PBL Learning for High School Math Students

PBL Lesson Plan

For High School Math Students

Driving Question: Should calculators be used in math class?

There is a lot of debate on whether calculators are helping or harming students when they use them in a math class. Most high schools use calculators in math classes daily. However, a lot of colleges do not use calculators. Some people argue that the math should be made simple enough where you do not need to use calculators because why do you need to know 7.87 time 2.35? Students now use calculators without even thinking about whether or not they can do the math without the calculator. This question will get kids to think about their mindless use and really decide if its helping or hurting their learning.

Grabber: Present students with simple math equation.

For the grabber present your students with a simple equation such as 6*7+5. Give them a chance to work out the problem and take note of how many kids use their calculator. Then ask how many used a calculator and weather or not they could have done it without. This will get kids to think about how often they use calculators and whether or not they need to.

Culminating Activity: Group papers.

Have the students get in groups of 2 or 3. They will need to think about the question and form an opinion. Once they have formed their opinion they will then need to search the web for different arguments and support for their opinion.  The students will then need to write 2 to 3 page papers explaining why they took the side they did and support it with the information they found on the web. Every student needs to write a paragraph of why they chose that side of the argument. Here is a sample rubric to help grade the project.