1. A Perfect Bracket?
The meme above sums up our situation perfectly! I have challenged to 5th graders to try to correctly determine the winner of each game of this year's NCAA men's basketball tournament. This is a pretty daunting task, and even though it can be done, it's not likely at all. However, there is sooooo much math in this real world setting, that I couldn't resist having this kids work on it.
So here's what we did: First, we discussed what March Madness was because there were several students who had no idea :). Then we brainstormed a list of the math we could possibly use involving this tournament. I was pretty impressed with what the 5th graders came up with.
So here's what we did: First, we discussed what March Madness was because there were several students who had no idea :). Then we brainstormed a list of the math we could possibly use involving this tournament. I was pretty impressed with what the 5th graders came up with.
After this, we got to work. Each STEMmer received a bracket and got busy. Even from the beginning, the math was evident. There were team records and seeds to consider. Then the 5th graders had to decide if they would trust those numbers or not. It was very interesting to see the mix of those who were sentimental and those who went with the math of the seeds.
Many of the STEMmers predicted a few upsets, but Kentucky was definitely a heavy favorite to win it all. Check out each student's prediction of the championship winner. I love the picture of the last STEMmer because his prediction comes with an apology to his dad. Apparently his dad is not a Duke fan, but he decides to go with them anyway. Too funny!
2. Progress...
We've hit almost every type of math the STEMmers listed on the board when we started this unit. Using real world data we've calculated fractions, decimals, percentages, averages and more. We've added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided. We've hit some place value, and of course looked at probability.
Finally, the STEMmers have been accumulating points throughout the tournament. For each correct prediction in a round, points are earned. The farther into the tournament the win is, the more points it's worth . I'm so excited that we'll get to crown a STEM Nation March Madness Champion tomorrow :)
Finally, the STEMmers have been accumulating points throughout the tournament. For each correct prediction in a round, points are earned. The farther into the tournament the win is, the more points it's worth . I'm so excited that we'll get to crown a STEM Nation March Madness Champion tomorrow :)
3. Congrats!
I really enjoyed this unit. I loved seeing all of the picks play out along with the highs and lows (I had a real low since I picked Virginia to win it all!)
Congratulations to Drew Thomas, STEM Nation's 2015 March Madness winner! Great job to all of the 5th grade STEMmers. I hope you keep seeing math in everyday events.
Congratulations to Drew Thomas, STEM Nation's 2015 March Madness winner! Great job to all of the 5th grade STEMmers. I hope you keep seeing math in everyday events.