Mathematical Discoveries Jill Waichunas Elgin High School Algebra 1-2 District U-46

Learning Activity Summary Students will select a mathematician they are interested in. Students will research their mathematician using the internet. Students will create a graphic organizer using Kidspiration. Students will create a flip book on their mathematician. Students will discover the similarities and differences between their mathematician and a peer’s mathematician using a Venn Diagram. Students will present project to the class.

State Goals STATE GOAL 5: Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information. 5.A.4a Demonstrate a knowledge of strategies needed to prepare a credible research report (e.g., notes, planning sheets). 5.A.4b Design and present a project (e.g., research report, scientific study, career/higher education opportunities) using various formats from multiple sources.

Knowledge: Students will identify facts on their mathematician. Comprehension: Students will be able to report and discuss information on their mathematician. Application: Interpret and write information collected. Analysis: Compare and contrast mathematicians using a Venn Diagram with another student. Synthesis: Create a flip book using the information and graphics collected. Evaluation: Appraise peer’s presentations Bloom’s Taxonomy

Essential Questions What qualities and characteristics are found in famous mathematicians? Do mathematicians share any similar qualities and characteristics? Are there obvious differences in famous mathematicians?

Rubrics Students will be instructed on how a rubric is used for grading. As a class, students will be involved in the construction of the rubric. Students will assist in the final grading of their peers using the rubric created in class.

Student Conceptual Readiness Students will do a mathematician scavenger hunt. Students will be given time to investigate a mathematician of interest. Students will be given prior experience on how to organize and use information in a Flip Book

Technical Skill Level/Internet Literacy Using the TVator, class will review how to do a search on the internet. The following internet sites will be given as a reference

Students will be placed in a group of 3 with at least one person who has proficient computer skills.

Adapting and Transforming Technology Literacy: Students will be taught how to use Kidspiration and how to conduct a search on their topic. Adapting: Students must be able to create a Flip Book using Transforming: Students will be able to use their Flip Book and compare and contrast with another student using a Venn Diagram (Kidspiration).

Learning Activity Students will be researching a mathematician using the internet. Students will create a web on Kidspiration using the information found. Students will create a Flip Book to display their mathematician. Students will compare and contrast with a peer using a Venn Diagram on Kidspiration

Student Product Students will have completed a Flip Book which will contain: 3-4 subtopics on their mathematician Venn Diagram from Kidspiration Example of mathematician’s work Graphics relating to subject matter Students will give a brief 3-4 minute presentation on their project. **The learning activity was developed as part of the requirements for the Aurora University/District U-46 graduate credit course Tech: Improve Student Learning: OEDS-6044, Summer 2008, under the guidance of instructor Richard Levine