Creative Writing in the Math Classroom

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Creative Writing in the Math ClassroomBy Cate Sanazaro

Constructed Response writing and Performance Events are designed to keep pace withchanges in assessment. Constructed Response questions require students to supply, rather

than select, an appropriate response. Also referred to as Open-Ended Response,Constructed Response usually supports more than one solution process and a wider rangeof possible responses. Performance events, requiring students to apply skills, also supporta multi-solution process. This unit combines knowledge of current events with traditionalmath skills; culminating in a fun performance event that allows students to create theirown solutions to the problem.

OBJECTIVEStudents Will:

1. Explore cause and effect in relation to gas prices.2. Analyze information on a Pie Chart.

3. Working within defined parameters; develop a budget for a trip.4. Estimate distances and costs.5. Substantiate appropriate methods of calculations.6. Create an appropriate constructed response.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNITLesson 1: Interpreting Pie ChartsLesson 2: Budgeting for a TripLesson 3: Writing Constructed Responses

REPRODUCIBLESRead a Pie Chart (PDF)Project Outline Sheet (PDF)Calculating Vacation Costs (PDF)Calculating Vacation Costs Worksheet(PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Design a travel brochure showcasing your itinerary. These can feature real photos, prices,maps, charts. Display these after they have been presented to the class
http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/war-iraq/lesson_helper/pdfs/piechart.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=130http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=129http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=128http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/war-iraq/lesson_helper/pdfs/piechart.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdf


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Lesson 1

Interpreting Pie ChartsBy Cate Sanazaro

This portion of the lesson will cover a discussion on rising gas prices, including the causeand effect gas prices may have on budgeting for a vacation. Students will use thepresented information to respond to a constructed response question.

OBJECTIVE

Students will:

1. Explore cause and effect, and supply and demand in relation to gas prices.2. Analyze information on a Pie Chart.3. Create an appropriate constructed response.

MATERIALS

1. Articles, news videos, or any pertinent information regarding current gas prices

2. A class set of the Scholastic News: Read a Pie Chart (PDF)

SET UP AND PREPARE

A review of constructed response answers should be done previous to this lesson if necessary. Constructed response can be defined to the students as an answer theyconstruct using their understanding of the question along with prior knowledge. Thescoring guide should be reviewed to define what a top quality answer requires.

Make copies of Scholastic News: Read a Pie Chart (PDF) for your class.

REPRODUCIBLES

1. Read a Pie Chart (PDF)

DIRECTIONSPart I

Step 1: Introduce the unit by telling students that they will be responsible for planning avacation. Before they begin budgeting, they will need to consider where the money willbe spent. Ask for volunteers to offer ideas of what items might be the most costly. If gasisnt suggested, mention that this vacation will require a car trip. Discuss what the classalready knows about rising gas prices.

Step 2: Share the articles, news videos, and other gathered information.

Step 3: Distribute the handout, Read A Pie Chart (PDF). Discuss that the chart represents awhole, in this case the worlds oil supplies. Encourage students to talk about whichcountries have the largest slice of the pie. Discuss why the Middle East oil supplies are aconcern to some people.
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Step 4: Ask students to answer the questions about the chart. Go over these in class,checking for understanding.

Step 5: Open up a discussion on how gas prices can affect the travel industry, and howtravelers could conserve energy.

PART II

Step 6: If necessary, review constructed response answers. Go over your rubric.

Step 7: Pair up students to work on a constructed response question such as the following:

Think of your typical daily activities. If gasoline was no longer available, list at least fiveways that would change your lifestyle. What could you personally do to conserve energy?Give Examples.

Step 8: Allow partners to create one response to the question. Encourage volunteers toshare these in class.

Step 9: Discuss elements necessary for a top quality answer to this question. Model a topquality answer and evaluate according to the Constructed Response Scoring Guide.Encourage students to critique class answers by using the scoring guide.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS1. Students will answer the questions at their own ability. Working with a partner willassist struggling learners2. ESL students may be allowed to answer the questions in their first language

LESSON EXTENSIONScholastic News Onlines Youre the President game, allows students to create a

balanced budget using percentages and pie charts. This is an excellent follow-up to thislesson. Information can be found athttp://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/tguide/math.htm

ASSESS STUDENTS

Collect the Pie Chart handouts to check for understanding.

Answers to PDF: 1. C; 2. B; 3. C; 4. A; 5. B; 6. B; 7. C.

Bonus: Saudi Arabia has about 250,000,000,000 barrels; Iraq has about 100,000,000,000barrels; The U.S. and Canada together have about 30,000,000,000 barrels.

Assess the constructed response questions by checking for complete answers that containinformation covered during discussion.Use the Rubric Maker to create your own.

Sample Rubric for Scoring a Constructed Response Question

3Response is successful in the following ways:
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Budgeting for a TripBy Cate Sanazaro

tudents will use the provided information to plan and calculate a round-trip vacation.

OBJECTIVE

Students will:

1. Develop a budget for a trip, while working within defined parameters.2. Estimate distances and costs.3. Substantiate appropriate methods of calculations.

MATERIALS

1. Project Outline Sheet (PDF)

2. Calculating Vacation Costs (PDF)3. Atlases4. Calculators

SET UP AND PREPARE

1. Make copies of the Project Outline Sheets (PDF) and Calculating Vacation Costs(PDF) for the class

2. Prepare a list of 6 resort locations ranging in distance from approximately 700 to2000 miles one way from your location

3. Provide students with the mileage one way to these 6 destinations4. Gather atlases, road maps, and any other useful travel resources for class use

5. Copy the Calculating Vacation Costs (PDF) to a transparency for overhead display(optional)

REPRODUCIBLES

1. Project Outline Sheet (PDF)

2. Calculating Vacation Costs (PDF)

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Distribute to the students:

Project Outline Sheets (PDF)Calculating Vacation Costs (PDF)

Step 2: Review the project information with the class. Model a completion of CalculatingVacation Costs worksheet. It may be helpful to copy a sheet onto an overheadtransparency.

Step 3: Allow two class periods to complete the performance event.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/6-8ProjectOutline.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdf


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Step 4: Students submit the Calculating Vacation Costs Worksheet for a grade.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS1. Students who struggle with the math concepts in this lesson may work with a partner2. ESL students may complete work in their first language

LESSON EXTENSIONAlternate trips can be calculated by giving the students other guidelines to follow.Example: With $500 gas money, plan a round-trip from your hometown to as many NationalParks, State Parks, and State Capitals as possible. Atlases, maps, state brochures, etc. willbe needed.

ASSESS STUDENTSUse the Rubric Maker to create your own.

Sample Rubric for Scoring the Calculating Vacation Worksheet40 points Outstanding30 points Proficient

Shows an appropriate method that supports the calculation of the costs of a fullydeveloped vacation. Clearly shows that they stayed within the budget.

20 points Emergent

Part of the task is accomplished, but neither the total cost nor the method forcalculation will accomplish the whole task

10 points Attempted

It is evident that the student engaged in the task, but the task was misconceived.

0 points Off task or no attempt.

ASSIGNMENTS

Following instructions and using the resources and information provided, studentscomplete a budget for a vacation

Hand in the Calculating Vacation Worksheet for a grade

HOME CONNECTIONStudents are encouraged to take this project home and request a parent to check theircalculations.

EVALUATE THE LESSON

Does the quality of the work show understanding and enthusiasm for the project?Can you think of any other information that would assist the student?Does the rubric fairly assess the project?
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Lesson 3

Writing Constructed ResponsesBy Cate Sanazaro

Utilizing prior knowledge and experience gained from the previous lessons in this unit,students will complete a constructed response question providing top quality answers.

OBJECTIVEStudents will:

1. Create an appropriate constructed response.2. Develop an understanding of assessment for constructed response.

MATERIALS

1. Completed Pie Charts2. Completed Calculating Vacation Costs Worksheets (PDF)3. Constructed Response Scoring Guide (See assessment in this lesson)

SET UP AND PREPARE

1. Supply completed work from Lessons One and Two for each student2. Prepare a top quality answer for constructed response questions for modeling3. Provide copies of the Constructed Response Scoring Guide

REPRODUCIBLES

1. Calculating Vacation Costs Worksheet(PDF)

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Give students the following assignment:Utilizing all of the information and work previously completed in Lessons One and Two,provide a complete answer to a constructed response question. Refer to the ConstructedResponse Scoring Guide to check for completion.

Sample questions:1) How could a pie chart be used to represent your budgeted vacation? Explain what theslices of your pie represent. Give examples.

2) Give 3 examples of how you could have improved the budgeting of your trip? Howwould you rate the success of your vacation on a scale of 1-5? Explain.

3) How did current gas prices affect the quality of your vacation? Give examples of waysyour trip would have changed if gas cost $1.00 per gallon.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdfhttp://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/pdf/oct_nov05/CalculatingVacation.pdf


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Step 2: Allow a full class session to answer questions. Encourage students to write a draft,edit and rewrite for completion. Students should refer to the scoring guide to checkprogress.

Step 3: Share answers in class and discuss how the answers would score on your gradingscale. Allow students to voice opinion on scoring.

Step 4: Model top quality answers.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS1. Review the elements of constructed response answers if necessary2. Assist students in converting information into an acceptable answer

LESSON EXTENSIONInvite students to create constructed response questions, and engage the class in providinganswers.

ASSESS STUDENTS

Check for understanding during writing process. Assess the answers according to thescoring guide. Use the Rubric Maker to create your own.

Sample Rubric for Scoring a Constructed Response Question

3The response is successful in the following ways:

It demonstrates an ability to analyze the stimulus material thoughtfully and indepth

It responds appropriately to all parts of the question It demonstrates proficiency with conventions of standard written English

2The response demonstrates understanding of the topic, but is limited in one or moreof the following ways:

It may indicate a misreading of the stimulus material or provide superficial analysis It may respond to one or more parts of the question inadequately or not at all It may contain significant writing errors

1The response is inadequate in one or more of the following ways:

It may demonstrate weak understanding of the subject matter or of the writingtask

It may fail to respond adequately to most part of the question It may be incoherent or severely underdeveloped It may contain significant and persistent writing errors

0Response is blank, off-topic, totally incorrect, or merely rephrases the question.

ASSIGNMENTS
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Provide a constructed response answer to a question utilizing information fromprevious lessons

Discuss completed answers and evaluate according to the scoring guide

HOME CONNECTIONCompleted budgets can be taken home to compare with an actual family vacation.

EVALUATE THE LESSON

How do you feel about the quality of the constructed response answers? Do your students understand what is necessary for a top score? In what other methods could you introduce constructed response questions to your

curriculum?

Documents

Creative Writing in the Math Classroom