problem-based learning tools

RWM - COMPLEX AREA

GEOMETRY

Complex Area provides students with three problems involving three crops fields. Students are asked to calculate the area of each field, convert it to acres, number of bushels, and finally the cost of each bushel according to specific values. After doing this with three fields, students are asked to compare the difference in two crops.

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RWM - VOLUMES OF SOLIDS

GEOMETRY

This tech tool uses Google Earth to visit various buildings that resemble three-dimensional geometric shapes. Students are asked to find the surface area and/or volume of the buildings based on the given dimensions.

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RWM - WHALE WATCH

DATA ANALYSIS & STATISTICS

In Whale Watch, students use Google Earth to face a real-world problem and are asked to find a solution. The right whale's are an endangered species and the population is being threatened by unsuspecting ships. This lesson asks students to use data analysis to create a solution to this serious problem. There is a vague guide for teachers to follow, but ultimately this lesson can be catered to any classroom and the teacher can facilitate the learning process however he/she wants.

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MATH SNACKS - OVER-RULED

RATIOS & PROPORTIONS

Over-ruled forces students to use ratios and proportions to solve situations that involve unit conversions between two different units of measurement. In this case, two kingdoms use different measurements of feet (King and Queen) and need to build bridges of the same height. This tool includes: video, worksheet, and additional resources.

Here is the evaluation

This page has problem-based learning activities for middle school mathematics classrooms. If you click on the picture, it will take you to the website. Each tool has a brief description and a link to its evaluation.

MATH INTERACTIVES

Math Interactives is a wonderful resource for teachers looking for interactive additions to their Pre-Algebra classroom. Features lessons on: numbers, patterns and relations, shape and space, and statistics and probability. Each of these is broken into subtopics that one or more of the following: videos with interactive pieces or activities. All of these have an explore and interactive aspect coupled with teacher and student activities supplied as pdf and/or word documents.

ALGEBRA I CCSSM PrBL CURRICULUM MAP

This curriculum map provides an in-depth look at how problem-based learning is used throughout an entire year.

A Brief Description provided by Brianna Wilson:

This is a Google Doc that includes a variety of project based learning lessons. It is organized by different units (Linear Equations, or Statistics). Under each unit is a variety of lessons provided by other teachers and the Common Core State Standards that go with each lesson. When you click in a lesson it takes you to a different website (usually a blog) where the lesson plan is located, reviews of the lesson and comments. The lessons are continuously updated. Sometimes it takes multiple clicks to get to the desired lesson plan. Other times after looking more in-depth, a lesson is not what it appears. It takes time to find lessons that will work for your class. It is a good resource to think of news ways teach units. It is also easy to change lessons around to fit into your personal curriculum and classroom.

EQUATIONS WEBQUEST

SIMPLIFYING EXPRESSIONS/SOLVING EQUATIONS

This is a WebQuest that I created for my students to learn about expressions and equations. It requires students to come up with a solution to one of three problems while working collaboratively. They work through several activities to learn about expressions and equations and then put that knowledge to use by developing solutions to the problem of their choice.

Here is the evaluation