While beginning the process of remixing a canvas I was a bit
concerned with what subject I was going to do.
In my mind I was set on finding a science canvas that I could relate to
math, but when I came across “The Changing Ideologies of Race, Culture, and
Demographics” I instantly thought about statistics and statistical
analysis. When I was familiarizing
myself with this unit, I realized that so much information would be so useful
while teaching statistics; specifically analyzing data and inferencing. There are so many numbers and relationships
that can be created with the topics of Race and Culture that I think it would
be very interesting and beneficial for the students to learn about. They can analyze trends of certain
characteristics in an area throughout time that could even have significance in
their life. Race, Culture, and
Demographics are all things that everyone can relate to yet they are so frequently
misunderstood. I think that this unit
together would really educate students on such important topics and then
analyzing them statistically to create even more importance and relevance.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Mathematics Unit Plan
While first using the PLAY website I found myself a little
confused how to complete each task. As I
continued to familiarize myself with the different functions and as I got more
comfortable with the website creating my canvas was not as difficult as I originally
expected it to be. When trying to
summarize my unit I found it hard to narrow the standards down to which ones
would be in this unit. Throughout this
unit the students will be introduced to two algebraic expressions and solving
for when they are equal. This also introduces
a new idea of solving an equation for the value of a variable that makes the
statement true. The students will also
be introduced to using variables as a representation and writing expressions in
order to solve a problem. The idea of a balance scale is used throughout the
unit for the students to visual equality throughout both sides of an
equation. Graphs are also used to show
the intersection of two expressions represents where the expressions are
equal.
Technology and Pedagogy
While researching the NCTM illuminations provided on the
website, I came across a lesson plan called Algebra in Balance. This intrigued me most because in my
fieldwork, two of the Algebra classes are learning how to solve equations. My Cooperating Teacher also presented the idea of an equation
as a balance for the students but I thought these online activities could have been useful. The lesson is using a balance online where students
can enter algebraic expressions on each side.
There is a red and a blue side of the balance which corresponds to the color
line on the graph so the students are able to identify which line relates to
which equation. The activities are
helpful for the students to explore equations and how to solve them. The questions that are facilitating the learning
and thinking throughout the activities are very helpful in leading the students
to think more critically. The lesson
plan had a lot of student based learning which is very beneficial and
effective, however it does take a lot of time and may not need to use all of
that time. I think more teacher
interaction and class discussion during each activity would benefit the
students while they are exploring this new topic. The
interaction would could provide support and clarify any confusing before moving
onto the next activity. I would have however changed the order in which the
activities were assigned. I believe that
the Balancing Equations activity would have been much more beneficial in the
beginning, rather than the end, and the Pop Balloon activity would have been
understood better in the end after exploring the Pan Balance a little. I believe the technology used in this lesson
compliments the students learning and is a good way to introduce the topic.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgbQGzgMTUO_dHRRbUk3MVJnU1NnZENOOGtKdS1mLXc&usp=sharing
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