To stimulate students critical thinking and observation skills. To make real life connections with mathematical concepts and student experiences. This is especially important for older students. To encourage the students to answer the their questions regarding the need to study math. While this exercise was developed for math classes, other content areas may be substituted.
Students make arrangements to observe a group member during a school day or longer.
Include student observations in a portfolio or journal. Students undertake a more extensive analysis of their math activities and relate specific math rules or concepts to their actions. Groups discuss their logs and develop a listing of activities grouped with math concepts. Whole class brainstorming may be used to combine group logs into a master list relating real life activities and math concepts. Pairs or larger groups write and essay on the importance of math in our daily lives.