After my last report, I was really indecisive about how I wanted to take my ImagineIT project to the next level. I had received some good feedback from my collages. They were prepared to initiate a cross curriculum project highlighting the essentialness of mathematics in our world. Unfortunately, the window for this group endeavor passed due to my health problems. I remembered my talks with the students and decided to listen to their advice. In order to show the importance of mathematics in our world, I have decided to assign a couple of small projects, leading up to a big project broken into stages. I plan to start the students with an outside activity. They will be required to identify and record, in the manner of their choice, two examples of mathematics occurring naturally without any assistance from mankind. Their next small project will be for them to identify and record any geometric shapes in the structure of their choice, including but not limited to their homes, schools, and stores. They will have to submit a paper detailing their experiences. Their final big project will be starting their own businesses. In the past, the projects were stream lined to identify and create functions. This project they will be required to identify the functions involved, next they must exhibit some knowledge of volume and area in their reports. Their reports are due in stages culminating in a final presentation before the class.
Along the way I have altered my previous philosophy of letting the students work in groups. I changed because, while group work has its advantages, I want the students to experience the mathematics in their own unique way at their own pace. Finally, I know that I may have to make small alterations to the timeline and maybe even to the projects. I will make the adjustments if necessary.