Active Learning to Reinforce Mathematics
Measurement, algebraic thinking,
Sunshine State Standards:
Students should work in
groups of 3 to 5.
- An outline of the lesson
is read to the class.
brainstorms jobs that are needed to successfully complete the lesson.
Ex. group captain, materials manager, measurers, timekeeper, runner,
assigned by group captains
gather round bug track .
observe the bug and make verbal estimates of how long they think
the bug is in millimeters.
is measured by a student or teacher and the students record the
actual measurement on their recording sheets.
verbally estimate how many centimeters the bug can travel in 10
is released onto the track for its 10 seconds run (tapping along
path usually keeps the bug moving).
is returned to the jar in the event that another attempt is necessary.
records the distance the bug traveled on their recording sheet.
students are sent to their math groups, where the assigned
runner will have his/her height measured in centimeters using the
now moves outside. The runner from each group runs for 10 seconds.
The group measures the distance using the meter sticks and records
results on the recording sheets.
return to the classroom and in their cooperative groups complete
the following: students check their recording sheets to make sure
in the group has the same numbers recorded, using the formula on
recording sheet the students determine who ran further in 10 seconds.
or the bug.
each group's results are recorded on a whole class chart and then
are now necessary for the students to reflect on the math tasks
they were given, the results of the task, and the process they used
complete the task.
each student evaluates the learning potential of the lesson and
Likes and dislikes, student recording sheets, journals, class discussions,
The students each run for 10 seconds, measure the distance, and record
the results. In cooperative groups the students find the mode, median,
mean, and range for the groups distance ran in 10 seconds.
The distances run by each student are collected and recorded on a whole
class chart. Cooperative groups develop a graph using the data. The
graph must include title, correctly labeled information, and at least
A = Bug Size
B = Distance traveled by the bug in 10 seconds
C= Bug body lengths traveled
D= Student Height
E= Distance traveled by student in 10 seconds
F= Student body lengths traveled
G= Distance bug would
travel if it were the same size as the student.
Record your data
B ÷ A = C
E ÷ D = F
D x C = G