Using Technology to Connect Real-World Data with Science and Math in Middle SchoolLori Andersen, MSEd, NBCTThe College of William & Mary

Why?Mathematics curriculum for students

gifted in mathematics should emphasize:◦depth over breadth◦concepts over facts◦real-world problems◦higher order reasoning◦Interdisciplinary connections◦metacognition◦ inquiry-based learning◦technology tools

The problemAccelerated math instruction is

offered BUT often does not incorporate elements of best practice in curriculum design for gifted learners.

Appropriate instruction for gifted learners must offer increased depth and complexity.

Middle School MathMany gifted students take

Algebra I in middle school.These courses should be

enriched with activities that ◦Increase depth of knowledge◦Use inquiry learning◦Make connections to other subjects

and the real-world

Algebra I Connections to PhysicsLinear Functions

◦Motion at constant speedQuadratic Functions

◦Uniformly Accelerated Motion◦Freefall

Multiple representations of data & functions

Theme Mathematical models are used to

make predictions about the state of a system.

To select an appropriate model, we must understand function types.

Develop understanding of function shapes (slope, concavity) through hands-on, kinesthetic activities.

Developing a “feel” for functionsAllowing students to be the

objects of study◦Kinesthetic connections between

representations◦Make abstract graphical

representations more concrete◦Attach physical meaning to

numerical coefficients and equation forms

“Playing” with mathematicsReal-world data collected by

studentsUse of technology allows

students to easily try out different types of functions

Critical evaluation of “goodness of fit” of function models

Sample Activity -1Exploring Functions

◦Students use motion detector and laptop to explore the meanings and multiple representations of slope and y-intercept.

◦Investigation of non-linear data sets to discover differences between function shapes and form of equations.

◦Connections to physical science – velocity and acceleration

Vocabulary BuildingDefinition Characteristics

Examples Non-Examples

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

Linear Model

Sample Activity - 2Playing with Parabolas

◦Students use an Excel spreadsheet to explore the relationships between the equation and graph representations of quadratics.

◦What do the coefficients mean? How do they affect the graph?

Vocabulary BuildingDefinition Characteristics

Examples Non-Examples

Center for Gifted Education, The College of William and Mary, 2009

Quadratic Model

Sample Activity - 3Video Analysis of Shuttle Launch

◦Students examine data from motion in a video clip. Which model is the best for this data?

Taking it fartherOther function types – the

possibilities are endlessAnalysis of motion in the moviesOther types of data – different

meanings of slope

Technologies UsedData Logging Software

◦Logger Pro 3.5 Software http://www.vernier.com/soft/lp.html

◦Tracker (open source) http://www.cabrillo.edu/~dbrown/tracker/

Ultrasonic motion sensor◦http://www.vernier.com/go/

gomotion.htmlSpreadsheet softwareGraphing Calculator