Jasmine's Maths Learning Story

Learner: Kavisha & Jasmine    Learning Coach: T.Dillner            Date: 26.6.15

Learning Area: Mathematics - Statistics

Learning Observed

Recently in Mathematics, Mrs Dillner’s Maths Group took part in the Census at School. This is an online survey open to NZ schools that teaches learners about gathering data and making samples of the submitted information. Everyone learnt some background knowledge about what a Census is, who does them and why we have them. We saw all the other schools enrolled to do the Census at School - Kavisha and Jasmine were very excited to see if their old schools were on the list. Jasmine and Kavisha worked together to complete the survey which asked questions about height, arm span, weight of school bag, how long it takes to get to school, as well as their opinions on topical issues like global warming to who might win the next Rugby World Cup. Kavisha was sure that Fiji would beat New Zealand in the Final later on this year! The girls got to use a new piece of equipment called a Newton Meter. They hung their bags on the hook of the Newton Meter and gave them a weight in grams. The survey asked for an answer in kilos and grams e.g. 2kg and 800g. This was a challenge for both Jasmine and Kavisha, as they had to try and use their prior knowledge of weight conversions e.g. 1000g = 1kg.

Evidence of learning

Key Competencies/Vision Principles

Jasmine and Kavisha collaborated exceptionally well together. They used their time well which meant they were both able to complete the survey in the time that it took other pairs to complete one (Managing Self). They demonstrated capability in using a variety of measurement tools including a tape measure, stop watch, bathroom scales and a Newton Meter (Using Language, Symbols and Text). Jasmine and Kavisha were connected learners, as they understood that the information they were providing was part of a nation wide experience that other schools were taking part in too. They should be able to use this to apply to the next real NZ Census in 2018 (Participating and Contributing).

Next Learning Steps

Show curiosity when answering the questions about topical issues e.g. global warming. What is it? Why is it included in this survey? Work on measurement conversions - cm → m → km and mg → g → kg.