Mathematics & Science Updates
April 2016 Edition
Modeling, Fractions, Oh My!
Mathematical Modeling is an important tool for problem solving. These types of activities provide opportunities for students to practice innovation and communication, as well as to reinforce and apply mathematical concepts in new contexts. Plus it is one of the mathematical practices in the common core standards! The article below lists other benefits of using this approach in your classroom.
http://www.americanscientist.org/blog/pub/5-reasons-to-teach-mathematical-modeling
Fractions is a hot topic on the PARCC exam. Many of the workshops that I have attended this year noted that students perform the worse on fractions (as compared to other math concepts). The article below highlights some of the differences between common-core taught fractions and other.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/11/12/12cc-fractions.h34.html
Fraction Games
Online simulation/games are another option...
http://www.mathplayground.com/index_fractions.html
http://interactivesites.weebly.com/fractions.html
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/menus/fractions.htm
https://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/fractions/
Fraction Activities
http://www.education.com/activity/fractions/
PARCC Preparation & Fractions
http://www.oldbridgeadmin.org/webpages/obparcc/mathmatics_common_co.cfm?subpage=1162140
**This website is actually a teacher's website from south NJ who created a list of resources for math/ELA Parcc and other online assessments for the younger grades
https://jeopardylabs.com/play/grade-4-parcc-prep-fractions
**Review PARCC game on fractions for 4th grade
Mathematical Modeling
Creating Effective Mathematical Models
https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2013/05/29/3-keys-to-modeling-with-mathematics/
Similar to the link above, this link walks you through how to take everyday problems and create modeling problems.
https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/mathematical-models.html
Finally, this link provides examples of teachers in 1st and 5th grade using mathematical modeling in their classroom.
Vicky Pilitsis
Email: vickypilitsis@hvrsd.org
Website: www.hvrsd.org
Location: 425 South Main Street, Pennington, NJ, United States
Phone: 609-737-4000