Why does mathematics exist?
Every learning community has a need to quantify some aspects in its environment. Its language(s), economic and social environment determines how much content will be adopted and adapted to meet those aspects.
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These activities impact learners in their daily life. What mathematics is needed to provide success?
- Some thoughts on blending activities: thanks to Darche, Reed, Leven and Heater (students of Dr. N.Scagnoli ) for their contributions in WikiBooks : Blended Learning In Grades K-2. Also check their references.
- Bicycles/tricycles: Using, buying, fixing and repairing bikes provides many opportunities for math learning. The Bicycle in Zimbabwe
- Wireless communication: The world is being impacted by pay as you go devices. What they can do and paying for them are great sources in mathematical activities.
- Traveling: Activities before, during and after traveling in a bus? ...train? ... car? ... airplane? ... subway?
- The market: Where is the best place to buy? Do you want to buy vegetables in a place that sells meat? Why? Is there a mathematical reason why?
- Small World: No learning community is isolated form other communities. Trade, currency and currency conversions are a reality for all. There are many arithmetic opportunities.
- Micro businesses: After school a student helps around the small store. There are many mathematical opportunities here.
- Games: Students always find time to play games. There are many mathematical opportunities here.
- Help in building a home: Explore the local materials needed to construct a house. Where do they come from? How do they get to your town? How much is needed? How much does it cost? etc.
- Water: Before going to school a student maybe required to help in obtaining drinking water for the family. There are mathematical opportunities here.
- A World of possibilities. What are the educational requirements needed for different professions . It is never too early to explore what is needed.
- Future learning: needed for topics that will be developed in coming years.
- Problem solving 1: Explore problem solving by looking at how many everyday activities involve observing.
- Problem solving 2: Explore problem solving by looking at how many everyday activities are predictable. Finding patterns.
- Problem solving as defined by George Pólya in How to Solve It is still a classic and has a place in every grade level.
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