Readily adapted to grades 7-8. Student activity handouts and materials normally found in the classroom. Can be supplemented with a wide variety of math and science activities. The interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore areas of math and science. Student-centered and activity based, it reinforces a child's natural curiosity about patterns found in the environment.
Students progress from concrete hands-on activities to the use of abstract symbols and concepts.
Working in cooperative learning groups, they collect and analyze data to make generalizations and predictions about patterns they discover. Small groups of students are directed to collect all of the litter found in designated areas of the school. Examines its graph, comparing and discussing the significance of data patterns. Compares and contrasts its graph with those of other groups. Students discuss the implications suggested by similarities and differences.