Animoto and Geometry

I always want my students to make connections between math and their surroundings, especially when it comes to Geometry.  We are just now wrapping up the chapter on parallel lines cut by transversals, and I think there are so many examples of some of the Geometric ideas that we cover in their everyday environment.  So, I had them download the free app Animoto and it was great because more than half of each class had the capacity to do so, which made groups small and doable.

I had students get into groups of two and walk around campus looking for various Geometric elements. I had a list of twelve, which they had to find a minimum of ten.  The list included:

• Parallel Lines
• Perpendicular Lines
• Alternate Interior Angles
• Alternate Exterior Angles
• Same-Side Interior Angles
• Corresponding Angles
• Intersecting Planes
• Supplementary Angles
• Complementary Angles
• Vertical Angles
• Parallel Planes
• Skew Lines/Segments

Overall, I found that the students took the activity seriously.  They loved being outside and making connections to what they were learning in class.  They still relied on me for things like, "Mrs. Murk, would this be an example of Parallel Planes?"  They still struggle with self-starting, but for the most part, they took the initiative.

Something that I would change for next time is I would be stricter, or more descriptive, as to what the pictures are of.  I don't want students to find two lines that are intersected by a transversal and use that picture for three or four different Geometric idea.  I just find this boring and not pushing the students very hard to be creative.

I've included some of my favorite videos below.

Geometry shtuff
Thomas and Ben's swag master geometry video
My Video

New Things on the Horizon

So, I know that as teachers we live for our summer holiday and the time off for relaxation and rejuvenation; but I can't seem to turn off my work mind.  I love getting online through my lap top or my iPad and checking in to communities like Edmodo or Facebook to see what's new.  I think that a big reason for this is because of the transition to Common Core that will be taking place this year and next in my classroom.  I say classroom because I am 100% committed to making changes in my instruction, but I don't know what the goals area for my department, school, or district are as of yet.

One thing that I have been working on is planning Common Core Math units that will be implemented this year.  I brought one into my curriculum this year and it was successful in many ways.  I'm anxious about all of the work that will need to go into the other units to follow; especially because of the lack of support from my district.  I feel like the only one doing this kind of work, so it's a lonely road.

Another element of my teaching that I have been revamping is my use of technology in my classroom.  I have been using apps and online communities to try to keep my students connected and interested in their learning.  The challenge for me will be to sustain the use of these items in my work.  For example, I have created an assignment on Edmodo that my students need to complete, but it's more just as a trial because I don't know how it all works.  I want to see if it's a useful tool, and if it is, I want to continue to use it.

I want to stay positive and continue to think outside the box when it comes to my teaching, but at the same time, I do not want to constantly be trying new things for the sake of trying new things.  I would like to find something that I think is useful, effective, and meaningful and make it work for me and my students.