Creating Meaningful Visualizations for Teaching Mathematics: Lesson 2
Introduction
Some visualizations are more useful than others to solve problems. Some creations by students might be accurate representations for a given problem, and others might be pictorial and/or unrelated. In this lesson, participants will review a given problem and determine if the visualization is an accurate representation for the problem or a representation will little or no mathematical value.
By the end of this lesson, participants will be able to answer and reflect on the following question:
- How do you determine if a visualization is an accurate representation for a given problem?
Assignment
You will be looking a three examples of visualizations. In the discussion tab, answer the following prompts:
- 1. Is this visual useful for promoting understanding with the given problem?
- 2. If it is useful, explain how you came to this conclusion. If it is not useful, explain how you could make it useful.
- 3. What is something learners should be carful of when creating a visualization for this problem.
- 4. What is another method to solve this problem?
Example 1
Problem: Create a visualization to prove Pythagorean Theorem: a2 + b2 = c2
Example 2
Problem (Engage NY): Shanni and Mel are using ribbon to decorate a project in their art class. The ratio of the length of Shanni’s ribbon to the length of Mel’s ribbon is 𝟕: 𝟑. Draw a tape diagram to represent this ratio. Use your tape diagram to represent an equivalent ratio.
Example 3
Problem: Mr. Smith is putting up a gate around the perimeter of his rectangular swimming pool. The pool is 16 feet wide by 24 feet long. The gate is sold in 4 feet pieces. How many pieces will Mr. Smith need to but in order to enclose the perimeter of his pool?
Resources and References
Engage NY. Grade 6 Mathematics Curriculum: Module 1, Topic A, Lesson 3. Accessed May 8, 2015 via: https://www.engageny.org/resource/grade-6-mathematics-module-1-topic-lesson-3
Links
Next Lesson: Creating Meaningful Visualizations for Teaching Mathematics: Discussion
Back to Lesson 1: Creating Meaningful Visualizations for Teaching Mathematics: Lesson 1
Back to Unit 2: Unit 2: Creating Meaningful Visualizations for Teaching Mathematics
Mini-Course: Using Visualizations to Teach Mathematics with Understanding (Spring 2015 Mini-Course)
Portfolio Page: Melissa Connor's Portfolio Page for Spring 2015 Mini-Course