I am so inspired by all that G is learning from Peg and Cat that I thought I might share some Math inspiration for your kiddos in your classrooms. The Three Acts Of A Mathematical Story from Dan Myer is very similar to Peg+Cat in that teachers create a story built around real-life math.
Here’s the idea :
- Act 1 – “Introduce the central conflict of your story/task clearly, visually, viscerally, using as few words as possible.” (check his site for examples)
- Act 2 – “The protagonist/student overcomes obstacles, looks for resources, and develops new tools.”
- Act 3 – “Resolve the conflict and set up a sequel/extension.”
Here is an Example - The Slow Forty
(eMINTS teachers….seeing any connections to the Instructional Procedures unit expectation?)
Check out Dan’s Three Act Math Tasks Spreadsheet and his 3-part blog series with videos and instructions.
This blog post is from 2011, but Dan is not a one hit wonder. I encourage you to explore his recent blog posts and see what he’s been up to….hint hint – he is quite an active presenter and does so much more than Three-Act Math Stories.
Brooke Higgins, occasional blogger, is an eIS for the eMINTS National Center working with eMINTS teachers, trainers, and administrators. All of her posts, including this one, can be found at The Higgins Helps blog.
