My ImagineIT project is to turn my 5th grade students into mathematicians. I want them to see, think, act and communicate like mathematicians. I want them to not only see math all around them in the real world, but to also determine what mathematical problems the world present to us on a daily basis and how important math is to their daily lives. This requires my students to look at the real world a little differently than before. be able to communicate their mathematical thinking and to become better problem solvers.
To alter or enhance their view of the world, one of their first projects was to identify and share an interesting number fact or facts about something in the world around them. I called this project “Math is FUN” (Fantastic, Unbelievable, Numbers). This project exceeded all my expectations. My students researched and brought in some very interesting information on an incredible amount of subjects and interests. They couldn’t wait until it was their turn to share their information. I assigned one student per class per day to present their FUN. Some of them wanted to do more than one and I told them to go ahead. All the information was printed on an index card and posted in the hallway outside the classroom. (Some photos are attached.)
To increase their capability to communicate mathematically and develop their number sense, the students conduct a math or number talk every day. I modeled this process for about three weeks and now they have taken control of this activity. Students are presented with mathematical problems or situations and they have to use mental math to solve what is presented. I have attached an example of addition problems that have been used in a number talk. The student that leads the discussion asks for a solution. Students provide a solution. The group is then asked if anyone has a different answer. If someone does, the lead student then asks each student how they solved the problem. Most students see their mistakes immediately. I believe this is a very strong learning experience. If no one has another answer, students are asked how they did it. It is really amazing all the different strategies these 5th graders use to solve these basic mathematical problems.
To further develop students’ mathematical communication skills and problem solving capabilities, for each lesson of a new objective, the students do a “Solve and Share”. (An example is attached.) They first work on the problem individually for a few minutes. Then, they talk with a partner and compare their solutions for another few minutes. As a class, we then have a deep discussion on how they solved the problem with the teacher building the mathematical discussion using accountable talk techniques that the students will eventually develop. The ultimate goal is for students to have this discussion among themselves that without the need for the teacher to facilitate this discussion. My ImaginIT project is off to a good start, but I have so many more plans and ideas yet to implement. Stay tuned.