Focus on Math Modeling

Throughout mathematics curriculums you see "modeling" everywhere. Working in 5th grade to teach modeling decimal multiplication of why tenths multiplied by tenths becomes hundredths meant time was being lost drawing arrays, selecting colors, and then coloring. In an effort, to refocus the lesson on the mathematical pattern that was happening, I created a Keynote template. This allowed the focus during the lesson to stay on the content standards and math discourse.

The template provided the arrays and workspace with pre-formatted shapes with adjusted opacity that the pattern would be visible with the colors.

 

Students were able to add new pages for each problem so they could then see the pattern happening over multiple problems. Using the drawing feature they can add their work and thinking to the same slide.

 

As we continued to use the file, we realized that though it was designed for decimal multiplication. It also works for multiplication in general so the 3rd grade teachers tried it.

 

Such a simple use of Keynote and its features that allowed the majority of the time to be spent discussing and modeling the mathematics.

#OPSProud #OPS_Kennedy