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The Colors of Algebra
Rigor and Resilience at a "Last Chance" School


Joanne da Luz, Life Learning Academy, San Francisco USD

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Teaching Key Algebraic Concepts through Interdisciplinary Mathematics Teaching Students Who Have Failed in – and Been Failed By – Traditional Schooling

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Assessment Methods and Tools:Colors & Algebra

Facilitator's Checklist

My name is ___________________________________and my partner’s name is____________________________________________________________.

We will check off the boxes below as we prepare our final product.

Final painting on canvas  ( 15  pts.)

  • painting is complete and clearly demonstrates correct use of tools and techniques
  • algebraic expression for the area is correct for the given dimensions
  • the rule for secondary colors is accurately demonstrated   
  • blocks are scaled accurately

Essay  ( 45  pts.)

  • ( 5 pts)  There are five days of journal entries written in paragraph form.
  • ( 30 pts)  Each entry:

                  1. Sets the stage with what you we’re given

2. Clearly describes goal setting and/or experimentation

                  3.  Refers to you and your partner

                  4.  Describes any surprises and/or verifications

                  5.  Responds to the day’s questions

                  6.  Refers to your day’s painting and its colors

  • ( 5 pts)  There are no spelling or grammar errors.
  • ( 5 pts)  The essay is double spaced and legible (no fancy fonts please!)

Presentation ( 25 pts)

We will write notes below to remind us how we will show......

  • Teamwork:                       
  • Organization:        
  • Content:    
  • Visuals:     
  • Delivery:   

 

Colors & Algebra Presentation Grade Sheet

My name is ___________________and I am grading___________________________________

On the presentation of___________________________________________________________

Organization:Introductions are made and it is clear that the presenter is ready, prepared, and the project is complete.
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Content: the presenter clearly explains how his texture and color choices support his understanding of factoring , multiplying, commutative property and combining like terms
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Visuals: dimension tool and blocks are clearly delineated and block sizes are appropriately scaled and colors are appropriately placed 
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Delivery: use of volume, pace, projection, eye contact, appear(s) comfortable in stance and facial expression. 

5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Comments:

 

 

 

Colors & Algebra Grade Sheet

My name is ___________________________________and I am grading the final painting for  ____________________________________________________________________________.

Final painting on canvas  ( 15  pts.) painting is complete and clearly demonstrates correct use of tools and techniques
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

algebraic expression for the area is correct for the given dimensions
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

the rule for secondary colors is accurately demonstrated
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1
dimension tool and blocks are clearly delineated and block sizes are appropriately scaled
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Comments:

Colors & Algebra Essay Grade Sheet

My name is _______and I am grading the final essay for  _____________________________________________.

 

Journal Days: There are four days of journal entries written in paragraph form.
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Setting the Stage: Each entry sets the stage with what you we’re Given, clearly describes goal setting and/or Experimentation, refers to you and your partner, Describes any surprises and/or verifications, Responds to the day’s questions, refers to your day’s painting and its colors.
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Formal: There are no spelling or grammar errors.
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

Format: The essay is double spaced and legible w/12pt font.
5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1

 

         Colors & Algebra Journal Questions

What are primary colors?  What are secondary colors?

 What is the rule that describes how to get secondary colors?

What is domain and range and how are they connected to primary and secondary colors?

 If  Justin walked in, saw your painting, and said "Hey! You didn't use the rule!"  What must he have seen on your painting?

Sketch and paint the following equation: (x + 2) (x + 5) = x² + 7x + 10.

What are the dimensions of your blocks?  Why?  Explain how and why you decided on their sizes.

How does your painting  on paper demonstrate

  • a)  combining like terms ?
  • b) commutative property ?             
  • c)  (length) x  (width) = area?

Explain your use of primary colors... secondary colors.... Where?  How?  Why?

How did you achieve these colors?

Today you are given that the expression xy + 2x is made of purple and orange.  What are the dimensions and what are their colors?  How do you know?

You and your partner can make up your own equation.  What are all the possible ways you could have arranged the area and the dimensions?  Include sketches.

What are all the different ways you could have chosen your colors?  Use colored pencils in your sketches.

Which ones do you and your partner prefer?  Why?  How do the combinations of colors and shapes affect  your decisions?

How do the combinations of colors and shapes affect and/or represent commutative property, multiplication, combining like terms?

What is the algebraic equation for your final painting on canvas and why did you choose it?

Explain two artistic techniques your learned in this project and how it is exemplified in your final painting.

How did you use art to express/communicate algebra concepts?  Refer to your toolkits, color rules, and specific parts of your final painting when describing them.

Colors & Algebra

Day 5:  (L)(W) = Area

The story (essay) part of your project will be.....

  • Written in journal format with paragraphs titled Day 1, Day 2,.....etc.
  • Each paragraph
  • sets the stage with what you we're given
  • clearly describes achievements made through goal setting and/or experimentation
  • refers to yourself and/or others who inspired you
  • describes any surprises and/or verifications
  • responds to the day's questions
  • refers to your painting and its colors

What is the algebraic equation for your final painting on canvas and why did you choose it?

Explain two artistic techniques your learned in this project and how it is exemplified in your final painting.

How did you use art to express/communicate algebra concepts?  Refer to your toolkits, color rules, and specific parts of your final painting when describing them.

 

Site last updated July 5, 2006