Project Description
Math is a tool that we use everyday. Most of us don’t even realize that we’re doing math, or how important it is to be able to do math properly. There are countless examples from history of accidents and problems caused by a basic math errors.
As a middle school math teacher I am constantly asked by my students when they will use math, or why they need to know math. My goal is that my students understand the importance of math in the world and in their everyday lives. I realize this is a lofty goal and I know that many of my students will struggle with this. My hope is that with the help of technology and project based learning assignments my students will have a better grasp of why math is important and why exactly they need to know math.
I propose teaching a unit on ratios, proportions, and units with this focus in mind. The conceptual change that I am looking for in my students is that they first understand that math is important to their lives and is used daily in their lives. Second, I want my students to understand the importance of accuracy in math. My unit will require technology in the form of computers and laptops with internet access. The computers will be used to create blogs that my students will use to reflect on the different ways math is used in their lives, as well as for a bridge design project. The laptops will also be used to download the software for the bridge design. The software we will use, West Point Bridge Designer, is a free download.
As a middle school math teacher I am constantly asked by my students when they will use math, or why they need to know math. My goal is that my students understand the importance of math in the world and in their everyday lives. I realize this is a lofty goal and I know that many of my students will struggle with this. My hope is that with the help of technology and project based learning assignments my students will have a better grasp of why math is important and why exactly they need to know math.
I propose teaching a unit on ratios, proportions, and units with this focus in mind. The conceptual change that I am looking for in my students is that they first understand that math is important to their lives and is used daily in their lives. Second, I want my students to understand the importance of accuracy in math. My unit will require technology in the form of computers and laptops with internet access. The computers will be used to create blogs that my students will use to reflect on the different ways math is used in their lives, as well as for a bridge design project. The laptops will also be used to download the software for the bridge design. The software we will use, West Point Bridge Designer, is a free download.