Modeling with Math Trails

Authors

  • Bridget Druken California State University, Fullerton
  • Sarah Frazin

Abstract

The authors describe the application of a math trail activity used in a college classroom of future mathematics teachers to model with mathematics. In this activity, pre-service teachers select a location in their community, discover and design five trail heads, model situations using mathematical strategies learned in class, and share in a write-up or presentation. Insights about facilitating a math trail for mathematical modeling are provided, along with suggestions for teachers interested in using math trails in other contexts.

References

Amiya, T. & Kinch, D. (2014). Skirball Cultural Center Math Trails Guidebook [PDF file via personal correspondence].

Boaler, J., Humphreys, C., & Ball, D. L. (2005). Connecting Mathematical Ideas: Middle School Video Cases to Support Teaching and Learning. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

California Mathematics Network Region XI Los Angeles County (2016). Watts Tower Math Trail [PDF file via personal correspondence].

English, L. D., Humble, S., & Barnes, V. E. (2010). Trailblazers. Teaching Children Mathematics, 16(7), 402–409.

Garfunkel, S. and Montgomery, M. (2016). Guidelines for Assessment & Instruction in Mathematical Modeling Education (GAIMME). Bedford, MA: COMAP.

Felton-Koestler, M. (2016). Common Core confusion about modeling. Teaching Children Mathematics, 23(5), 269–272.

National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers (NGA Center & CCSSO) (2010). Common core state standards for mathematics. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://corestandards.org/assets/CCSSI Math%20Standards.pdf.

Richardson, K. M. (2004). Designing math trails for the elementary school. Teaching Children Mathe- matics, 11(1), 8.

Shoaf, M., Pollak, H., & Schneider, J. (2004). Math Trails. Bedford, MA: COMAP. Retreived from http://www.comap.com/highschool/projects/mathtrails/MathTrails.pdf

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Published

2018-08-11

How to Cite

Druken, B., & Frazin, S. (2018). Modeling with Math Trails. Ohio Journal of School Mathematics, 79(1). Retrieved from https://ohiomathjournal.org/index.php/OJSM/article/view/6282

Issue

Section

Articles