Combining Expectations: Integers, One Step Equations and Translation Vectors

When looking at my curriculum, as I think many other teachers do, thought "How am I going to cover all of this". However, when I started looking through the parts I thought of how each expectation didn't have to be taught separately, but that perhaps if they are taught and explored together they would provide great context and then also the time to think through each of them.

My first attempt at this is exploring translation vectors, integer addition/subtraction and one step equations all in one hit. By doing this, I feel that my students will have longer to look at each concept and also use their strengths in one area to help them in another. I have already seen that my visual students have grasped the addition and subtraction of integers through their translation vectors, better than they would have done if it was taught separately.

I have put below each days goal and the related handout that the students completed (if applicable). My classes next steps are to explore the rest of the transformations on a Cartesian Plane. Through this we will also be looking at composite areas, similar and congruent shapes and two step equations. If you have any ideas of how these can lead into each other please let me know. I have a plan but open to change.

Outline and Resources:

Previously to this we had already explored the transformation terms through dance. Please see the previous post about this exciting activity.

Day 1:

• Explore the Cartesian Plane and how coordinate points are communicated. Translation Vector Intro.
• Resources: Click Here. 

Day 2:

• Translation Vectors Review and Thinking -> Inquiry into integer addition and subtraction.
• Resources: Click Here and Click Here. 

Day 3:

• Determining Translation Vectors through One Step Equations
• All class handout: Click Here. 
• Challenge by Choice
• Green level: Click Here
• Blue Level: Click Here
• Black Level: Click Here

If you are interested in my challenge levels please read my blog post about it. Click Here. 

UPDATE: Dancing Through Transformations

So the transformation dancing is almost done (Click Here for the post). Things that I have learned from the experience are listed below as well as the documents that were given to the students:

Things that went well:

• Students were more open to risk taking since it was not done on paper. 
• It was a great activity to use for students to get to know a different member of the class. 
• Students helped each other.
• It illustrated that even though these terms have been learned before, they are not concrete in their heads. 
• Having them communicate the dance with the boxes on the ground was a good introduction to coordinate points and communicating a transformation. 
• Having the three different challenge levels allowed each groups to work on the dance for the same amount of time and with the same amount of attention to detail. 

Things that were a challenge:

• Time. It took longer than I previously thought.
• Music. Giving them music to dance to caused stress. 
• Assessment. Finding the right time/place to give formative feedback.

Things to do next time:

• No music, but indicate that they will use only 10 moves. 
• Have mini due dates for each day. Make sure that the students film their translation dance in class since the communication of it can be done at home. 
• Now that I have done this once, create a rubric that the students can refer to, and can be attached to their completed Google Doc by Goobric. 
• Determine a time when formative feedback will be given. This feedback will be on their ability to apply the terminology as well as if they are able to communicate specific steps. 

Documents:

This link is to the Google Drive folder for the class. In it are the handouts, as well as example videos for them to complete. This folder was used on the first day. Click Here.