ACTIVITY 5

1. Review an existing Mathematics learning plan and provide an ICT - integrated activity you
think that may enhance 21st Century critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As for students to solve a problem graphing it, the computer is an excellent tool for use in
teaching mathematics. Much of the educational software on the market today was written to
teach mathematical principles. For that reason, the classroom teacher should have little
difficulty in locating effective math packages. The activities in this section enable the teacher to
use applications software to solve mathematical problems.

Sample Mathematics Learning Activity

1.    MATH ACTIVITY TITLE: Plant’s growth
Grade – Level: 7
Purpose: In this activity, students:
·         explore a range of estimation strategies;
·         solve problems with an ICT application;
·         create formulas to solve a linear equation; and
·         show different ways ICT can be used.
Description. Students apply what they know about a ICT application to solve a mathematical
problem. Students use and explore an ICT application to structure their problem solution
thinking.

Activity Preparation
·         Prepare a handout with a clear statement of the problem.
·         Develop formulas for solving the problem.
·         Create ICT application template.
·         Gather examples of problem solving with ICT application.
Activity Procedure
1.   As a class, review and discuss the spreadsheet concepts of row, column, and cell.
2.   Introduce the problem students will be working on:
·         It has been observed that a particular plant's growth is directly proportional to time. It
measured 2 cm when it arrived at the nursery and 2.5 cm exactly one week later. If the plant
continues to grow at this rate, determine the function that represents the plant's growth and
graph it.
3.   As a class, discuss different computational tools (calculator, paper-and-pencil algorithm, or
mental strategy) that could be used.
4.   Working in groups of four to five students estimate a solution set. Encourage them to
explain their thinking frequently as they estimate.
5.   Groups share with the whole class their computational estimation strategies.
6.   Using a ICT application, small groups of students format the worksheet and input the
problem data and formulas. Check their skills and understanding of how an ICT application
works as they are doing the activity. Have your template ready for students who need
assistance.
7.   Groups share their work with the whole class. Encourage them to explain their thinking as
they present their findings and the formulas they used.
8.   Compare and contrast their ICT application strategies with their estimation strategies.
9.   Ask each student to create a similar problem and ICT application solution.
10. Students email the problem to another student and arrange a chat time to discuss the
solution.
11. As a class, discuss alternative uses for ICT application. Share an example you found on the
Internet and the search strategy you used. Ask students to find examples by asking their
families and searching the Internet.
12. Keep a visible record of students’ ICT application examples.