This week Grade 8 mathematicians were trying to work out how many plastic balls would fit inside a play tent.
- How to calculate the volume of composite shapes?
- How to the calculate the volume of a sphere?
- How could they design an experiment to calculate the volume of an object?
- How can they convert between different units of measure?
- How can they control variables in the task?
- How could they measure non straight surfaces, especially the radius of a sphere?
- How could they check the accuracy of their measurements & calculation?
They were also thinking about
- How can they manage their own behavior and stay on task, when they had distractions (mainly using water)
- How can they work collaboratively in a group and make sure everyone thoughts and ideas feel valued?
Their inquiries led this investigation and each group developed differing and imaginative strategies to solve parts of the task.
They were also shown past exam questions from IGCSE and IB Diploma. This helped them to make the connection that, in the future, they are not just expected to repeat a formula, but to apply their understanding in challenging ways.
