One
of my favorite activities from this year was a graffiti poster on
linear equations. I used this activity to summarize several of the
investigations in the curriculum I teach. I was becoming increasingly
frustrated that my students could tell me all parts of the equation
(independent variable, constant rate/slope, dependent variable,
y-intercept) but could not connect how the equation could be
communicated in the table and graph. I thought that if students could
get all of the connections out of their mind and in their face on a
poster the connections would happen.
Before students started on their posters I showed them an example of the end product. Students worked in groups and were given one linear equation. I tried to include some more difficult equations like an equation that has slope of one or y-intercept of (0, 0).
Before students started on their posters I showed them an example of the end product. Students worked in groups and were given one linear equation. I tried to include some more difficult equations like an equation that has slope of one or y-intercept of (0, 0).
I had student color code each part of the equations to help keep their ideas organized.
I loved the final products and we had great conversations about each poster. Next year I will try to start this poster earlier in the book to have an ongoing summary. I want students to keep reflecting on the equations and add new knowledge after every investigation.
I am 3 weeks away from summer which hopefully means I can spend more time updating this poor neglected blog :)
Happy Thursday!
I am 3 weeks away from summer which hopefully means I can spend more time updating this poor neglected blog :)
Happy Thursday!
I found the same is true with my students. I like the idea of having them make the posters and sharing thier different veiwpoints. Sometimes it only takes something small to make that connection.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I am emailing you some graffiti my husband and I saw on a building at MIT a few summers ago - real-world connections! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the picture Denise! I can't wait to show it to my students next year when I introduce the graffiti poster!
DeleteHaha nice and creative project. A good way to impart students with mathematical concepts and ideas. This strategy is amazing. Thanks for sharing. I'm sure your students will learn a lot from these activities. Good luck with a new school year.
ReplyDeletePaul
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This idea is wonderful! It's great to see students breaking down the equations into smaller parts so they can understand. Add the visual element and you have a recipe for success! Did you get any feedback from the students on what they thought about this project?
ReplyDeleteCheck out my blog: http://blogginfrommynoggin.wordpress.com/
The students were very engaged during the activity but had a little bit of a hard time seeing the connections between all the posters. I am interested if I can facilitate a better conversation next month when I do the activity again!
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