Grade 6 MathematicsPlotting Points

Deandra Bernauer

January 30, 2014

How can I teach one math concept in a variety

of different ways??

Curriculum Connections

• Strand: Shape and Space

• Outcome: SS6.4 – Demonstrate understanding of the first quadrant of the Cartesian plane and ordered pairs with whole number comparisons.

Direct Instruction

• Teachers can teach students how to plot points on a coordinate grid the ‘old-fashioned way’, how most of us were probably taught.

• Teachers lecture students about how to plot points and then provide them with a textbook assignment and questions to answer.

Teaching Through Problem Solving

• Students are presented with word problems and must use them to plot points or read graphs with previously plotted points.

• Math Makes Sense 6 uses this approach in a problem that presents students with a map and has them list the coordinates of various locations on that map.

Hidden Messages

• Worksheet Works is a website that provides students with a template to create hidden messages in coordinate grids. Teachers can write any message in the grid and students then have to plot all of the points to solve the messages.

• http://www.worksheetworks.com/math/geometry/graphing/coordinates-message.html

Kinesthetic Mathematics

• Use tape to create a coordinate grid on the floor of the classroom.

• Have students move around on the grid to get a feel for the points, coordinates, and grid.

Reinforcing Skills Through Games

• Use the Internet to allow students to play math games that include plotting points or finding coordinates.

• For example: Find the Alien

• http://www.mathplayground.com/locate_aliens.html

Reciprocal Peer Teaching

• Group students together into pairs or small groups, preferably heterogenous groups.

• Have students inquire and discover how to plot points together and to teach each other and work together.

Using Manipulatives

• Geoboards & Elastic Bands – give students coordinates and have them create shapes or objects

• Magnetic Boards – Have students create designs on a magnetic board and then ask them to write out the points so that someone else could make the same object.

Technological Applications

• MimioConnect – An interactive whiteboard – There are a number of pre-made mimio lessons available for math

• Smartboard – Create lessons that incorporate using this technology to engage students.