and learning math; students apply concepts and share their findings with classmates and others in their school.
Math Function Generator Game - Math games help students make connections within and between math concepts as they learn to problem solve outside the normal math learning context.
Writing in Mathematics - An overview is provided of the importance and why writing in math is different. A recommended checklist is provided to help students write clear math papers.
Comments:
Filed Under: Math
