Module 11

Coordinate Grids 

I explored the websites Billy Bug (1 &2), Stock the Shelf, and Greg's Grid Graphics. I think all three of these websites would be perfect for classroom use. I think that Billy Bug and Stock the Shelf would be a great choice for use in math centers in classrooms with an interactive whiteboard.  They were pretty straight forward and set up for easy turn taking. You could also use these websites in a whole class setting but it would be more difficult to allow every student to have a turn. I think that Greg's Grid Graphics would be more appropriate for whole class instruction. You would still have the opportunity to hear from every student but I feel that it would go more quickly since the teacher could just type the students' answers rather than the student coming forward to manipulate the game.

Miras and Reflections and Kaleidoscopes Article 

I have never used a mira before, I remember being perplexed by that tool when I received my kit at the beginning of the semester. These activities were good practice for me to learn how to properly use the tool. I feel like the only part of the activity that I had significant trouble with the alphabet symmetry. 

Annenberg Measurement Module 

I did not particularly have any questions for this module.The only question that really made me pause was measuring the surface area of the rock with tin foil. I figured that you would measure the flattened foil. It never occurred to me that the foil would have an irregular shape. After the module broke down how to measure an irregular shape, I understood.

Case Studies 

 It was very surprising to see that students struggle with very similar measurement concepts throughout elementary school. The idea that A larger unit of measurement would have a smaller number and that a smaller unit of measurement would result in a larger number seemed to  confuse students for many years. It was interesting to see the younger students begin to question the accuracy of measurements based on techniques used to gather data. This becomes a big focus in the upper grades as they begin using actual measurement tools.

For further discussion

A fellow teacher says that he cannot start to teach any geometry until the students know all the
terms and definitions and that his fifth graders just cannot learn them. What misconceptions
about teaching geometry does this teacher hold? Now that you've had some time to explore the world of geometry, how has your view of the key ideas of geometry that you want your students to work though changed

This teacher seems to be under the impression that geometry is only a series of theorems and complex proofs. In reality, most of his students have probably already begun exploring  geometric concepts. Coming into this course, I also associated geometry with more complex concepts such as the Pythagorean Theorem. I felt that geometric concepts would not be introduced until closer to middle school aged. Throughout the modules I have been reminded that through use of manipulatives, students can begin to understand geometric concepts such as symmetry, reflections, and spatial reasoning.