This is Part 2 Math Scene Investigation (MSI). It consists of Lesson 11 to 20 and is made available through the Salem-Keizer School District. Development members are from elementary education, TAG (talented and gifted), district math leaders, parents, and a team of web designers. MSI is considered enrichment and may be done wholly outside the classroom, or the teacher may decide to allow the student to work on it during the school day.
The philosophy of this course is to present a mathematics experience with more of a focus on horizontal expansion versus vertical movement. Rather than push into higher levels of math (as is typical), these activities will provide a broadening of the students’ knowledge. As one developer stated "we consider this a more 'holographic' view of mathematics education --- the more light you shine on an area, the clearer, deeper and more illuminated it becomes."
Each unit is called a pentament, meaning it contains five elements as follows:
- NCTM Math Strand (national math standards)
- The 3 R's Read, wRite, Research
- Problem Solving
- Casio ClassPad (virtual graphics calculator)
- Contributions
The course is designed to function well in a hybrid environment, meaning periodic F2F (face to face) contact but predominantly online. It could also be administered exclusively in an online environment, with use of enhanced communication with our tool of choice called YackPack, and also discussion boards and other technologies. Typically the course will begin with a F2F orientation meeting followed by periodic meetings to share feedback on the ten units of study. We are currently experimenting with YackPacks version of Podcasting called YackCasting which will allow us additional flexability to share presentations with our peers, friends, and the rest of the world.
The initial target audience is 5th grade. Development and expansion of MSI will continue up through 6th grade, then move back to pick up 4th grade.
THE 5 ELEMENTS (Pentaments) include:
1. NCTM Math Strand
In each Pentament (unit of study) students selected for the MSI class will look at an 8th grade multiple choice test. These problems come from the math testing program that involves all Oregon students. The strands include estimation, calculation, algebra, geometry and statistics. When students identify an area of weakness, we will discuss that topic at our next symposium.
2. Read, Write, and Research
In each Pentament class members will do an Internet research or reading and share their results. Sample topics include: 1) “What is Mathematics? – Is it discovered or invented?" 2) What is infinity? 3) Read “Flatland” by Edwin Abbott and share your thoughts or draw a cartoon. 4) Research and write about a famous mathematician. There will be 10 different topics throughout the course.
3. Problem Solving
This Pentament will introduce an interesting problem solving situation. Internet sites like “Ask Dr. Math,” “Illuminations,” “Yahooligans,” and "BrainPop" serve as great resources for these problems. One example includes a puzzle called Sudoku, which started in Japan and is sweeping the United States. It is now available on the Internet and offers various levels of difficulty.
4. Casio ClassPad 101
Salem/Keizer School District (Curriculum/TAG) and Casio collaborated in writing a course called ClassPad 101. Members of the MSI group will be given access to the Casio ClassPad Manager, a virtual calculator that is downloaded to their PC. Several units of study in the ClassPad 101 course will be available to the students in order to give a proper introduction to the use of the advanced graphics programmable calculator.
5. Contributions
Members of the class will be asked to add to the course content. As students are doing their Internet searches or reading in the library they will be encouraged to share their findings with the rest of the class.