ERIC Number: EJ1217089
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Apr
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1072-0839
EISSN: N/A
Building Sets, Video Games, and Scatterplots
Ferguson, Sarah
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, v24 n6 p348-353 Apr 2019
Building sets, video games, and scatterplots may seem unrelated, but when they are combined into a problem-based learning (PBL) lesson, these elements join to create a unique learning experience. PBL lessons drive instruction by focusing learning and activities around a central challenge or question while providing a relevant, captivating, and unique learning experience for students (Larmer, Mergendoller, and Boss 2015). PBL lessons engage students in self-guided exploration as they investigate an emerging real-world problem or creatively meet a realistic challenge (Larmer, Ross, and Mergendoller 2009). Often PBL environments consist of students working in groups where learning is authentic, collaborative, and connected to real-world experiences (Solomon 2003). The PBL lesson discussed in this article is formatted according to a 5E lesson plan, an inquiry-based lesson designed around five key instructional components: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. This PBL focused on teaching students to collect data and calculate the line of best fit, using a launch contraption constructed with a set of building materials that were provided.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Teaching Methods, Problem Based Learning, Problem Solving, Relevance (Education), Cooperative Learning, Inquiry, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Manipulative Materials, Algebra, Middle School Students, Video Games, Grade 8, Graphs
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: NCTM@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/mathematics-teaching-in-the-middle-school/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Elementary Education; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A