OUTDOORS WITH MATH IN THE NATIONAL PARKS

Kristi HoffmanWest Platte R-II Jr./Sr. High School, Weston, MO

MAA MathFest 2011; Lexington, KYSaturday, August 6, 2011

ABOUT ME

•Teaching Jr. High Mathematics West Platte R-II; Weston, MO

•M.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO•BBA in Management and Organizational Behavior; Minors in Mathematics and Psychology Benedictine University, Lisle, IL

REFLECTION

My students need:• to be engaged.• to be challenged.• to practice seeing beyond the immediate

picture.• to improve their communication and

vocabulary.• to be playful.• to see relevance beyond math classrooms.

Spaghetti-Marshmallow Tower Challenge

Spring 2011

Mathematics, Nature (National Parks), Photography, Travel

INSPIRATION

•4 weeks of camping•4,710.2 miles traveled•2,702 pictures taken•~84 miles hiked

• 21 Parks/Monuments visited•Countless ideas and inspiration

RESEARCH AND DATA COLLECTION

IN MY CLASSROOM• Images will be used as a writing prompt.• Students will be asked to write what they see

“mathematically” in the picture.• Then, I’ll reveal what I saw mathematically.• This will be the introduction into a

lesson/skill/standard.

REFLECT REVEAL

REFLECT REVEAL

REFLECT REVEAL

REFLECT REVEAL

REFLECT REVEAL

•Develop student “Math Portfolios”•Strengthen math literacy•Increase vocabulary•Reinforce writing skills•Emphasize communication skills•Build analytical skills•Visit local state park

GOALS

PROFESSIONAL

•Diminish math stigma•Make math accessible •Promote critical thinking skills•Encourage hobbies, natural world•Create a series of math lessons and posters centered around nature•Expand the lessons and posters into other content areas

STUDENT

Kristi HoffmanWest Platte R-II Jr./Sr. High School, Weston, MO

hoffmank@wprii.k12.mo.us816.640.2292 ext. 229

www.fundsoph.blogspot.com