Riemann Sum
In this hands-on activity, students are able to use their problem solving skills to find the area of an unknown shape using a known shape. Students take rectangles cut out of construction paper and place them underneath a given curve. Using the left, right, or midpoint of where the rectangle hits the curve, the students then cut the rectangle. This approximation of the area under the curve is a great introduction to definite integrals or area of irregular figures.
Reflection:
The hands on activity project was a great way to showcase interesting ways of using manipulatives in the classroom. Though I stuck with a basic route of using paper, there are many ways to make this project by using various materials. Students could gather items they find around the classroom, various art supplies or things from home to measure under the curve. As a teacher, I think it is very important to make math a hands-on learning experience. Students will remember actually doing an activity versus taking notes and listening to a lecture. Though both methods are important for teaching math, there is a time and place for explicit direct instruction, and a time to take the topic to the next level using a hands-on approach. This approach can allow students to connect to the real world and use their analytical thinking skills that they have learned in math in new areas.
The hands on activity project was a great way to showcase interesting ways of using manipulatives in the classroom. Though I stuck with a basic route of using paper, there are many ways to make this project by using various materials. Students could gather items they find around the classroom, various art supplies or things from home to measure under the curve. As a teacher, I think it is very important to make math a hands-on learning experience. Students will remember actually doing an activity versus taking notes and listening to a lecture. Though both methods are important for teaching math, there is a time and place for explicit direct instruction, and a time to take the topic to the next level using a hands-on approach. This approach can allow students to connect to the real world and use their analytical thinking skills that they have learned in math in new areas.