Topic/Problem for Learning Center Due on Thursday, September 12
Completed Center Due No Later than Tuesday, November 12
Middle Grades Math Day, Friday, November 22
Completed Reflections on Learning Center Due on Tuesday, November 26
For this assignment you will create a math center project suitable for challenging eighth grade students.Your project will be used at the NKU/CINSAM Eighth Grade Math Day on Friday, November 22.
Look through resources available in the LRC, on the Internet, in your practicum classrooms, and any other sources that you might have to find interesting problems or activities that would challenge eighth grade students to think deeply about mathematics. Look at the KY Eighth Grade Core Content and Program of Studies in Mathematics to determine if these activities meet the eighth grade mathematics standards. Choose or create an activity or problem that you would like to develop into a learning center to use during the Middle Grades Math Day. This activity will be done in groups of about 10 students and should take about 15 minutes. It should be have an entry point so that any eighth grade students might have some success with the problem, but should also include at least one part that is challenging for the most capable eighth grade student. You might want to plan for an extra extension for any students who finish early.
On September 12, you will turn in a maximum of one page that includes the following three things:
On Nov. 12, you should turn in the completed learning center. This should be attractively displayed on a tri-fold cardboard stand, similar to the type that is used in science fairs. This center should be one that students can do independently, with clear directions easily found on the display. You may view centers that were developed last year on Dr. McGatha's homepage at http://www.nku.edu/~mcgatham/MathDay.ppt . Include enough materials for 10 students to work on this at once and for as many as 10 groups of students. If you need help with duplicating materials for the students, let me know. If you are using materials from the Internet or a commercial source, be sure to check for any needed copyright permissions before you make copies of materials. The Center should be colorful, enjoyable and attractive; we want students to know that math challenges are fun.
If you are unable to attend the Math Day on Friday, November 22, a student from an EDU 306 class will facilitate your project.You will also need to do the activity with the students in your practicum placement if you are unable to attend the math day. You must have all materials ready and set up. This includes having the Center attractively displayed on a tri-fold presentation board, and having all materials available for the students. There may be as many as 10 - 12 groups of 10 or more students using the center, so you must have all materials ready and available. This includes pencils, paper, manipulatives, etc.
I will let you know later in the semester just how many students to prepare for.
On Tuesday, November 26, 2002, you will present your project in class.You will need to do the following during your presentation:
On November 26, you will hand in a write-up of the project that includes numbers 1, 3, and 4 from above. Please include a copy of the problem or a photo of the learning center with this description.
1. Problem Selected &endash; 15 points (high quality, appropriate and challenging for top students, all students can have some level of success, focused on higher-order thinking, enjoyable, includes specific strand and topic from Program of Studies and Core Content)
2. Materials and Display &endash; 15 points (presented in hands-on manner, all materials available, involves all students, durable and attractive, clear, complete directions for students)
3. Write-up of Project &endash; 20 points (professional sharing in class, clear description of project, accurate analysis of how students responded to the project, good reflection on changes needed for the future)
Numbers 1 and 2 above will be graded when project is turned in on November 12. Number 3 will be graded when write-up of project is shared in class and turned in on November