Math RACES: Unraveling Real-World Problems
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use multi-step math problems and the RACES strategy to solve real-world problems and ensure our solutions make sense?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can breaking down a complex math problem into smaller steps help us solve it?
- In what ways can the RACES strategy improve our problem-solving skills in math?
- How do context clues in word problems guide us to the correct mathematical operations?
- Where do multi-step math problems appear in the real world?
- How can we check if our answers make sense in the real world context of the problem?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Solve multi-step math problems accurately.
- Apply the RACES strategy effectively.
- Use context clues to understand math problems.
- Solve real-world problems using math.
- Verify the reasonableness of solutions in real-world contexts.
- Break down complex math problems into manageable steps.
- Improve problem-solving skills using the RACES strategy.
- Identify multi-step math problems in real-world scenarios.
- Connect math problems to real-world contexts.
- Make sense of our answers in real world context of the problem
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Math in Action Video Challenge
Begin with a captivating video clip showcasing a real-world problem that requires multiple steps of mathematical problem-solving, such as designing a sustainable city, optimizing a sports team's performance, or managing a large-scale event. Stop the video at a critical point and challenge students to predict the outcome and develop their own solutions using the RACES strategy and context clues, which they will present and compare to the video's actual solution. This visual and engaging approach sparks curiosity and demonstrates the power of math in tackling complex challenges.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.RACES Strategy in Action
Students will solve a multi-step math problem using the RACES strategy and context clues. They will record each step of their problem-solving process, highlighting how they used the RACES strategy and context clues to arrive at their solution.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed, step-by-step solution to the math problem, including annotations that highlight the use of the RACES strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Summarize) and context clues. The solution should showcase the student's thought process and reasoning.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Solve multi-step math problems accurately. Apply the RACES strategy effectively. Use context clues to understand math problems.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMulti-Step Math Problem-Solving Rubric (RACES Strategy)
Problem-Solving Process and Accuracy
Focuses on evaluating the accuracy of the mathematical process, the effective use of the RACES strategy, the application of context clues, and the clarity of the explanation.Mathematical Accuracy
The accuracy of the mathematical calculations and steps taken to solve the problem.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates flawless mathematical accuracy in all calculations and problem-solving steps, leading to a correct solution.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates accurate mathematical calculations and problem-solving steps with only minor errors that do not impact the final solution.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates some mathematical accuracy, but contains errors that affect the final solution.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates significant mathematical errors and struggles to perform calculations and problem-solving steps.
Application of RACES Strategy
The effectiveness of applying the RACES strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Summarize) to structure the problem-solving process.
Exemplary
4 PointsApplies the RACES strategy flawlessly and innovatively, demonstrating a deep understanding of each component and its impact on the solution.
Proficient
3 PointsApplies the RACES strategy effectively, demonstrating a clear understanding of each component and its role in structuring the solution.
Developing
2 PointsApplies the RACES strategy with some inconsistencies or misunderstandings of the components.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply the RACES strategy or demonstrates a limited understanding of its components.
Use of Context Clues
The ability to identify and utilize context clues from the word problem to guide the solution process.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and utilizes context clues masterfully, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their role in guiding the solution process and making insightful connections.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and utilizes context clues effectively to guide the solution process and make relevant connections.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some context clues, but struggles to effectively utilize them to guide the solution process.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or utilize context clues to guide the solution process.
Explanation and Reasoning
The clarity and completeness of the explanation of the problem-solving process, including reasoning and justification of steps.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exceptionally clear, insightful, and comprehensive explanation of the problem-solving process, demonstrating sophisticated reasoning and providing compelling justification for all steps.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and complete explanation of the problem-solving process, demonstrating sound reasoning and justification of steps.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a somewhat unclear or incomplete explanation of the problem-solving process, with limited reasoning or justification of steps.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides a minimal or confusing explanation of the problem-solving process, lacking reasoning or justification of steps.