The conference's major emphasis was the Common Core Mathematical Practices. If you are unfamiliar with those practices they can be summarized as 1.) Perseverance in problem solving, 2.) Reason abstractly and quantitatively, 3.) Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, 4.) Model with mathematics, 5.) Use appropriate tools strategically, 6.) Attend to precision, 7.) Look for and make use of structure, and 8.) Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. The Lego lessons allow focus on each of these, but practice number 4 - Model with mathematics -is what we highlight most. Modeling means bringing real-world problems into the classroom and making the mathematics relevant. I find as I present these lessons to students that they don't know what an engineer is and yet math educators frequently use engineering as an example of a mathematical career. The engineering with Legos lessons invite the students to become engineers and experience how various aspects like simple machines allow us to complete tasks, work efficiently, and apply mathematics and problems solving. These lessons are about creating an experience for the students, not about memorizing facts, figures, and formulas. What can change if we make math meaningful, relevant, and fun?
The educators in the room were engaged in the activity we presented. Even as we tried to make the most of our time and move on with other pieces of our presentation, there were some who were so intrigued they were lost in the experience. My hope is that if I can introduce teachers to a dynamic way to reinvent their mathematics lesson, if they can experience the engagement of the activities and have fun, that it will translate to a powerful learning environment for their students. You will not hear students saying, " Math is boring." You'll find them talking about their math lesson during lunch, recess and all they way home from school!
