Grade Seven and Eight Learning Activities

Welcome back everyone!

This week in EDBE 8F83 we started our Leading a Learning Activity presentations. This week focused on mathematics from Grade 7 and 8. Although I do not see myself as a Grade 7 or 8 teacher, it was great to see different ideas and think about how I would incorporate them into my classroom. Additionally, as a secondary school teacher it is good to have knowledge of the Grade 7 and 8 curriculum. When I teach Grade 9 mathematics I am going to have to think about what my students learned in previous years. So having knowledge of grade 7/8 and having a few activities in my back pocket can become a huge asset.

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The first presentation that I want to comment on is Dayna's grade 7 activity called "The Game of Life". The activity consisted of splitting the class up into five groups and calling each group a family. Each family is given a monthly income and a list of expanses that they will have to pay for. I thought this idea was a great way to not only teach mathematical concepts but to incorporate financial literacy into the classroom. Financial literacy can be described as "having the knowledge and skills to make responsible economic and financial decisions with confidence". This is something that is mandated by the Ministry of Education to be included in every Ontario course so it is important to consider. Through this activity students learn the importance of saving, paying bills and responsible money management. Additionally this activity is a great way to bring up topics such as diversity and how different families often have very different financial situations (as Dayna mentioned in her presentation). I would absolutely consider incorporating this activity or something similar into my classroom. Depending on the class I was teaching, I may have to make modifications but overall I could definitely see myself using this activity in my classroom.

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The second presentation that I want to talk about is Nam's Grade 7/8 "Holes Activity". Nam's activity focused around a clip from the movie Holes, where there is a conflict between two characters, Stanley and X-ray, regarding a shovel. Stanley's shovel was 5ft while X-rays shovel was 4ft 11inches. Given that each hole that is dug is a cylinder, and has a diameter and height the same as the length of the shovel, a problem was posed. The problem that was posed to the students was; "What is the volume of soil that each boy will dig using his shovel?". This was a great visual for students to be able to get a "real-life" example of geometry and volume. I loved how he used a movie that students were familiar with and could be interested in. This could easily be modified depending on the interests of my students. I would love to use this kind of activity in my own classroom. I think a story is a great way to hook students and get them interested in the math you are trying to teach them.

I look forward to seeing the many more exciting and useful presentations that my colleagues have to share!

Until next week, cheers.