7th Grade  Project 2 weeks

"Rate Race: Proportions in Action!"

DAVID P
CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.2
CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse 7th-grade students in real-world applications of mathematics by analyzing sports statistics to understand proportional relationships. Through hands-on activities and collaboration with a local sports team, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while creating digital infographics that visually represent their findings. This project fosters self-directed learning and academic mindset by encouraging students to reflect on their work and engage with peers and community partners, ultimately enhancing their understanding of how math can be used to solve authentic problems.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of proportional relationships and unit rates through the lens of sports statistics, applying mathematical concepts to real-world data. They will enhance their self-directed learning skills by utilizing feedback and reflection to refine their digital infographics and presentations. Through collaboration with peers and community partners, students will deepen their academic mindset, fostering a sense of belonging and identity within their learning community. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be honed as students analyze complex data sets, interpret trends, and present their findings in a meaningful way.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.2 - Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.1 - Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions, including ratios of lengths, areas and other quantities measured in like or different units.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.3 - Use proportional relationships to solve multistep ratio and percent problems.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will design and produce a digital infographic that visually represents the proportional relationships found in the local sports team's statistics, showcasing key insights and trends. This infographic will serve as a tool to communicate their understanding of ratios and unit rates in real-world contexts. Additionally, students will prepare a presentation analyzing the team's performance using proportional relationships, which they will deliver to their peers and a representative from the sports team.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Data Detective' scavenger hunt where students explore various statistics related to the local sports team. Students will collect data on player performance and game outcomes, learning to interpret these statistics through the lens of proportional relationships. This engaging activity sets the stage for the project by immersing students in real-world data analysis, sparking curiosity and excitement for the upcoming tasks.

Exhibition

At the conclusion of the project, students will host a "Sports Data Showcase" where they present their digital infographics and analysis to classmates, teachers, and a representative from the local sports team. This exhibition will include interactive stations where attendees can explore the infographics, ask questions, and discuss the insights derived from the sports statistics. Students will also engage in a Q&A session, demonstrating their understanding of proportional relationships and their application in real-world contexts.