Today we began a new unit on perimeter and area in grade6 math. I did a little survey to see wo could tell me what perimeter was and how to find the perimeter of a shape. 1 hand then 2 hands. okay. So they didn't really recall, at least in the short time I alotted. So I took out 6 brand spanking new digital cameras and told them to unpackage and get ready for use. They had no trouble with that! Their assignment was to choose and object inside or outside the school, measure the dimensions, photograph it, upload the photo on their laptops, copy photo into smartnotebook, annote the dimensions, calculate the perimeter (with units of measure), then finally convert the notebook file into a jpeg and upload to a class voicethread. They did it in the 60 minutes or so and seemed to enjoy every minute of it and were engaged in the process. Take laptop out vs. take your notebook seems to be heard the first time rather than the 2nd or third time.
I really do think it was worth it at this point. But i do wonder tomorrow when I ask someone to tell me the meaning of perimeter and how to find it, will there be more hands?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Is it worth it?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
This is a great project for engaging students. I always wonder when kids are engaged in the technology or the learning. On a good day, it is both. Don't know why perimeter and area are so hard for kids to get, but the more concrete the better. Do all kids have computers and cameras??
I do find the students are very engaged in activities like this. The day after doing this activity, I did have about 10 hands up when the same questions were posed. I may try something similiar with area. I have 16 laptops for my classroom and 10 digital cameras through an Innovative Learning Fund Grant I was awarded from the province this year. I am doing a Virtual Science Fair project next year that incorporates digital video(with a green screen), wikis, and collaboration between several school. Thanks for the comment!
I'm bookmarking the Voicethread. I think when we get to perimeter in the next couple of weeks, I'll have my students do the same thing. I like how they used PostIt Notes to show the length and width on the drink machine.
I once thought about sending the students around the building with a super long measuring tape. I never did it, but it could be interesting. I wonder whose school building would have the largest perimeter.
Let's find out! My other math class will be doing perimeter in a few weeks and it is getting very nice outside.
Post a Comment