9th Grade

Math Lesson Plans

Using Math for Fun

Title : Using Math for Fun

Author : Catherine Walton, Benjamin Cardozo High School, NYC

Subject Area/ Grade: Geometry/ 9th & 10th Grade 

Students will use drawing, doodling, interpreting diagrams, and creative expression to  demonstrate learning. 

Goals

1. To have students be creative and think how mathematics can be fun.
2. So that students understand what creativity is on the first day of classes I would show: What is Creativity? (with Bill Gates, Malala, Rosario Dawson, Lisa Loeb and Susan Wojcicki)
3. I would then have students answer the prompt: What are your thoughts of creativity? Do you see yourself as creative? If yes, explain how you are creative. If not, why do you feel this way?

Content Area and Standards

Mini Project 1 – Draw things out or Doodling
1. Understanding concepts and definitions visually.
Mini Project 2 – Create a Story or Creative Math prompt
2. Interpreting diagrams and applying it to what was taught. Breaking down a problem to  simpler steps
Term Project  – Video or Book
3. Students show what they learned by creative expression (book/video)

Activity

Prior to assigning Mini Project 1 – I would show students this video to let them understand that words are powerful and can be used as symbolisms.
Mini Project 1 – Draw things out or Doodling
1. If you choose to draw things out:
2. Take 10 geometric terms that we have learned thus far. Write the geometric term, then draw a diagram showing the concept and write the definition of the term.
3. If you choose Doodling:
4. Look over your notes take a picture or recreate 5 doodles that you did. Analyze each of them and answer the following. Which lesson did the doodle come from (write the Aim)? What inspired you to make the doodle? How does it relate to the lesson we were doing?

Prior to assigning Mini Project 2 – I would show students this video to let them understand that they need to come up with a strategy in creating something.

Mini Project 2 – Create a Story or Creative Math prompt

1. If you choose to Create a Story:
2. Take any problem from your notes and pretend that you are creating a storybook for a younger sibling/relative/friend. Shows simple step by step instructions on how to solve the problem. I suggest that you use the storyboard template. (See below)
3. If you choose a Creative Math prompt:
4. Cut and paste the diagram (I would choose a relevant creative prompt) to a separate sheet of paper. You must analyze the following diagram and come up with 5 prompts.
5. They can be any combination of the prompts listed below. 
6. What do you notice?
7. What do you wonder?
8. What calculations can you come up with?
9. What analysis can you state?
10. What prediction(s) did you determine?
11. What conclusions did you discover?

Prior to assigning Term Project  I would show students these three videos to let them understand that imagery and music go hand in hand and that to create something you need to prepare and think it out

Term Project  – Video or Book
You may work on your own or in a group (3 maximum) to complete the following project. Choose any topic we covered in the Fall term. You can either make a video/book that teaches/explains a formula or the concept you chose. 

If you choose a video:
1. Need to include:
2. A title page that states the topic; the name and class period of students that created the project
3. All notes that helped you plan the video I suggest you use storyboard template (See below) 
4. Examples of videos:
5. Music: Distance/Midpoint formula Midpoint & Distance Formula Song “The Beatles – Twist and Shout”
6. Circle Equation Circle Mode – A math rap song about the standard equation of a circle
7. Special Right Triangle Special Right Triangles Song – a musical rendition (math help for sat test from singing tutor)

If you choose a book:
1. Need to include:
2. A title page that states the topic; the name and class period of students that created the project
3. All notes that helped you plan the video I suggest you use storyboard template (See below) 
4. Examples of videos:
5. https://read.bookcreator.com/FI1jKsDURCdlFqjcModc0FUoN8U2/qcNXcxgkQz6oUYhrGlri6g
6. http://miamisburgmsart.blogspot.com/2012/03/cartoon-comic-books.html

Joy2Learn Artists /Videos that Support Project

Mini Project 1 – Draw things out or Doodling
1. Your Brain Can Only Take So Much Focus https://hbr.org/2017/05/your-brain-can-only-take-so-much-focus

Mini Project 2 – Create a Story or Creative Math prompt
1. The Science of Drawing andMemory https://www.edutopia.org/article/science-drawin
2. Creative Math Prompts http://www.5280math.com/noticing-and-wondering
3. Artist Video: https://www.joy2learn.org/painting-with-elizabeth-murray/in-my-head/strategy/

Art Forms that May Be Included

Drawing, Writing, and acting.

Connections to Students Passion Areas and Interests

Projects are geared to students to be creative by using their  artistic abilities by drawing/writing, thinking.

Materials Needed

Printer, Paper, colored pencils/crayons,  internet

Collaborators

Mini Project 1 – Draw things out or Doodling
1. Students work individually.

Mini Project 2 – Create a Story or Creative Math prompt
1. Students work individually.

Term Project  – Video or Book
1. Students can work individually or with a group.

Assessment

Rubrics for each Project 

Timeline

Mini Project 1 – Draw things out or Doodling
1. Would be given in early October.

Mini Project 2 – Create a Story or Creative Math prompt
1. Given mid November.

Term Project  – Video or Book
1. Given early December.

Other Notes

Storyboard Template that I would give for projects: 
https://www.educationworld.com/tools_templates/template_strybrd_8panels.doc