Making Connections Through Math

Math is found and used everywhere in our world. During November and December, students have participated in a collaborative project to share their experiences with math and discover the connection of mathematics study to their own real world experiences. This year's project is centered about four CHALLENGES which use a variety of online tools to engage students in exploring and communicating their understanding of math within four different strands.

The first CHALLENGE the students have explored is focused on Data Analysis.

• We began by brainstorming all of the different types of questions that might be asked and solved by gathering data whether it be in their personal world, the world of school, or the larger world.
• Learning how to develop and improve their search skills was the next challenge.
• Once students found real world data, they were challenged to create their graphs.
• Students pose questions and problems about their real world example for others to explore and solve.
• Students post their example with questions on their individual wiki page in Math Connections using the Web2.0 tool VoiceThread.
• Students are partnered with another student from a different classroom enabling them to work collaboratively to ask questions and solve the problems posed. See the Students and Partners Page.

By focusing their attention on finding examples of math in their world, students will broaden their understanding of mathematics study. Both synchronous and asynchronous interactions will provide an opportunity for students to share their own experiences and dialogue with others about their discoveries of math in their world. Through these collaborations, students will discover that mathematics is found everywhere in our world, expand their understanding of the universality of mathematics, and further understand the role of math in their everyday lives.