Unit2: How can we connect?
Introduction
It is clear that presenting mathematics in a meaningful connected fashion, enhances student learning based on Tchoshanov's study in Unit 1. But what does that look like exactly in the classroom? The time provided in the lesson, the experience of the students in the class, and class size are all factors that determine how connections can be presented in a lesson. In this unit, you will have a chance to explore geometry lessons and analyze how they do or do not utilize connections to more basic concepts. You will get a chance to revisit the undefined terms Euclidean geometry is based on, the point, line, plane and connect these ideas to the topics you identified in Unit 1. Also, you will be able to explore how asking the right essential question based on previously learned material, can help students focus their learning.
Unit Objective
Participants will be able to:
- Identify connections/lack of connections in pre-made geometry lesson plans.
- Understand how the three topics they identified in Unit 1, connect to fundamental topics.*
- Develop three essential questions that could be presented to students before the three identified topics.
Analyze
Choose two lesson plans from mathforum.org. In your learning journal, answer the following questions:
- Does the lesson plan connect the new material to previously learned mathematics?
- If it does, what is the connection that is made? How will the connection benefit student learning?
- If it does not, then how could the teacher have made a better connection that will enhance student understanding?
[[1]]
Connect
View slides 13-36 to review the undefined terms that Euclidean geometry is founded on. [[2]]
In your personal learning journal, consider the three topics you identified in Unit 1. How are the undefined terms, and other elementary concepts in geometry, related to the three topics you chose during Unit 1?
Extend
An essential question is a question that a teacher introduces to their students at the beginning of a unit or an individual lesson. The question should be open ended, foster discussion, and pique interest in the topic ready to be learned. Read the following information about essential questions. [[3]]
Develop three essential questions that could be used with the three units you have identified.