Lesson Title:   NJ Olympians and Math                         

 Grade Level:    6^th, 7^th, 8th       

 Class Description:    Inclusion with 25 students; 45% supported.                       

 Time Required: 

• 1 class period >>  discussion; overview; directions
• 2 class periods >> internet research
• 2 class periods >> preparation / finalization
• 3 class periods >> presentations
• 1 class period >> Content Test (full class) 

Lesson Rationale:    Through deductive and inferential reasoning as well as math concept application, the lesson will guide students in identifying how math plays a role in the athlete’s Olympic event.

Materials:   GIS with full internet access; projector.

Anticipatory Set:  All set during class period 1:

·         Discussion about favorite sports as well as the students’ basic knowledge of both summer and winter US Olympic Games.

·          A guessing game to determine the number of NJ Olympic athletes from 1992-2006

·         A humorous story about the Olympic experience of my Uncle Waldo and Aunt Luigi

Objectives: 

·         Apply distance measurement via key mapping

·         Create a short bio for various athletes

·         Determine grade level math concepts associated with the sport/event

·         Develop mathematical questions for re-teaching or testing

·         Identify mathematical similarities and/or differences among sports/events

·         Establish carryover via auditory, visual, kinesthetic senses

·         Summation skills relative to US Olympics; NJ; and math’

NJ Core Curriculum Standards:     Math 4.1; 4.4; 4.5   Geography 6.6

  Procedures/Methods:  Using Mappler, students will independently (groups may be used for some classes) access plotted points referencing NJ Olympic medalists.  Research, application, and presentation will occur over the time period referenced.

Prior Knowledge:  Math competency based upon NJ CCCS as well as Ringwood’s Math Curriculum.  Testing for internalization is on file.

 Closure:   Student testing on all math concepts via a student/teacher made written test.  Questions will be open-ended and fashioned after the NJ ASK.

 Student Evaluation:   4 element; 3 level rubric

 Teacher Evaluation:   Analysis of written concept test (see closure) to determine re-teaching and/or review.

 Accommodations:  Computer lab access;  classified students will work with co-teacher; grouping via individual need;  modifications as dictated by IEP.

 Extension Activities:   

• Open ended testing reflecting that of NJ ASK
• Application of project to years prior to 1990.
• Advanced research > students will plot points.
• Posters designed to show math association to the event (favorite athlete).
• Contact the athlete (What are you doing now?)
• Watch the events of the 2008 Olympic Games and report on the application of math in each event.  The class could split up all events. 
• Transfer of graphing data to Excel in producing various charts showing proportion, ratio, and percent.