Contextualization
Mathematics is a very powerful tool that helps us understand the world around us. Mathematical concepts are used in almost every area of life, whether it's at school, at home, at work, or even in our leisure activities. And one of those concepts that is present in everything we do and perceive is the concept of equality.
Mathematical equality is a fundamental principle that underpins all of arithmetic. At its most basic, equality means that two things are the same size, have the same amount, or have the same value. Understanding the concept of equality is fundamental to learning how to solve equations, one of the cornerstones of mathematics. A mathematical equation is a way of showing that two things are equal using numbers and symbols.
However, equality goes beyond numbers and equations. It plays a critical role in many areas of our daily lives, and understanding it can help us make fairer and more equitable decisions. For example, in commerce, we use the concept of equality to ensure that we are getting a fair deal when we buy or sell something. In justice, equality is the foundation of fair laws and policies. In society, equality is a core value that argues that everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
For this project, you will use the Khan Academy website (https://khanacademy.org/math) as your primary reference. This website is an excellent source of learning resources in Mathematics and offers a variety of interactive exercises, explanatory videos, and didactic texts that cover all the topics that will be used in this project. In addition, you can also use your school textbooks and the library to further your studies on the subject.
Remember that collaboration is essential in this project. You should work together to complete the tasks and share your ideas and discoveries, helping each other to learn and grow. We look forward to seeing what you will discover!
Hands-on Activity: "Equality - Mathematics and Equity"
Activity title
"Equality - A Game of Math and Equity"
Project Goal
The goal of this project is to develop students' understanding of the concept of equality in mathematics, and relate it to the meaning of equality in the real world. Students will create a board game that incorporates mathematical problems involving equalities, while also incorporating themes of equity and equal opportunity in society.
Detailed project description
Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. They must create a board game whose progress is determined by correctly answering mathematical equality problems. The board should also have special spaces that mimic real-world situations where issues of equality and equity are relevant. These special spaces should present challenges related to equity, which should be overcome through collaboration and discussion.
Materials needed
- Cardboard or poster board for the game board
- Colored paper for the spaces
- Markers
- Miniatures or small objects to represent the players
- Dice
- Paper and pen for creating the math problems and equity situations
- Computer or books for the necessary research
Detailed step-by-step instructions for carrying out the activity
- Each group should start by drawing the game board on the cardboard or poster board.
- The spaces on the board should be divided into two types: math problem spaces and equity situation spaces.
- The group should create the equality math problems that will be used in the game. The problems can vary in difficulty, and they should all have a solution.
- The group should create equity situations that must be overcome through discussion and collaboration.
- Decide on the rules of the game.
- Each group should play the game to make sure that everything works correctly.
Project Deliverables and How They Connect to the Suggested Activities
Students should ultimately deliver the mathematical board game and a written report on the creation of the game.
The report should contain:
- Introduction: Describe the concept of the game, the purpose of the activity, and how the concept of equality is applied in the game.
- Development: Explain the rules of the game, the types of math problems used, the equity situations created, and the process of creating the game. Discuss how the group worked together to complete the task and how ideas were developed and implemented.
- Conclusion: Reflect on what was learned during the activity, how the notion of equality was applied, and how the game can contribute to the understanding of the concept of equality.
- Bibliography: Include all sources that were used for theory, math problems, and equity situations.
The report should complement the board game by demonstrating the depth of thought behind it, the understanding of the concept of equality, and the practical application of it in the creation of the game. In addition, the report should show the group's commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and fair division of tasks.