Math Trailblazers: Measuring Our School
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a Math Trail that uses measurement to explore our school and challenges our peers?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How can we use different tools to measure objects around our school?
- What are the best units to measure different objects (e.g., inches, feet, meters)?
- How can we create word problems using measurements that are challenging and fun for other students?
- How can we ensure our math trail is accurate and easy to follow?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to create a Math Trail that uses measurement to explore our school.
- Students will be able to use different tools to measure objects around our school.
- Students will be able to understand the concept of measurement.
- Students will be able to create word problems using measurements that are challenging and fun for other students.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMath Trailblazers Challenge
A famous explorer, known for using math to navigate, has left a challenge: create a math trail that tests the skills of future explorers. Students must design a trail that incorporates various measurement challenges, proving their ability to apply math in real-world scenarios. The best trail will be featured on the explorer's website.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Schoolyard Measurement Scavenger Hunt
Students apply their measurement skills by participating in a scavenger hunt around the school, measuring various objects and recording their findings.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 completed scavenger hunt worksheet with accurate measurements and units for each item.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsReinforces the learning goal: Students will be able to use different tools to measure objects around our school. Develops understanding of the concept of measurement and its practical application.Math Trail Station Design Blueprint
Students design a station for the Math Trail, including the object to be measured, the measurement task, and a word problem related to the measurement.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 blueprint of a Math Trail station, including a measurement task and a related word problem.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports the learning goal: Students will be able to create word problems using measurements that are challenging and fun for other students. Directly contributes to the creation of the Math Trail.Math Trail Station Construction & Testing
Students build their Math Trail station and test it out to ensure it is accurate, challenging, and fun.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 fully constructed and tested Math Trail station, ready for use by other students.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCulminates in the learning goal: Students will be able to create a Math Trail that uses measurement to explore our school. Integrates all learning goals by applying measurement skills in a real-world context.Measurement Tool Quest
Students explore different measurement tools and their uses, focusing on accuracy and appropriateness for various objects.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 measurement journal with entries for each tool, including descriptions of the tool, how to use it, and measurements of various objects.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses the learning goal: Students will be able to use different tools to measure objects around our school. Also introduces the concept of measurement.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioMath Trailblazers Portfolio Rubric
Measurement Accuracy & Application
This category assesses the student's ability to accurately measure objects using appropriate tools and units, and to apply these measurements in practical contexts.Accuracy of Measurements
Evaluates the precision and correctness of measurements taken by the student.
Exemplary
4 PointsMeasurements are consistently accurate and precise, demonstrating a deep understanding of measurement techniques. All units are correctly labeled.
Proficient
3 PointsMeasurements are mostly accurate with minor errors. The student demonstrates a good understanding of measurement techniques. Units are generally labeled correctly.
Developing
2 PointsMeasurements show some accuracy, but contain noticeable errors. The student demonstrates a basic understanding of measurement techniques. Units are sometimes missing or incorrect.
Beginning
1 PointsMeasurements are largely inaccurate. The student struggles with measurement techniques. Units are frequently missing or incorrect.
Appropriate Tool Selection
Evaluates the student's ability to select and use the correct measuring tools for different objects and tasks.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently selects and uses the most appropriate measuring tools for each task, demonstrating a thorough understanding of tool functionality.
Proficient
3 PointsUsually selects and uses appropriate measuring tools for each task, demonstrating a good understanding of tool functionality.
Developing
2 PointsSometimes selects appropriate measuring tools, but may make errors or require guidance. Shows a basic understanding of tool functionality.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to select appropriate measuring tools and often uses incorrect tools. Shows limited understanding of tool functionality.
Problem Solving & Design
This category assesses the student's ability to create challenging and engaging measurement-based word problems and design a functional and appealing Math Trail station.Word Problem Creativity & Challenge
Evaluates the originality, clarity, and mathematical complexity of the word problems created by the student.
Exemplary
4 PointsWord problems are highly creative, engaging, and challenging, requiring multi-step problem-solving and critical thinking. The problems are clearly written and well-aligned with the measurement task.
Proficient
3 PointsWord problems are creative, engaging, and appropriately challenging, requiring problem-solving skills. The problems are clearly written and aligned with the measurement task.
Developing
2 PointsWord problems are somewhat creative but may lack clarity or challenge. The problems require basic problem-solving skills. The alignment with the measurement task is not always clear.
Beginning
1 PointsWord problems lack creativity, clarity, and challenge. The problems require minimal problem-solving skills. The alignment with the measurement task is unclear.
Station Design & Functionality
Evaluates the design and practicality of the Math Trail station, including its clarity, safety, and ease of use.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe Math Trail station is exceptionally well-designed, clear, safe, and easy to use. It enhances the learning experience and encourages student engagement.
Proficient
3 PointsThe Math Trail station is well-designed, clear, safe, and easy to use. It provides a positive learning experience.
Developing
2 PointsThe Math Trail station is adequately designed but may have some issues with clarity, safety, or ease of use. It provides a basic learning experience.
Beginning
1 PointsThe Math Trail station is poorly designed and has significant issues with clarity, safety, or ease of use. It hinders the learning experience.
Collaboration & Communication
This category assesses the student's ability to work effectively in a team, communicate ideas clearly, and provide constructive feedback.Teamwork & Contribution
Evaluates the student's participation, cooperation, and contribution to the team effort.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional teamwork skills, actively contributing ideas, supporting team members, and taking on leadership roles when appropriate.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates strong teamwork skills, actively contributing ideas and supporting team members.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates adequate teamwork skills, participating in team activities but may not consistently contribute ideas or support team members.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates weak teamwork skills, struggling to participate in team activities or contribute ideas.
Communication & Feedback
Evaluates the student's ability to communicate ideas clearly and provide constructive feedback to peers.
Exemplary
4 PointsCommunicates ideas clearly and effectively, providing thoughtful and constructive feedback that enhances the project.
Proficient
3 PointsCommunicates ideas clearly and provides constructive feedback to peers.
Developing
2 PointsCommunicates ideas adequately but may struggle with clarity or providing constructive feedback.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to communicate ideas clearly or provide constructive feedback.