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1.8: Project - Mathematizing the World

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    Student Learning Objectives

    (SLO 1.3) Students will create a mathematical problem-solving scenario inspired by real-world observations and analyze it using strategies such as counting, measuring, identifying patterns, or quantifying spatial relationships.

    Mathematizing the World

    As a future elementary school teacher, you have the incredible opportunity to help children see the world through a mathematical lens. Mathematizing the world means recognizing and interpreting the math present in everyday experiences—uncovering the patterns, relationships, and structures that shape the way we live (Burton, 1984; Feikes, Schwingendorf, and Gregg, 2018). It’s not just about teaching formulas or procedures; it’s about fostering a sense of curiosity and understanding. When you approach math with this mindset, you make the subject more meaningful and relevant, showing your students that math isn’t confined to textbooks—it’s all around them, woven into their daily lives (Boaler, 2022; Feikes, Schwingendorf, and Gregg, 2018; Wager and Stinson, 2012).

    Embracing mathematization in your teaching will help you create a classroom where students feel confident, capable, and excited about math. By connecting math to real-world experiences, you’ll help your students develop essential problem-solving, reasoning, and critical-thinking skills. You’ll also promote equity by incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all children see themselves as mathematical thinkers. Shifting the focus from memorization to understanding will reduce math anxiety, build confidence, and foster a lifelong appreciation for math. Ultimately, by helping your students see the beauty and power of mathematics, you’ll empower them to engage with the world in a deeper, more meaningful way (Boaler, 2022; CDE, 2013; Wager and Stinson, 2012).

    Purpose

    The purpose of this assignment is to help you explore the connection between mathematics and the real world by identifying mathematical concepts in everyday objects, images, or videos. By engaging in mathematical thinking and problem-solving inspired by real-world observations, you will practice applying math in practical, meaningful ways and learn how to communicate your thought process clearly. This assignment will help you see how mathematics is relevant in your everyday environment and encourage curiosity and inquiry-based learning.

    Skills

    This assignment will help you practice the following skills essential for success in this course and in your professional life:

    • Problem-Solving: Identifying and solving mathematical problems based on real-world scenarios.
    • Mathematical Thinking: Applying concepts such as counting, measurement, estimation, patterns, and spatial relationships to real-life contexts.
    • Inquiry and Curiosity: Asking meaningful mathematical questions based on observations of the world around you.
    • Communication: Clearly presenting your mathematical thinking and problem-solving process using visual or digital tools (Google Slides, video, poster).

    (SLO 1.3) Students will create a mathematical problem-solving scenario inspired by real-world observations and analyze it using strategies such as counting, measuring, identifying patterns, or quantifying spatial relationships.

    Tasks

    Step 1: Select a Real-World Image, Video, or Object

    1. Find a Mathematical Source: Choose an image, video, or physical object that includes both mathematical features (e.g., invites counting, equal grouping, estimation, measurement, patterns) and contextual features that connect to real-world ideas or evoke curiosity.
    2. Observe and Wonder:
      • Identify (3) things you notice and (3) things you wonder about regarding the image, video, or object. You may ask peers, co-workers, and loved ones for their ideas too. NOTE: If you cannot provide enough noticings and wonderings, then consider a new image, video, or object.

    Step 2: Pose Mathematical Questions

    1. Create Questions: Pose at least 3 questions based on your image, video, or object that can be answered using K-12 level mathematics. These questions should involve counting, measuring, identifying patterns, or other mathematical processes.

    Step 3: Solve One Question

    1. Pursue a Solution: Choose one of your posed questions and solve it using appropriate problem-solving strategies and mathematical thinking. Clearly explain your reasoning and the steps you took to solve the problem.
      • Use mathematical strategies such as measurement, pattern identification, spatial quantification, etc.
      • Show your work and reasoning in a clear, organized way.

    Step 4: Present Your Work

        1. Create a Presentation: Present your mathematical problem and solution in one of the following formats:
          • Google Slides: Create a slide presentation that includes your image/video/object, the questions you posed, and your solution with explanations.
          • Video: Record a video of you explaining the mathematical problem, your thought process, and the solution.
          • Poster: Design a poster that visually represents the problem, your solution, and your mathematical reasoning.

    Mathematizing the World ExamplesLinks to an external site.

    Submission Guidelines

    1. Submit Your Presentation:
      • If using Google Slides, submit the link to your completed presentation.
      • If creating a video, upload the video file or share the video link.
      • If designing a poster, upload a digital image of the poster or submit the physical poster in class (depending on your instructor's guidelines).
    2. Ensure Clarity: Make sure your presentation clearly communicates your observations, questions, problem-solving process, and solution.
    3. Deadline: Submit your work by XX/XX.
    Rubric

    Mathematizing Your World V.1

    Mathematizing Your World V.1
    Criteria Ratings Pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReal World Selection

    Step 1: Select a Real-World Image, Video, or Object

    Find a Mathematical Source: Choose an image, video, or physical object that includes both mathematical features (e.g., invites counting, equal grouping, estimation, measurement, patterns) and contextual features that connect to real-world ideas or evoke curiosity.
    10 pts

    Excellent Choice

    The chosen image/video/object clearly has strong mathematical features (e.g., patterns, measurements) and deeply connects to real-world ideas. It evokes significant curiosity, allowing for high engagement and creativity.

    		 5 pts

    Good Starting Point

    The selected image/video/object has clear mathematical features and some connection to real-world ideas. Potential some engagement and some level of curiosity is possible.

    		 0 pts

    No Submission

    10 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeObserve and Wonder:

    Identify (3) things you notice and (3) things you wonder about regarding the image, video, or object. You may ask peers, co-workers, and loved ones for their ideas too.
    30 pts

    Excellent

    Identified 3+ insightful observations and 3+ insightful wonderings that demonstrate deep curiosity. Demonstrates the ability to think critically and engage with the mathematical aspects of the object in detail.

    		 20 pts

    Solid Understanding

    Made 3 observations and 3 thoughtful wonderings that show curiosity and connection to the mathematical aspects of the object.

    		 10 pts

    Progressing

    Made fewer than 3 observations and wonderings. AND/OR Observations lack depth or relevance to mathematics.

    		 0 pts

    No Submission

    30 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMathematical Questions

    Create Questions: Pose at least 3 questions based on your image, video, or object that can be answered using K-12 level mathematics. These questions should involve counting, measuring, identifying patterns, or other mathematical processes.
    30 pts

    Excellent

    Posed 3+ creative and well-thought-out questions that are deeply connected to K-12 mathematics. Questions are insightful, reflecting advanced inquiry into measurement, patterns, counting, etc.

    		 20 pts

    Solid Understanding

    Posed 3 solid questions connected to K-12 mathematics. The questions demonstrate curiosity and are appropriate for solving real-world problems using mathematical concepts. The connection to mathematical concepts is present but weak. OR the questions can be solved with simple computations and no problem solving.

    		 10 pts

    Progressing

    Posed fewer than 3 questions, or the questions are vague, unclear, or only loosely connected to K-12 mathematics. Lack of meaningful inquiry into mathematical processes.

    		 0 pts

    No Submission

    30 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProblem Solving

    Pursue a Solution: Choose one of your posed questions and solve it using appropriate problem-solving strategies and mathematical thinking. Clearly explain your reasoning and the steps you took to solve the problem.
    Use mathematical strategies such as measurement, pattern identification, spatial quantification, etc.
    Show your work and reasoning in a clear, organized way.
    30 pts

    Excellent

    Solved the chosen question with excellent clarity and precision. Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills using advanced mathematical strategies (e.g., measurement, pattern recognition). Thorough explanation with well-organized work and reasoning.

    		 20 pts

    Solid Understanding

    Solved the chosen question correctly, showing good problem-solving skills and the use of appropriate strategies. The work and reasoning are mostly clear, with minor areas for improvement. OR Solved the problem incorrectly but demonstrates strong problem-solving skills using advanced mathematical strategies (e.g., measurement, pattern recognition). Thorough explanation with well-organized work and reasoning.

    		 10 pts

    Progressing

    Attempted to solve the question with some success, though there are gaps in the reasoning or errors in the math. The explanation is present but lacks depth or clarity.

    		 0 pts

    No Submission

    30 pts
    This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePresent Your Work

    Step 4: Present Your Work

    Create a Presentation: Present your mathematical problem and solution in one of the following formats:
    Google Slides: Create a slide presentation that includes your image/video/object, the questions you posed, and your solution with explanations.
    Video: Record a video of you explaining the mathematical problem, your thought process, and the solution.
    Poster: Design a poster that visually represents the problem, your solution, and your mathematical reasoning.
    20 pts

    Excellent

    The presentation is well-organized, and clearly communicates the mathematical problem, the process, and the solution. The format (slides, video, poster) is used to enhance understanding and visual appeal.

    		 14 pts

    Adequate

    The presentation communicates the mathematical problem and solution, but the organization or clarity may be lacking. The chosen format is functional but could be enhanced for better engagement or understanding.

    		 7 pts

    Needs More

    The presentation is unclear, disorganized, or incomplete. The format (slides, video, poster) is used poorly, resulting in confusion or lack of engagement with the mathematical ideas.

    		 0 pts

    No Submission

    20 pts

    1.8: Project - Mathematizing the World is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.