Math



=Mr. Tony Scaccia's Math 6=

Berrien Springs Middle School Berrien Springs, Michigan

__**Pre Project Week**__


 * The sixth grade was broken up into teams to explore different landmarks in town. We had groups in each of the following areas: Downtown, Housing, The St. Joe River, The Old Courthouse and Education.
 * We started with a number of small activities dealing with measuring and ratio.
 * After we were comfortable using measurements each team went on a field trip to their respective landmark. My students and I took a walking tour of Berrien Springs. Our goal was not to sight see but rather to measure everything that we wanted to build in our scale model.
 * We measured mailboxes and city blocks along with everything in between.
 * The students shared responsibilities working together in varying roles. We had groups measuring small things (Ruler), some measuring large things (100' tape measure), some measuring with estimation and a group recording all of the information. The students rotated through these groups and everyone played a part.

__**Project Week**__


 * Students were asked to reduce all of their measurements to a predetermined scale (EX 1/8 in = 1 ft).
 * Upon completion of their conversions, the groups separated into their groups and discussed a plan. Some groups drew layouts and some started right away discussing what materials they wanted to use.
 * After a day of student lead discussion, the build was on. We supplied the students with a variety of materials to construct their scale models and let them have total control of what to use and how to use it.
 * Day one was a complete disaster. Very little progress was made and a lot of material was wasted.
 * Team work, measurement and time management were some of the main hurdles for most groups.
 * After some time for reflection the groups revised their plans and the finished product turned out first rate.


 * __Exhibition Night__**


 * The five scale models were on display in our schools library alongside work from various other groups. We had posters outlining ideas about what the future of Berrien Springs might be like, informational billboards about the past and research papers written about the history of each of the five areas of study.
 * My intention was to have the visitors (Parents and board members) judge the projects. I fell ill and was not able to manage that from home so this was a key piece I believe was missing from our build.

__**Post Exhibition**__


 * We sat as a group of builders and discussed some of the highlights and lowlights of the project. Many groups said that organization and teamwork were a bit of a problem but everyone agreed that the project was challenging yet rewarding.


 * __Technology

[|Google Earth]__**

__**Photos**__