One of my goals this year is to make connections between the concepts learned in class to the outside, real world and make it in an engaging way. Math is everywhere, all around us, all the time, so it lends itself to help students see that their learning is relevant. We've been working on different ways to multiply 2 digits by 2 digits, so for our review students had to solve a series of different tasks. For each one completed they received a puzzle piece which will led them to a price.
The first task was to solve some Array Models Multiplication, then convert the answers using a Pig Pen cypher to get a code to get to the next task. On the second set, students had a flooring company and were hired to install flooring in a house. They had to use partial products to calculate the area and the cost according to the material. The correct combination gave them another puzzle piece and the link to the third task. As architects, they were hired to build a skyscraper in downtown and had to use double digit multiplication to order the materials and get the 3rd piece. They had to use the distributive property to answer some of the questions. Finally, they had to calculate the cost using multiples of 10, once they show the Project Manager (aka Teacher) the amount, they would receive the final piece and the prize.
If you are exhausted after reading the description, imagine how we felt! The kids loved the activity, but yes, it was looong and tiring. The first task was simple enough that they were able to figure the answers, but the pigpen code was a challenge. The second one, partial products, went a little smoother. The 3rd tasks was probably too long, only 3 groups were able to finish.
Was it successful? Yes, students were engaged in higher order thinking, worked collaboratively (with little disruptions), and related math to a real life situation in a TEKS aligned lesson. However, as a revision, maybe the codes need to be simpler to avoid frustration. I recognize that I get pleasure of making difficult questions ☺️, but might too much. Also since grouping was mixed ability I noticed some students struggled to participate in their groups, maybe a better way would be differentiate by readiness and make the last stage shorter for some groups.