Property Design and Management elected to make two scale models of stores they were leasing.
Procedures
On “Digitopolis Town Days,” our shoppers included par- ents, grandparents, other classes, the administration, and Lesley University interns. The classroom was transformed into our simulated Math Town. The owners set up their business/shop on tables with product displays, prices, policies, gift cards, special deals, a short video or audio promotion, flyers, and the checkout area. In order to make purchases, I gave guests an orientation, including granting them a short-term loan and a checkbook from Digitopolis Bank and Trust. One adult was heard to exclaim, “This is the best math class I’ve ever experienced!” A favorite activity, the Digitopolis Auction, was started
Gracie’s box crusher from “Gizmos for Recycling”
years ago, as the result of a problem-solving discussion. Some businesses were not making enough money to meet
expenses. As one student said, “When you begin with a big loan and good sales, you think that you are all set . . . until you can’t make loan payments . . . then you go downhill fast!” These auctions, held every third Friday for the school community, were successful and entertaining. Over the years the Digitopolis-style auction has changed to reflect eBay pro- cedures and contemporary fund-raising approaches. Each pair of owners auctions off four special products or services. In order to bid, the guests held up numbered bidding cards. The excitement was palpable. One of the first student owners said, “I really liked the auc- tion and having older kids from other classes bid and buy from us.” Our Math Town simulation spawned many interdisciplinary activities that demon-
strated how the arts and humanities are part of STEM learning. The variety of writing included instruction booklets, essays (in language arts class), Power Point presentations, and problem solving chal- lenges. In social studies classes students would initiate discussions about govern- ment, banking, and business ethics. In science some students entered the Bio- mimicry Youth Challenge, watched PBS Design Squad, or enrolled in classes for programming LEGOS Mindstorms NXT. For those with an artistic bent, there were many opportunities in pub- licity and product design. With teacher guidance, some students made science toys, practical devices, and micro-robot kits. (See list of Resources.)
Assessment
From the outset, assessment of Math Town work was integral to instruction. It included self-assessment through
PAGE 24 • Connect A customer tests micro-robot from “Bill’s Build-It.” ©SYNERGY LEARNING • 800-769-6199 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
christina nicolson
christina nicolson
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