Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.
Research symbols. Create class symbol . Mobile of math symbols. Create booklet CHOOSE ONE.
Objective: To provide activities that will broaden students' experiences in the use of symbols.
Activity: Students will select one of the following projects. Students should be given a timeline as to when the check/edit day will be and when the project is due. Students should be informed as to grading procedures for the project. This is a chance for the students to extend themselves into the concept of "Symbols." 1. Considering the broad use of symbols in our daily lives, research the history of symbols in a specific area of use. Prepare a report either in poster or written form. (Examples: history of number system, geometric symbols, Braille, periodic table, traffic symbols, etc.). 2. Create a symbol that represents your math class. Display the symbol on a poster, write an explanation for the symbol for the class. 3. Find as many mathematical symbols as possible. Organize the symbols into "families" and display them in a mobile. 4. Create a booklet about symbols and the order of operations or integers as if it were a teaching tool for a younger student. You should "spice up" your work to make the booklet interesting! 5. Create a set of cartoons illustrating the order of operations, integers, mathematical symbols or geometry vocabulary. (Some examples can be found in the book "Humor in Math"). 6. Pretend you are an integer or a mathematical symbol. Write a story about your life. 7. Make a collage illustrating some idea about integers (opposite directions, ups-downs, opposite property, their uses, etc.). Choose one idea to illustrate.
