Submitted by: Kristine Petrie
Collaborators: ITRT
School: Pocahontas Middle School
Summary
Pairs of students were challenged to write their own word problem on any topic they found interesting using 2 unknowns. Since we are studying systems of equations, they needed to start with the two answers they would be asking others to solve for and then construct a word problem around their area of interest that could allow the reader to write the two equations needed to solve for the unknowns. The word problems were posted on a blog where students could comment and communicate with each other about the way the problems were written and what the solutions could be, and where the problems could be shared between classes and other schools.
TIPC Ratings
Approaching: Students were asked to research topics that interest them using digital resources and use that information to ask real world questions involving unknowns to other groups, carefully scripting what information needed to be provided.
Approaching: Students collaborated within class to accomplish their research, questions, and answers. Students communicated with their class, and with other classes, by blogging their questions & answers.
Approaching: Students needed to construct a word problem by evaluating unknowns and setting up equations that can be used to solve requiring them to think backwards, using higher level thinking skills.
Ideal: Students applied critical thinking to first identify and then evaluate unknowns. This also required knowledge regarding how Algebra can be used to set up and solve for unknown quantities. They used research to enrich their questions, and communicated their original work using blogging.
Student Artifact
