Another post from Tap Into Teen Minds. Enjoy!
Real World Mathematics Using Proportional Reasoning, Linear Equations & Measurement
In the Mowing the Lawn task, students will have an opportunity to utilize skills related to proportional reasoning, linear equations, and measurement after watching the information Mr. Pearce collected while mowing his lawn. This activity is geared for his grade 9 applied class, however it can be modified to suit many other levels.
Math Topics Related To This Activity:
- Proportional reasoning
- Linear equations
- Finding the area of composite figures.
Act 1: Introducing the Task
Some images to assist:
Problem To Be Solved:
How long will it take Mr. Pearce to mow his lawn?
Some prompts for students:
- What could we do to find low long it will take to Mow the Lawn?
- What information will be necessary to help us decide?
Act 2 – Providing the Details
Brand New Task Template File (PDF):
Act 3 – Watch for the Solution
Consolidation & Discussion
I really like this problem because there really is no way for all students to come to the same answer. There are so many variables that affect the solution (how fast I’m walking, turns, objects in the way, etc.) that we can only expect students to come to reasonable answers. This is great because it helps students learn that math is about the process rather than the final answer.
Student Work and Exemplars
Clayton Edwards shared some of his student work with the #MTbos:
ST dissertation 2/4 pgs on mowing.Needed lang. degree 2 decipher but was great http://t.co/DmVY4oobKD @MathletePearce pic.twitter.com/YCZF3rRHxn
— Dr. Clayton Edwards (@Doctor_Math) November 21, 2014
@MathletePearce Total time was 8 min 30 sec (it's there somewhere). Would have been closer w/ more time for turns… pic.twitter.com/plquJPdk7B
— Dr. Clayton Edwards (@Doctor_Math) November 21, 2014
Try out the problem and let me know how you like it below in the comment section!
Download Resources For This Math Task
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