Chris Eldredge
Kate Collins Middle School
8th Grade Math
July 29, 2010
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Unit Plan Map
Unit
Summary
CFQs
Unit Plan Links
VA SOLs
Request for Feedback
21st Century Skills
Assessment
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Unit Plan Summary
As we focus primarily on the Real number system and evaluating
numeric expressions, we will “travel” around the world and look at how
students learn math in other countries.
The teacher will decide which countries will be presented and teacher
researches Math teaching & learning in those countries and presents
information alongside required standards of learning. Students are
given some time to create a product after teacher presents required
information over the course of a few weeks. Students may have
opportunity to become internet pen pals with students in other
countries.
Return to Unit Plan Map
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Curriculum Framing Questions
Essential
Question:
How does not knowing math negatively affect your
understanding of the world and your ability to solve
problems and compete in a global marketplace?
Unit
Question(s):
Why do we need different types of numbers?
Are the numbers we use used in all countries? Are there
some numbers used elsewhere which we do not use?
Why do we all have to use the same method to evaluate
numeric expressions?
How do children in other countries evaluate expressions?
Content
Questions:
What are the five basic subsets of the set of Real
numbers? How do they relate to each other?
What is the correct order in which to perform the
mathematical operations when evaluating a numeric
expression?
Return to Unit Plan Map
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Virginia Standards of Learning
SOL 8.1a
The student will simplify numerical expressions involving
positive exponents, using rational numbers, order of
operations, and properties of operations with real numbers
SOL 8.1b
The student will compare and order decimals, fractions,
percents, and numbers written in scientific notation
SOL 8.2
The student will describe orally and in writing the
relationships between the subsets of the real number system
SOL 8.4
The student will evaluate algebraic expressions when given
the replacement values of the variables
Return to Unit Plan Map
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
21st Century Skills
Learning and Innovation Skills
•Creativity and Innovation
•Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work
•Developing, implementing and communicating new ideas to others
•Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
•Making complex choices and decisions
•Identifying and asking significant questions that clarify various points of
view and lead to better solutions
•Framing, analyzing and synthesizing information in order to solve problems
and answer questions
•Communication and Collaboration
•Articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively through speaking
and writing
•Demonstrating ability to work effectively with diverse teams
Information, Media and Technology Skills
•Information Literacy
•Accessing information efficiently and effectively, evaluating information
critically and competently and using information accurately and creatively
for the issue or problem at hand
(continued on next page)
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
21st Century Skills
Life and Career Skills
•Flexibility and Adaptability
•Adapting to varied roles and responsibilities
•Initiative and Self-Direction
•Monitoring one’s own understanding and learning needs
•Defining, prioritizing and completing tasks without direct oversight
•Utilizing time efficiently and managing workload
•Social and Cross-Cultural Skills
•Working appropriately and productively with others
•Bridging cultural differences and using differing perspectives to increase
innovation and the quality of work
•Productivity and Accountability
•Setting and meeting high standards and goals for delivering quality work on
time
Return to Unit Plan Map
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Assessment
Assessment
•Before
•A summative assessment will be given in order to determine each student’s
baseline
•A KWL chart will be created as a class and kept in the student’s notebook
and the “Learned” section will be filled-in as the unit progresses
•During
•Students will journal their weekly (daily) experiences in the classroom and
teacher will review their journal as well as their KWL charts
•Small groups will allow students to discuss/compare what they have learned
•Formative assessments using questions from previously released SOLs will
be given
•After
•Student products will be used to determine their basic understanding
•A summative evaluation using questions from previously released SOL tests
will be given
•A mandatory benchmark assessment will also be given
Return to Unit Plan Map
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Request for Feedback
I would like help with creating more student self-directed activities and more
self-assessing opportunities.
Return to Unit Plan Map
Next page
Around the World in 180 Days
Part 1: Number Sense & Computation
Document Links
Return to Unit Plan Map