Grade Twelve University Learning Activities

Hello everyone,

This week in EDBE 8F83 we were presented with learning activities that focused on Grade Twelve curriculum. The three courses that were presented on were Advanced Functions (MHF4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) and Data Management (MDM4U).

The first activity that we saw was Logarithm Dominoes which was designed to be used in Advanced Functions. Shannon framed the structure of the lesson as having a warm up, lesson, activity, and consolidation (which was usually group work). After a brief explanation, Shannon handed out the dominoes and an instruction sheet. The idea of the game was instead of having numbers on them, the dominoes had logarithms that we had to solve while playing. For the sake of time, we worked together as a group. (As you can see in the picture to the right, all our dominoes are facing up) The game started with a double in the middle of the table. Then we took turns placing dominoes next to the ones already placed. If a player could not play during their turn, they were required to pick up a domino from the stack facing down. The objective of the game was to get rid of all your dominoes first.

At first my knowledge of logarithms and log rules was a little sketchy, but as we worked through the game I was able to remember quite well. I really enjoyed how this game incorporated math skills but was also fun and exciting at the same time. I could definitely see Grade Twelve students loving this game.

The second presentation was given by Lucas who focused on Calculus and Vectors by doing an activity called The Falling Meter Stick Problem. This problem was a little difficult at first, because its been a very all time since I've done high school Calculus, but the instructions were easy to follow and eventually our group got it. One thing that I would have liked to see during this activity was a demonstration of the meter stick falling. It might have been better for visual learners to see it rather than having to imagine it. Something that I enjoyed from this activity was the worksheet that we were given. It was easy to follow and gave students enough space to work.


The last presentation was presented by Jodi and focused on Data Management. The activity that she showed us was Deal or No Deal and was aimed to teach probability to students. The idea of the game was to mimic the TV show. We started by picking one number to be our briefcase. Then there was a series of rounds in which we would pick cases to eliminate and receive a deal from the banker. After each round we were asked to decide if we were going to take the deal or not by using probability.

I really enjoyed playing this game and my group got very into the excitement of it all. I could absolutely see Grade Twelves loving this game and thinking it is fun. Data Management can tend to be boring for students so this game can put some excitement into the mathematics.

Overall, these three activities showed that Grade Twelve mathematics can be so much more then writing a note everyday and doing homework. It is possible to incorporate games and activities into a University bound classroom, you just have to have some creativity.