Introducing Ratios6th GradeAnnamaria McCarthy

Technology Integration Rationale Teaching mathematics requires much, much more than a chalkboard, notebook, and a pencil. In the 21st Century, it is essential to incorporate technology in all academic areas – and mathematics cannot be forgotten. By integrating technology into a 6th grade unit on ratios, students will be able to experience mathematics first handedly with a whole new perspective. Through interactive applications, activities, videos, podcasts, blogs, and websites, multiple learning needs will be touched and students will be able to be engaged in a whole new world of mathematics by moving away from the traditional teaching methods.

Internet ContentAll resources and websites used to create this presentation are reliable and credible.All sources are cited in the notes section of the specific slide with the URL from which the materials were taken.

From One Educator to Another…Using Blogs as a Resource

The Gateway to 21st Century Learning Skills is an extremely useful resource for teachers all around the nation. Author Peggy James has posted a blog ‘Ratios for Real’ which emphasizes the importance of incorporating ratios into real world, every day scenarios. She gives many excellent examples, such as having her students think in terms of ratios as they go home and eat pie during Thanksgiving dinner.

Instructional Videos Taken from Kahn Academy, an ‘Introduction to Ratios’ instructional video is a perfect way to give your students an opportunity to use a visual aid while understanding ratios. This video explains what a ratio is, and gives examples of simple ratio problems. Instructional videos can be used for whole class demonstration, small group work, individual instruction, or even practice at home.http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/rates-and-ratios/ratios_and_proportions/v/introduction-to-ratios--new-hd-versionClick the link above to access the instructional video! After watching this video, students can also access interactive practice problems using the same website.

YouTube It! Sometimes, it takes very much effort on behalf of the teacher to get students excited about the topic being introduced. The following YouTube video is a short clip from the Andy Griffith show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eI689Qxaao This video would serve as a great introduction ratios, adding humor and fun to the classroom. Students will think of it as a form of entertainment, without even realizing that they are learning at the same time!

Internet ResourcesNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics:The NCTM is the public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers and providing resources to ensure the most efficient mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development, and research.Mathematical Association of America:Created in 1895, MAA is a community based website for colleagues to share ideas with tons of resources for 21st century learning.Federal Resources for Educational Excellence:FREE provides over 1,500 federally supported teaching and learning resources, with new sites added daily – in every area of study!

Kidspiration

Teaching MaterialsThis worksheet is a great example of a fun way for students to show their understanding of ratios. It is fun and quirky! This can also serve as a form of assessment for teachers.

There’s an App for that!

Available on the iPhone iPad, and iPod, ‘Ratio !!!’ is an application that students can download to practice ratio, proportion, and percent. It is educational yet fun at the same time.

Teaching Materials: Word-Search

This word-search focuses on Ratio and other mathematical vocabulary. It can be used as an introduction for students to have fun yet recognize words that are associated with the concept of ratios.

Teaching MaterialsThis ‘Ratio conversions’ worksheet can be used multiple ways in the classroom. It can be used as a pre-assessment or a post-assessment. It can also be used as a timed activity. Students can complete this in class or for homework.

Subject-specific Internet-based ResourcesIlluminations: Resources for Teaching Math The Illuminations: Resources for Teaching Math website is a subject-specific website that a teacher may use in order to explain the topic of ratios. In the link provided above, the activity ‘The Golden Ratio’ provides students an understanding about ratios regarding the human body. This can be fun for students, as well as engaging, because it involves the students hands-on.

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L510

Uses of the InternetPrimary Games

Primary Games is a perfect website for students to learn and play mathematical games. All games are free and kid safe, and the content can be used to target multiple skill levels for students. Other links are also provided on this website.

Uses of the InternetInteractive Websites

Interactive Websites can be extremely useful both inside and outside of the classroom. The link provided at the bottom of this slideshow is a perfect example of an interactive ratio that provides students the opportunity to learn while playing a game!

Web 2.0

Quizinator is a perfect resource for teachers that enhances collaboration with students. This application can be used in the area of ratios because teachers can create fun and collaborating quizzes to assess students in an engaging way. It is simple to use and a public link can even be created to share with the public!

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