Inspired by Dan Meyer's "3 Act" math problems, I have used Lego's to create a problem that requires the students to figure out how many "standard bricks" they can fit in a specific box. I like this problem because it can be used for younger students who can use the actual bricks, do some counting and multiplication and find the answer. It can also be used for older students who can measure the bricks and box to find out the specific volume and determine how many and what other types of Lego's they could use to fill the box completely.
Creating this math video was a struggle because I am so used to seeing math problems like the examples that Mr. Meyers shows in his Ted Talk. They provide the numbers, the scenario, and the formula. It didn't take very long for me to overcome my desire to give the students too much information though. I thought back to all the reading I did about "meaningful math tasks" and realized that my goal here should be for students to think deeper and not necessarily for them to get the correct answer. The great thing about Dan Meyer's problems is that they require students to really think about the problem. The students have to really dig deeper and understand the concept they are looking at in order to even begin. They need to organize their thoughts and ideas and often collaborate with other students. I like this format because even students who struggle with math can gain some valuable skills by working through these tasks.
Here is my Jing.
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