​I am always trying to create or find projects where each student’s project will be different than every other student’s in the class because it is more authentic this way. And of course, I want it to be applicable in the real world! This is not always easy to make because if every student’s project is different, or even has an unlimited number of solutions, checking each one is extremely difficult and time-consuming for the teacher. Well, guess what?!...the project I’m about to tell you about is authentic AND I was able figure out how each student could have a different solution. And at the same time, have an answer key for the teacher with all the possible solutions….I know, fabulous, right!! And it covers one of the most popular math topics…Linear Systems of Equations!

Oh wait, one more cool thing about it….it’s not quite STEM because there isn’t any engineering, but I’d say it’s STAM (Science, Technology, Art, and Math)…fun little twist…so check it out:

Every project needs to have a focus and goal. In this project, students are to…

• Research the growth of a tree and write an equation to represent the growth
• Determine when two trees will be the same height (algebraically & graphically)
• Analyze the results
• Create visuals to represent information about their tree and data results

​Students select a tree from the Arbor Day site and find the growth rate range and mature size. Students write two equations – 1 to represent their tree’s growth over time and 2 - their teacher’s tree growth over time. Students use the substitution or elimination method to solve the system and explain the solution. Included is a spreadsheet where the teacher can record the student name, tree, and growth rate to ensure each student has a different growth rate.

Student’s us graph paper or Desmos to re-create their system of linear equations by graphing both lines. Students also draw, paint, or find a picture of their tree online and label it by finding specific characteristics of their tree. I learn a lot of neat things about different trees from each project. And students love the artsy aspect!

Students find at what year the trees are the same height and determine if it’s realistic based on the year each tree will reach their mature size. This helps students understand that not every solution in the real world will make sense, so it’s important to critically think about the results.

​As with any project, I do use a rubric, which is 100% editable for teachers. This project is evaluated on the following criteria: neatness/organization, accurate research, writing a systems of equations and finding the correct solution, the graph, analyzing the results, and the visuals. I also include an answer key for the questions and all of the possible scenarios/solutions depending on the growth rate of each tree in comparison with the growth rate of the teacher’s tree. This is a HUGE time saver for teachers!

This post is for ALL teachers - elementary, secondary, SLP, learning support, ELL, etc....EVERY SINGLE TEACHER can benefit from this post!

Why, you ask? Well, because we are all looking for ways to improve our practice to better meet the needs of our students. In order to do so, we usually seek out some kind of professional development. So, today, I am going to share with you one of the BEST professional developments I have ever discovered!

First, let's breakdown PD's for a minute. Basically, there are two types of professional development (PD) – free and paid.
 
Free PD’s:

• Tend to be long, boring (gasp, yes, I said it), lecture-like sessions
• More often than not, we learn very little new knowledge
• Doesn't necessarily cover a topic we are interested in adding to our teaching strategies, but administration recommended we go anyway
• Time-consuming - possible outside our contractual hours

 
Paid PD’s

• Expensive
• Several days of sessions (hey, our time is precious!)
• Sometimes requires travel (even more expensive)
• Did I mention expensive?

 
I’m not saying PDs are bad. Not at all. We, as teachers, do need to be lifelong learners and grow in our profession. In fact, I crave to learn and explore more innovative ideas, BUT, in general, my experience with PDs is that the negatives out way the positives, especially if you are on a tight budget.
 
Well, what if you could attend a PD where you learned a new idea, was free, and required less than an hour of your time? Would you do it? I know I would!!!

A few years ago, I stumbled upon Jennifer Gonzalez’s blog post on Pineapple Charts. It was probably one of the most valuable blog posts I have ever read because it solved my PD problem. I teach at a private, international school that has limited access to professional development due to location and expense. After reading her post, I realized I don’t need to fly back to the States to learn how to be a better teacher. Nope, all I have to do is walk right next door and observe a fellow teacher who has already gone to PD's and is implementing the techniques in their classroom. Yep, you read it right. The PD I have been seeking all this time was right next door all along.
 
So, what do I mean? I recommend you read Jennifer’s blog post about what Pineapplinng is, because quite frankly, she is an amazing, attention-getting writer and I don’t think I could ever summarize it any better than she  already has. 

Now that you've read Jennifer's blog post, and understand what Pineappling is, here is my breakdown of the benefits:

• FREE
• Less than an hour
• Observe EXACTLY what you want to learn about
• Opportunity to ask questions one-on-one
• No traveling necessary
• Do it whenever it’s convenient for you

In lieu, of Jennifer’s blog post, I decided to implement Pineappling at my school, not just for myself, but for all staff members. I created a powerpoint  explaining  what Pineappling is, how it’s helpful, and how to use the Pineapple Chart. This is our third year using it and it’s been AMAZING! Teachers love having the opportunity to learn from their peers and also show off their talents. Below is an example of our Pineapple Chart:

I know what you are thinking....I love it!...but I don't  know how to start implementing it at my school. Don't worry! I have you covered. I am happy to share my professional development resource with you! The resource is 100% editable and includes the following:
• Powerpoint presentation explaining what a Pineapple Chart is, the benefits, and how your school can implement it. (7 slides)
• Pineapple Chart (1 slide)
• Peer Observation Form that may be helpful in assisting teachers with their thought process while observing other teachers. (1 page)

Click on the image below to go directly to the resource:

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What is the purpose?
Error analysis is a method used to identify common mistakes made in mathematics and the cause of the incorrect answer. According to Robert Marzano, error analysis is at the top of the higher level thinking skills and an aid in conceptual understanding. This ability to check for correctness is a big key to achieving math proficiency. It’s awesome to see the critical thinking that happens during these activities!

How do I use this in my classroom?
Again, just like Doodlr, this activity can be used in various ways. I have used it in a station, after an assessment, or when a student has completed all tasks for the day and needs an extra activity to work on. Print some off and have them available for whenever your students are in need of some extra critical thinking!

Which app does this activity model?
Errorgram is meant to be similar to Instagram, which has rapidly become one of this generations favorite apps. Errorgram is an engaging way for students to determine the mistake a famous person made in a math problem they posted on their Instagram feed. Of course, that person didn’t really post it, but it’s fun for students to feel like they are fixing a mistake by someone they like or admire. Students need to explain the mistake and then correct it. Students can even add hashtags that are fitting for the post.

How do you do this activity?
Students will…
Step 1 – Need one Errorgram sheet.
Step 2 – Analyze the worked out problem and find the error the person made.
Step 3 – State the error and find the correct answer by working out the problem.
Step 4 – Add the sheet to the phone/tablet template and hang the activity on the wall or bulletin board.

Oh, yeah!…students become analytical thinkers using Errorgram! Add more iMath activities to show mathematical growth and use for review at the end of the year.

What’s included in each Mathbook activity?

• iMath phone/tablet template
• 10 Errorgram sheets
• Answer key

Want to learn about the other iMath Activities?
Read about them here:
MATHBOOK (Facebook)
iSTEP (iMessage)
DOODLR (Tumblr)

Click below to go directly to ALL my MATHBOOK activities in my Teachers Pay Teachers store:

What are iMath activities?
iMath is a series of activities designed with the intent to engage students in math by putting a fun twist on their favorite phone apps* - Facebook, iMessage, Instagram, and Tumblr. Each iMath activity covers different skills in a unique way. Students add each activity to their phone/tablet template that can be on display in the classroom. Below is a description of DOODLR, which is meant to model Tumblr.
*None of these activities are actual digital apps or affiliated with the app they are modeling.

What is the purpose?
Making connections! Sometimes students can best understand concepts when they connect visual graphs, symbols, etc. with words. This activity gives students the opportunity to do just that in a creative and fun way. If your students already love doodle notes, then they for sure will love this activity! Students are able to let their creative side shine in this activity.

How do I use this in my classroom?
This really can be used at any time, which makes it an amazing activity to have available. I have used it in a station, after an assessment, or when a student has completed all tasks for the day and needs an extra activity to work on. Hey, anytime can be doodle time!
​
Which app does this activity model?
Doodlr is meant to represent the Tumblr App. Students are given a sheet to connect symbols and words. Ok, maybe Tumblr isn’t the most popular app among this generation, but doodling is definitely trending right now!!! 

 How do you do this activity?

Step 1 – Students will need one Doodlr sheet and the word bank to help determine terms and phrases associated with each symbol or graph. The word bank sheet can be shared within a group of students. 

Step 2 – On each sheet, students write words and/or phrases that are associated with symbols or parts of a graph or equation. There is extra room for doodles that help make these connections!

Step 3 – Add the sheet to the phone/tablet template and hang the activity on the wall or bulletin board.
 
Presto...students are able to make valid math connections both visually and verbally! Add more iMath activities to show mathematical growth and use for review at the end of the year.