In High School Algebra and Geometry, Mr. Eunsup Kang taught an innovative blended learning masterclass that seamlessly combined digital tools with hands-on experiential learning. The topic of this engaging lesson was scatter plots, regression lines, and residuals, leaving students with a solid understanding of how mathematical tools can be applied to provide information about data they collect from the real world.
One of the standout features of the lesson was the incorporation of online mathematics software called Desmos. Mr. Kang demonstrated the use of Desmos to create visual representations of data. This dynamic tool proved invaluable in teaching students how to quickly access and analyze information from the data they had gathered.
The hands-on activity that accompanied this lesson was equally captivating. Students were tasked with the challenge of building a spaghetti bridge capable of supporting a bucket filled with marbles. This collaborative activity required students to work in teams of three, with each person playing a specific role in overseeing the bridge, the bucket, and data collection. Starting with a single strand of spaghetti, students added marbles to a cup to determine how many it could hold before breaking. They then repeated the process, gradually adding more spaghetti strands to explore how varying amounts of spaghetti affected the bridge’s capacity to bear the load. Students recorded their findings on data sheets by hand.
With their data in hand, students transitioned to the digital side by inputting their information into Desmos. Here, they could create scatter plots, calculate regression lines, and evaluate residuals. Desmos empowered students to bridge the gap between theoretical mathematical concepts and real-world applications, showcasing their knowledge of these fundamental principles.
This class serves as an excellent example of blended learning in action at AIS, effectively utilizing the tools available through our one-to-one Apple program in an engaging, hands-on way.
