When Will I Use This?
...Like in the real word...
The Inquiry Project
I would like for you to produce an informational presentation about how one of the mathematical topics we've discussed in class is used in the real world. This presentation could be a video, podcast, wiki, blog, etc. Please talk to me about what type of end product you'd like to have and I will work with you to help make that happen.
So let's put math to good use!
The Process to the Project
I'm supposed to do...what exactly?
Think about the math we've been learning.
- What interests you the most?
- Is there a topic we covered you couldn't help but ask, "When am I ever going to use this?"
- Which t topic would you like to know more about?
Ok, I have some ideas. Now what?
Consider your choices.
- Talk to peers about the math topics you're considering
- Ask around. Maybe you have an acquaintance or family member who works in a job where they use math.
- Start looking into your top choices to see what kind of (reliable!) information you can find.
Now decide on one of those topics.
Why did I pick this topic?! There's too much to do!
Calm down, breath, you're going to make it.
Learn more.
- Grab a blank sheet of computer paper and start listing what you find out about your chosen topic. Be sure to indicate where the information was found so you can properly cite it later.
Why not notebook paper? Because you don't need to think in lines. Think in circles or with arrows or whichever way makes the most sense to you! - Find books, articles, websites, etc. about your topic. The librarian can help!
- Listen to the librarian. Start exploring in the direction that you've been pointed.
- Talk to the adults around you. Ask them if they use the type of math on which you're focusing.
Keep exploring!
Deep breath. Yeah, I can do this.
Think back on all the information you've been collecting.
- What just keeps coming up?
- What did you find that you can expand on?
- Any aha! moments during your search?
Narrow your scope in order to focus on one particular thing you've learned so far.
Wow, this is actually pretty cool stuff.
Ask questions and get answers.
- What do you want to know about the topic?
- What would your classmates want to know about the topic?
- What would other 7th grade students (outside of this class) want to know about your topic?
Dig deep!
- Keep learning more and more about your particular focus.
- Be creative--Information isn't just in books.
- Keep track of where you're getting your information. Create a bibliography for the project on NoodleTools.
- Add the librarian to your list of resources. S/he can help you!
Create a product.
- How are you going to share what you've learned? (Video, infographic, podcast, wiki, etc.)
- Organize what you've learned in a logical and interesting manner.
Whew. I'm...done?
Look at your work from someone else's point of view (put on a new pair of 'eyes').
- Does everything make sense?
- Have I left out vital pieces of information?
- Is my presentation of material easy to follow and interesting?
What else could I do with the information I've gathered?
- How can I share this project with other people who may have the same questions I had?