Gold Seal Lesson:
Lots Of Lots

Copernicus Education Gateway

 

Subject:

 

Mathematics

Grade:

 

 

5-8

 

 

 

ICLE Standards:

 

 

Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically; by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the' integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.

 

 

 

Performance Task:

 

 

Students have been given permission to develop a small wooded lot near the school for student use. (if you have no nearby wooded lot, adapt by using a vacant lot, a small section of school property, or even an indoor space. Outside is best, however; they must survey the area and create a topological map; survey the land for native plants (included on map) and animals; and poll students who will be using the area to determine student needs/interests. Finally, they use the data to create a proposal for land use.  Students will need access to the area to measure and check for plants and animals; they will need to construct, administer, and analyze a student survey; and they will need to create a workable proposal.

 

 

 

Knowledge / Skills:

 

 

Understand the best procedures for statistical data collection, organization, and display.  (m5)

Use the technique of dimensional analysis to convert units of measure (e.g., convert km/hr to m/min).  (m33)

Understand factoring a composite number into its prime factors, and how to find the largest monomial factor of a polynomial to write the polynomial as the product of the monomial and a polynomial.  (ela22)

Understand the needs of a specific audience and write in ways that address these needs.  (ela62)

Make observations of the local environment using senses and instruments. Inferences and interpretations are arrived at based on observations. Classify observable properties and organize observations in a meaningful and logical way.  (s5)

 

 

 

Rubric:

 

 

Survey of Lot
Expectations: 
Contour map is accurate and detailed, showing all major landmarks (trees, bushes, large rocks, streams, etc.). Map has been carefully completed, with appropriate labels, and is neat, attractive, and easy to read. In addition, a listing of animal life and recommendations for sharing the land fairly with these animals are attached.

 

 

4 Points  =  Student met or exceeded expectations.
3 Points  =  Map is accurate and carefully completed but not highly detailed, OR map is accurate and detailed but drawings are only average.
2 Points  =  Map has a few minor errors and/or is not highly detailed; drawings are only average. Student did not meet expectations.
1 Point  =  Student did not meet expectations.

 

 

Survey of Students and Teachers
Expectations:  
Survey presents necessary information about the lot, including map, needed for decision-making. It focuses on key concerns and issues and offers suggestions for possible land use.     It also provides an opportunity to add suggestions/comments. Questions are objective and provide many options. Survey is randomly administered to a sufficient number of students to provide valid data.

 

 

4 Points  =  Student met or exceeded expectations.
3 Points  =  Survey is well designed and accurate, and most questions are objective and ask important information. Administration is valid.
2 Points  =  Survey is fairly well designed and questions are relevant and fairly objective. Administration is valid.
1 Point  =  Student did not meet expectations.

 

 

Recommendation
Expectations: 
Presentation provides detailed information about the site, including the map and survey of animal life. Recommendations are practical and are solidly based on results of the student survey, so that the student council members understand what the land is like and what proposal students find most exciting.

4 Points  =  Student met or exceeded expectations.
3 Points  =  Presentation is well done, with adequate information and recommendations based on survey results.
2 Points  =  Presentation is fairly well done, but more information is needed to make an informed decision, OR recommendations are tied to the survey, but may not accurately reflect all survey results.
1 Point  =  Student did not meet expectations.

 

 

 

Keywords:

 

 

GEOMETRY
PROPOSAL
SURVEY
TECHNICAL WRITING
ENVIRONMENT
ECOSEPTEM STATISTICS
DATA ANALYSIS
DATA COLLECTION
GRAPHS
MEASUREMENT
DATA DISPLAY 
RATIOS

 

 

 

Grades:

 

 

Kg [] - 1 [] - 2 [] - 3 [] - 4 [] - 5 [X] - 6 [X] - 7 [X] - 8 [X] - 9 [] - 10 [] - 11 [] - 12 []

 

 

 

ICLE Application:

 

 

D

 

 

 

 

 

© 2000 International Center for Leadership in Education
1587 Route 146 - Rexford - NY - 12148
518.399.2776 Fax: 518.399.7607

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