Mathletes in motion

Note: slides 1–4 in the teacher's slides introduce the concept explored in this lesson. Explain that as a class we are using problem-solving strategies in random collaborative groups to model numerical representations of practical problems on a number line. We communicate our findings with mathematical reasoning to justify our choices. 

Slides 5–7 are based on the common misconceptions that some students may still hold from the primary years. These activities are optional but may be of tremendous help to identify students requiring specific scaffolding on this topic on a particular misconception. 

Learning hook

Refer to slide 8. The Mix and match and order game is provided as a set of downloadable printouts (and includes solutions) requiring cutting to create four sports-themed sets of measurement cards: rugby, AFL, netball and swimming. There are 8 measurement cards per set. It is recommended to laminate the cards and number lines before the class begins. Students can use whiteboard markers on the number lines so that they may be used again, or simply print them out for students to mark with pencil.

Instructions to students

• We are going to compare quantities in four different sporting contexts.
• Ask students, ‘When would we use numbers other than whole numbers in sports or hobbies?’
• Students select a card from the Swimming, AFL, rugby, netball templates provided. 

Differentiation (support all abilities):

Note that the cards are differentiated into levels of difficulty. Pre-arrange cards to match the learning needs of students in your class, or simply allow students to choose the sport of their choice to boost engagement in the game, no matter the level of challenge.

• Level 1 – Rugby players bench lift weights
• Level 2 – AFL Development Squad Premiership Teams – probability of a winning a grand final
• Level 3 – Netball vertical jump tests (uses mm)
• Level 4 – Swim times 200 m (times include conversions of decimals of minutes to seconds, or vice versa)

Next (slide 9):

• Students gather into groups of about four, and organise themselves in numerical order of the numbers stated on their cards.
• After this, the ask one student from each group to share one of the strategies they used to justify their choice to the class.
• In the course of discussion, question students to understand their thinking at this moment, ‘Why do you think I asked you to do this task?’
• Students keep their card to use in the next section.

Differentiation (notice): Was this task easy or was it difficult? Notice students’ engagement and ability with the game while they are working, and those who have communicated how they found the task. Use this to gauge whether the next section should be modified.

Note: Pre-prepare by printing the number lines (from the Mix match order game) for the different sporting groups onto A3 paper. 

• Go to slide 12 and as a class, watch ESA Springboard maths concepts: Decimals (opens in a new window) video. Pause at 0:23: ‘What is your estimate of the mass of the apples?’ Students are encouraged to think about (not call out) their estimate.
• Now play the video to view the tenths example. Pause at 0:49, ‘Were your estimates close?’
• Play video and pause at 1:17: ‘What is your estimate of the length of the long jump?’ Students are encouraged to think about (not call out) their estimate.
• Play the video to view the hundredths decimal place example and pause at the 5 and 35 hundredths example (1:59). Explicitly demonstrate on the board how 5 and  35 100 can also be written as 5 and  7 20 using cancelling.
• Play video and pause at 2:18. Discuss with your partner (or group), ‘Who has the winning jump? ‘
• Play the video to view example on how to choose the winning jump. Common decimal misconceptions are highlighted.
• The student groups are instructed to combine with the other group that has cards from the same sport (slide 11). Using Blu Tack, students collaborate to place their card number on the number line with an arrow clearly pointing to its place on the number line.

Teacher provides solutions to one member of each sport group so students can check their placement of the rational numbers on the number line. Encourage students to use reasoning to justify their answers against the solutions, especially if answers are incorrectly placed.

Students then complete a gallery walk of the other number lines. Refer to slide 12. Ask students the following prompt questions for reflection and extension of the task.

• What is similar/different about the numbers in each group? Is there a number type that we haven’t used? Why are there no arrows on the AFL number line?
• Can we combine all of these measures on one number line? (Leading to a discussion that comparisons are only possible with same measures.)
• What would you expect the numerical probabilities on the eight AFL Premiership chances to add up to? Can you check with and without a calculator they add up to 1? Why do they add up to 1?
• Could you make up a set of eight numbers that includes negatives? Percentages? What context would you use?
• Can you think of a time in life when we need to know negative fractions on a number line?
• And, for a paradox statement: ‘Between each two points on a number line is an infinite number of points.’

Further game-like lessons available online and supporting the learning intention of this content description:

• Fraction Wall Game (opens external website in a new window)
• Matching Fractions Decimals and Percentages (opens external website in a new window)