GrAdE tWelVe CoUrSeS

Welcome back! I hope everyone is enjoying the week thus far.

This week in class, my peers presented lessons on the grade twelve University courses: Advanced Functions, Data Management and Calculus. Taking on the grade twelve courses is not an easy task and therefore I congratulate them for taking on the challenge. I was very impressed with the lessons I saw and thought my fellow teacher candidates did an excellent job creating engaging and meaningful activities.

Dominos

For the Advanced Functions presentation, students were required to practice their Logarithm Laws by participating in a game of Dominos. Taking the rules of traditional Dominos, students are required to pick five different dominos, each containing a logarithm. When their turn approaches, they are required to build off the previous person’s domino, or if they can’t play, pick up. Each person has forty-five seconds to determine whether the numbers on their domino correspond to a played domino. I really enjoyed this activity as it’s a great way to practice fundamental skills while fostering friendly competition. Although the game is supposed to be played individually, my group decided to collaborate as a whole to complete the game. This may also end up happening in the classroom, which is perfectly ok. Simple and engaging activities such as this one are very effective in the classroom, especially with grade twelve students who often approach academic math classes with a higher level of seriousness.

Deal or No Deal

Reflecting upon my high school experiences, Data Management was my favourite Mathematics course. I remember it being ‘fun’ and interesting, with so many different activities that related to real-life scenarios. During this learning activity, our class had the opportunity to participate in a game of ‘deal or no deal.’ Although current high school students may be unfamiliar with this game show, students of our age group are able to relate to this activity.

The game involves different dollar amounts and twenty-six briefcases. Students are required to open a certain number of briefcases each round, revealing different dollar amounts. After opening the brief cases, the banker makes the contestant offer. As the contestant, it is your job to determine the probability whether or not you have a greater chance (or higher probability) of a larger dollar amount that could potentially be in your selected briefcase. I really enjoyed this activity because it demonstrates to students as to where they may use probability skills in a real-life scenario. Since the game is so fun, students can easily forget that they are working on their mathematical skills. I can see myself using this in my classroom as an introduction activity to probability. Being a group activity, it fosters collaboration and communication amongst students and therefore is a great method for building a sense of community within your classroom.

Often grade twelve mathematics classrooms can be  very stressful environments with many students trying to attain marks to get into University programs. Although it is critical to ensure they are provided with the fundamental skills they will require in University, I think it is equally important to take a step back sometimes and ensure these students are still having ‘fun’ in math class.

Bye for now, 
Rachelle