Often, we are asked what does a successful contextualized program look like? After several years of being able to observe and evaluate AMPED and Geometry in Construction programs across the country, we have boiled it down to these indicators. For AMPED on Algebra (Algebra I in...
Goal: To give a visual model to how rapidly contagious diseases spread. This activity can be adapted to many levels of math knowledge. Teacher Notes: You may want to research the Corona virus spread rate and lay groundwork for the students. Be sensitive to deaths that...
In our previous newsletter we wrote about the possibility of contextualized learning programs receiving a share of the federal ESSER 3 funding dedicated to these educational goals: Math achievement “slide” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CTE-Contextual Learning positive growing pains, Enhancement of commitment to workforce...
School districts around the country have received a once in a lifetime amount of funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). As you consider applying for ESSER dollars, we want to share with you the process we used to apply for...
Part 1: Project Design Design and build a tree bench that is five 2x4’s wide. Show your drawings and your math problems in a clear sequence. Create a cut list to include the angle size(s) and length. Specifics assigned: Diameter of tree_______ Shape of the bench_______ How far from the tree will the...
Many great construction/engineering projects have been built around the world. Maybe you live close to a structure that stands out as one of these marvels. Choose one of these structures. Using a search engine, research how it was built. Write a one page summary of the project. Include: 1. Why was it...
With the COVID-19 pandemic, educators have conquered and will continue to conquer a new slate of challenges throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Years ago, we assembled a list of the key elements that make the Geometry in Construction model strong for students and teachers. We...
Often, we have the opportunity to learn about successful projects that schools use to drive the GIC program. Most of the activities below do not run the entire year but are used to teach pieces of the curriculum. Below are quick summaries of some of these ideas. A...
TEACHER NOTES: This is a great activity for the beginning of the year for team building. This activity is done in teams of 4 and takes approximately 120-150 minutes so we suggest doing this over 2 or 3 class periods. For the templates, go to https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/paper-roller-coasters/ or https://www.paperrollercoasters.com. For the bases, take...
Washer and Candy lab Can you guess the number of each? Teacher Notes Materials Needed: Bags or cups, enough for 1 per group of students. Two objects such as nuts, bolts, washers, candy, etc or 16d and 8d nails (they need to be uniform size), etc. A scale that...