LESSON PLAN: Discovering Applications of Mathematics in the Real World

[Jean Maxstadt]

  

                 

Mathematics is used in all walks of life and appears throughout our natural environments. The variety of applications for past, present and future situations are endless. This project will take students through four components as they discover how mathematics appears in daily life beyond the classroom.

The four components described in the Project Plan Sheet are:
1. completing an interview with an adult
2. synthesizing the interview results into a written piece
3. creating a visual to represent key points of the interview
4. share the interview experience and information learned with peers
* As part of the sharing experience, students will have opportunities to make connections among the information that is heard from classmates as well.

           

The "Picture This" introductory activity incorporates examples of pictures from books, magazines and newspapers with a challenge for students to make connections between the visual and how it relates to math. The Quadrant Partner sharing method will allow students to explain visuals they selected and how that visual represents mathematics.

The attached project lesson plan outlines this 10 day process which allows for both group and independent work. Students will be able to grow as learners through their work with the content, process and products in the culture of mathematics.

[Joseph J. Wechman]

What a great non-intimidating way to introduce math! I really like the visuals and how students can make math connections to the world around them. Great Work!

[Thomas Bosher-Perran]

Hi Jean, This looks lie a great way to get students involved with math and to engage their different abilities. Have you considered having them make a video, movie or podcast to present ther findings?

[Angela McCord]

Thank you for this great idea for a lesson. I will have my students post some of their findings on http://www.Edmodo.com

[Elizabeth R. Simpson]

Although, I am an experienced (31 years in) teacher I have been looking this kind of specific example of DI activity and thank you so much for providing this.