SOS: PBL Using Blendspace
PBL Activities Come Alive Using Blendspace!
Background
Students gain a better understanding of problem solving using indirect teaching methods with the technology integration of Blendspace. Using the Blendspace digital platform allows students to explore concepts at their own pace and collaborate with other students to find the connection between concepts. The Blendspace App lets you create a digital lesson which incorporates video, website links, images and assessment tools to have students solve problems collaboratively with other students. I used Blendspace to create an interactive lesson on number sense using the connection between Pascal's Triangle and the Sierpinski Fractal .
Example
Anticipatory Set: I will display Pascal's Triangle on my Smartboard and ask students if they can find a pattern in relation to the succeeding rows by using the operation of addition. Next, I will have students work in pairs to explore the number patterns of Pascal's Triangle and its relation to the Seirpinski Triangle using the digital platform of Blendspace.
The Blendspace Lesson will include the following items:
1. Introduction Video on properties of Pascal's Triangle
2. Next, students use the Interactive Pascal's Triangle Tool and complete the first eleven rows of Pascal's Triangle.
3. After completing the interactive activity, the students will explore the concepts of multiples using the Pascal's Interactive Game from Shodor
4. Next, students need to research different number systems such as binary numbers, triangular numbers, consecutive numbers, square numbers and the Fibonacci number system. Next, they must locate where these number patterns occur in Pascal's Triangle. Using the Pascal's Triangle lab sheet, they must find these hidden number systems using colored pencils. Using Blendspace, students are able to collaborate online regarding the different number patterns as they progress through the slides. At the end of their exploration, I will provide a video created by a student called Pascal’s Triangle Math Project which identifies the location of these number systems.
5. Finally, students will research to find how Pascal's Triangle relates to the Sierpinski Fractal by shading all the even numbers in Pascal triangle using the video called "Pascal’s Triangle into Sierpinski Triangle"
6. Hands-On Activity: Modeling Iterations of the Sierpinski Fractal using Tetrahedrons: Each student will construct 4 tetrahedrons and interlock them into a four-piece pyramid using marshmallows and toothpicks. Next, four students will interlock their pyramids and form a larger model of the Sierpinski Triangle forming a iterating fractal. Here is a diagram of the different stages of construction. I found this 3D Model from Almost Unschoolers blogsite.
Challenge
- Select a concept that is covered in your curriculum and design an interactive lesson using the Blendspace App.
- Have the interactive lesson include the following types of digital media: videos, images, games and online assessments.
- Make sure the lesson has a component of student collaboration where students can connect with each other to enrich their learning.
- Create a S'More Flyer with your lesson design and post your flyer on your website, so other teachers in different disciplines can explore.
Citations
An Almost Unschooling Mom. (2011, January 15). Marshmallow and Toothpick Fractal Tetrahedrons-Math is Fun. [Blogpost]. Retrieved from http://almostunschoolers.blogspot.com/2011/01/marshmallow-and-toothpick-fractal.html
Brite Productions. (1989). Mathematical Eye: Triangle and Square Numbers. [Full Video]. Retrieved from http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/D64243EC-756E-4D45-9765-71F6FACEAB05
Julia Sokolov. (2014, June 4). Pascal’s Triangle Math Project. [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaC8rr6TpWs
Malcfifty. (2010, March 11). Pascal’s Triangle. [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.sporcle.com/games/vikZ/all-rows-add-up-to-power-of-2
Soloman, Larry. (2002). The Nature of Fractal Music. [Image]. Retrieved from http://solomonsmusic.net/fracmus.htm
The Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. (1997-2013). Interactive: Coloring Multiples in Pascal’s Triangle. [Java Game]. Retrieved from http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ColoringMultiples/
Vikz. (2014, February 19). Can you fill in the numbers to Pascal Triangle? [Flash Based Game].
Retrieved from http://www.sporcle.com/games/vikZ/all-rows-add-up-to-power-of-2