Day 156: An Impromptu Surface Area Struggle

6th Grade Math Standards: 6.NS.3 Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.

6.G.4 Represent three-dimensional figures using nets made up of rectangles and triangles, and use the nets to find the surface areas of these figures. Apply these techniques in the context of solving real-world and mathematical problems.

Quote of the Day: "“Here are some examples of what putting ‘first things first’ might look like for a player:

• Commit to seeking wisdom everyday
• Skipping parties to put in extra training
• Focus on the process rather than results
• Focus on progress rather than achievement
• Focus on developing your game versus getting exposure
• Focus on using your sport to develop more true mental toughness rather than being used by your sport by focusing on results that are outside your control.” – Joshua Medcalf

Question from Yesterday (as always from a student): "If we know the surface area can we find the volume of a rectangular prism?"

"Can lactose intolerant people drink almond milk?"

The Learning Objective: Balance a budget by subtracting decimals

Assessment: Write around

Agenda:

1. Turn in cereal projects 
2. QSSQ 
3. Vacation Directions Explained 
4. Pick a destination

Glass Half-Full: The connection between the quote of the day and the question of the day was especially powerful.

It started out with if we know the surface area can we find the volume?

Student 1: Yes.

S2: Well I think we can get the dimensions.

S3: If the surface area is 180 feet squared, could we find the dimensions?

Me: Let's try.

And try we did. For twenty-five minutes. The teachers were trying with the students. I asked the students if they wanted to move on and there was a forceful no. Finally.

S4: I figured it out.

Me: Good for you, but more importantly good for everyone in the room. Don't be focused on the results as we said in the quote of the day. Focus on the process. Nobody wanted to give up.

Regrets: I think the vacation project is too open-ended. I need more firm deadlines for each part of the project, and if kids don't get the job done in school, they can finish at home. It's almost like the project has too much autonomy.

Link of the Day: Speaking of open-ended, Robert Kaplinsky explains the difference between open-ended and open-middle questions. I actually commented on his post that I think there is significant value in open-ended questions (which can also function as open-middle questions).