class6

This class is an independent class to complete on your own time. In this class, you will explore the meaning of a rich task in mathematics. Some of you may remember investigating the ratio of marshmallows to cereal pieces in Lucky Charms a few years ago as an example of a rich task in mathematics. So what is a rich task? Do they have to be complicated? Are they always authentic and real-world? Are good questions simply an example of a good task? How can we use technology to spark a rich task?

1. Let's look at the idea of a rich task? Take a look at these links. Then post a reflection on kidblog to identify how you would describe a rich task.
 * What is a Mathematically Rich Task?
 * Rich Math Tasks and Context
 * More about Rich Math Tasks (Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics)

2. So how might we use video to lunch a rich task? Watch each of these videos. They're just really cool videos. I think you'll like them regardless of how you apply them. They have a bit of "wow." After watching all 3:
 * The 100 Meter Dash
 * The 100 Meter Freestyle
 * The Long Jump
 * Build 3 different lessons around any mathematics content of your choice. Lessons do not have to be fully detailed lesson plans. Instead, briefly describe a lesson built around these. You can use each video once, a video more than once, or a combination of videos in a lesson.
 * Browse youtube channels such as Science and Education or the NY Times Channel (essentially the newspaper in captivating video) like the Subway Emergency Alarm
 * Find 3 videos that motivate, engage, and put mathematics in context.
 * Write a lesson brief for each.

3. Browse Learnzillion.com and Kahn Academy.
 * Post links to a few lessons from each site to your wiki page.
 * Briefly identify the pros/cons of each site and tell which site you prefer.

4. What's coming next....
 * What if you could create your own Learnzillion or Kahn Academy?
 * What if your students could too?