The Synthesizing Mind

As an Inclusion teacher, I get a chance to be a part of many activities and projects.  A couple of months ago our 5^th grade class had to create a geometry city using different shapes such as polygons, and quadrilaterals for buildings and they had to use several parallel lines, perpendicular lines, intersecting lines for the city’s streets.  The buildings must take on a mathematical name.  For example, if one of their buildings were a supermarket they could name it Median Market.  To assure high results for the project the regular education teacher and I decided to have this project build in the classroom and allow the students to work in groups.  At the present time of the project I was not aware of Discovery Education using “digital media as a resource for synthesizing information.”   If I had the opportunity to present this assignment again, I would introduce them to video clippings such as, lines and angles that would incorporate polygons and quadrilateral for buildings, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and intersecting lines.  I know that many students do not observe their surroundings with a critical eye when they walk home or even play outside.  So, allowing students to view these videos gives them a connection and to take a closer look at their surroundings.  This would permit them to bring in the outside to their project. 

          Once the students’ viewed the videos they will begin to plan their project.  Students will compile, discuss, estimate, and improve their city.  As facilitators the math teacher and I will pose several questions and these questions will allow them to synthesize their mind.  For example, we will ask what could be combined to improve your city, If you came across a problem with your road what changes would you make to solve this and what way would you design your buildings?  These questions promote students to think outside the box and use their critical thinking skills.

Citations

Barton, L. G. (1997). Quick Flip Questions for Critical Thinking. Dana Point: Edupress, Inc.

Studios, D. (Director). (2005). Lines and Angles [Motion Picture].