PrimeTime Math – Cliffbound!

Computer Based Lesson Plan

Created by Kimberly Grabowski

 

Introduction

 

This software is intended for 6-7 grade. It covers problems that involve fractions and ratios in relationship to time and distance, use of equivalent fractions, and use of numerical relationships and expressions in quantitative problems. Students are involved in a cooperative learning environment. They have to take notes, relate information gathered to formulas, and communicate to others how they came about their answer.

 

Cliffbound! is interactive group software to be used as a tool by the teacher. It presents the class with a real-life situation. Two teenagers are climbing up a cliff. One wrong move causes one of them to break their leg. Their cry for help is heard and rescuers now have to use their math skills to calculate how to safely rescue the injured boy. The teacher runs the lesson. The teacher acts as facilitator, coach, and evaluator. The teacher must break the class into groups of four. As students work on individual work, teacher must monitor class and evaluate student’s answers. The whole unit would take three days to implement. The following shows how Day 1 would look and would also be the format of Day 2. Day 3 would be a discussion of project and discussion of what we have learned.

 

Learning Objectives

 

Students will be able to:

 

Instructional Materials

 

  1. PrimeTime Math CD-ROM
  2. Teacher’s Guide with reproducible worksheets
  3. QuickTime
  4. Adobe Acrobat
  5. Computer with large screen for whole class viewing

 

 

 

 

Lesson Sequence

 

  1. Overview of project. Split class into groups of four.
  2. Watch video two times. Second time taking notes.
  3. Work individually on worksheets.
  4. Review with group members the answers and verbal ways to express themselves.
  5. Work on group problem.
  6. Log answers on computer.
  7. Watch video pertaining to homework.
  8. Hand out worksheet for homework.

 

Assessment

Software tracks grades according to the problems on the worksheet. If an answer is wrong, the software will guide them through the process in order to give the students a second chance for less point value. Students must answer with words, how they got their answer. The teacher must evaluate these answers which will be inputted into the program to calculate the overall grade. Homework can also be used as an assessment of understanding.

Other measures may include successful recording of assigned information from video, successful exchange of accurate information among group members, and successful participation in group questions.

 

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