The question we were asked this week was “What kind of digital storytelling project do you wish that one of your current or future students would be able to turn in as part of your curriculum?” When I think about middle school mathematics the last thing that comes to mind is “storytelling.” I thought this task this week was going to be very difficult until I did a google search on Digital Storytelling of ideas that other teachers have done. Some of the ideas presented were Geometry walk, math around the town, acting out math problems and the history of mathematics. The one example that really caught my attention was from a Pythagorean theorem digital story. After watching this I thought that this would great for when I talk about “The Golden Ratio” to my students. They will be able to create digital stories about where the golden ratio originated from, what it is, pictures, art, and clip art of examples of the golden ratio. Also, there is a theory that says that people that’s bodies are closer to the golden ratio are more pleasing to look at. The students could create a story comparing different images of celebrities that they think are pleasing and some that are not so pleasing to compare and see if the theory holds true.
If the students in my class were to do this project they would need to have access to a lot of different media. The students could take digital pictures of examples of “the golden ratio.” The students could research via the Internet what the golden ratio is and what examples there are for the golden ratio. The students would need access to different forms of creating their digital stories from as simple as Microsoft Powerpoint and Prezi to more complex presentations including video editing software like Camtasia and iMovie.
For students to be successful in creating quality digital stories I think it would be helpful to create a curriculum page of resources for the students including the example that I found on the Pythagorean theorem and other digital storytelling examples. Also on this curriculum page I would include different types of ways that the students could present their projects like Prezi and Camtasia. Both of these programs, along with others, also have good Internet resources for tutorials on how to use these types of programs. Lastly, I would make sure that on the curriculum page there are resources of what the golden ratio is, where the golden ratio came from, and who discovered the golden ratio. An activity that would connect with this project is having the students measure parts of their body and see how closely they are to the golden ratio.
I particularly like this project idea because it allows for students to explore different venues to create a product that may look totally different from the other students in the classroom. According to Edutopia, these types of activities allow for students to retain more of the information and develop critical thinking and communication skills. I think this project is something that could easily be integrated into my curriculum and I am excited to actually have my students try.
"I thought this task this week was going to be very difficult "
ReplyDeleteI can understand how this would be a difficult idea to put into the math class. It will really blow your students away that you are moving away from the normal math class routine. You could even do this at the end of the year and have students present thier results on the last few days of school. You would be suprised how the students pay attention to the peers on the last days of school! Keep us updated as you continue with your great ideas!
Tricia,
ReplyDeleteI really loved your idea because it was so active and creative. All this talk of digital storytelling was certainly not lost on you. You clearly thought about the guidelines and resources you would provide your students, and even had some fantastic suggestions for different projects they could pursue, but it also clear you are open to other options. One thing I love about your mindset is that you are confident in your students' ability to learn and grow beyond the textbook.
One statement that I enjoyed was this: "I particularly like this project idea because it allows for students to explore different venues to create a product that may look totally different from the other students in the classroom." One thing that can be quite stultifying about math to many students (myself included) is that there always seems to be so little wiggle room in the results of your work. The answer is either right or wrong, your process to get to the answer is either right or wrong. Numbers can be so restrictive and those that aren't necessarily math-oriented can feel a little disheartened by that. By you taking the effort to make this kind of project for your students shows a lot of care, intelligence and even passion for your work. Great job!
I liked all the thought you put into your posting. You definitely know your subject area and I admire that.
ReplyDeleteI clicked on ‘The Golden Rule”, and was amazed at the many objects in natural that follow through in this pattern. I think with your natural ability to understand the world of mathematics and that your Generation Y students are living in the world of computers and websites, this would be a learning experience for everyone.
A curriculum page would be an excellent place to put resources at the students’ fingertips. And a great place for you to organize your curriculum.
For a project and digital storytelling book, it might be handy for students to each have a jump drive that they can keep in the classroom with their research and your curriculum page on it. Where would they do the project in the Lab or Media Center?
I am sure most student will consider this one of their most memorable projects when they look back at their years at OBMS.
Thank you for your insight and how it is essential for teachers to show their students how to reach for the stars.
Hi Tricia,
ReplyDeleteI know you were thrilled when you found some great ideas for digital stories to use with your math students. “The Golden Ratio” is an interesting concept that is actually new to me. I think it would be a wonderful way to use digital stories with your math students. That would be very interesting to see which celebrities your students would choose and how they would rate them using the Golden Ratio.
You mentioned a good variety of presentation tools for your students to use for their digital stories. Prezi presentations would be very interesting to see from the slant of a middle school student. Windows Movie Maker is another good choice for students with Windows machines. I love Camtasia Studio and it has some really good “built-in” tutorials.
I think you’re correct that it will be interesting to see the different venues your students will use to create their projects and that they “may look totally different from the other students in the classroom.” You made a very good point about how these types of activities can help student develop critical thinking and communication skills, as well as retain more information.
Thanks for sharing your project idea. I look forward to reading about your curriculum page you will be creating for it.
:-) Ruth
Tricia,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! I would never have thought of incorporating a math lesson into a digital storytelling project. I think using the Golden Ratio in the project is a way for the students to be able to learn the formula and better understand the concept. Your ideas are so creative and unique. I love the idea of how you would have your students take images of celebrities that are both appealing and not appealing, and having them create a venn diagram. It is a great way for the students to test if the theory is true.
I love how you provide different programs for the students to choose from, when creating the digital storytelling project. I especially love Windows Movie Maker. This type of activity does allow students to be able to think on a more deeper and intellectual level.
Thank you for sharing your post this week. Once again, I really appreciated it.