Critical Thinking: Choice Board

Unit Topic: Exponents and Square Roots

Essential Question When are exponents and square roots used?

Enduring Understanding All real numbers can be plotted on a number line. Exponents are useful for representing very large or very small numbers. Square roots can be rational or irrational. There are many relationships between the lengths of the sides of a right triangle.

I. Learning Objective M8N1: Students will simplify, add, subtract, multiply, and divide expressions containing square roots, apply properties of right triangles, including the Pythagorean Theorem, use appropriate technologies to solve problems involving square roots, exponents, and scientific notation. Students will demonstrate the ability to gather data relevant to the essential question, issue, and/or problem. Merlot Learning Object http://physics.csustan.edu/ian/java/NumericConversion/Convert.h tm This applet demonstrates how to convert numerical numbers to scientific notation. II. Materials: a. Project sheet b. Computer c. Internet d. Construction paper e. PowerPoint program

III. Time ½ of a class period to explain project and rubric IV. Differentiation/Grouping This was an independent activity. I wanted to know how well they understand the unit as well as applying their knowledge of the unit. Some of the students who chose to do the Pythagorean Theorem 3D figure created a visual that demonstrated a higher level of understanding the concept. They applied their knowledge as opposed to just solving a problem. They created a booklet, worksheet or a PowerPoint presentation. V. Procedure Classwork:. Students were given the tic-tac-toe board three weeks before the end of the unit. I explained how they complete it and what my expectations were. I told them that if they came across something that they did not understand they need to ask for help and I would guide them to the answers—not give them the answers. VI. Formative Assessment The projects were due the day before the test, this activity is a good study tool. VII. Student scaffolds Strategy—students were able to choose which direction on the choice board to take to ensure success.