Mathematical goals

This lesson unit is intended to help students to:

• Select appropriate mathematics to solve a problem.
• Compare and evaluate different methods for solving a problem and make generalizations about the appropriateness of different approaches.
• Understand the Pythagorean Theorem and how it can be used to solve problems in the real world.

Introduction

The lesson unit is structured in the following way:

• Before the lesson, students attempt The Schoolyard Problem individually. You review these initial attempts, formulating questions that will help students to improve their work.
• After a brief lesson introduction, students respond individually to the questions on their work.
• Then, in groups of 2 or 3, students compare their different approaches and examine and comment on some sample student responses. They identify features of these responses that may help them with their own work.
• In the same small groups, students now work together to produce a collaborative solution in the form of a poster.
• In a whole-class discussion, students explain and compare the strategies they have seen and used.
• Finally, students reflect on their work and their learning.

Materials required

• Each student will need a copy of the task The Schoolyard Problem.
• Each small group of students will need a sheet of poster paper, a marker, and copies of the Sample Responses to Discuss.
• Provide calculators, rulers, and squared/graph paper for students who choose to use them.
• There is a projector resource to support whole-class discussion.

Time needed

20 minutes before the lesson, a 100-minute lesson (or split into two shorter lessons) and 10 minutes in a follow-up lesson (or for homework). Timings given are approximate. Exact timings will depend on the needs of your class.