Do the Math

Last week, I had the opportunity to observe a video conference for students studying geography. I expected to see our kiddos on one side of the camera sitting and listening to a speaker on the television much like the “traditional classroom.”

Man was I wrong. I saw six classrooms of middle school students all connected and competing with one another to find out where in the world each school picked to be located. Every student that I saw on the screen was absolutely engaged and participating in some way. Some students were researching using search engines and Google maps, others were listening to the questions and answers recording every clue that was available. To get more information about the contest visit…..

As I left the contest, the hamster wheel in my head was spinning out of control with new questions and ideas.

“How could a similar environment could be created for middle school math students? Is there is something already out there for students studying Algebra? If not, could it be created? What should it look like?”

The wheel in my brain has been spinning out of control all weekend trying to find answers and I have had virtually no luck.

We (the Algebra teachers of the world) could create a math competition after each math unit or math concept and have a network of classrooms competing for prizes.  If there are any interested Algebra teachers or Connected Mathematics teachers out there in the world, I would love to get connected with you. Just leave a comment and I will get in touch with you.