Migrant Education

Welcome to Unit 4.2 Monkeys and Penguins!

The motivating CAHSEE question for this unit is as follows:

Chris drove 100 kilometers from San Francisco to Santa Cruz in 2 hours and 30 minutes. What computation will give Chris’ average speed, in kilometers per hour?

• A. Divide100 by 2.5
• B. Divide 100 by 2.3
• C. Multiply 100 by 2.5
• D. Multiply 100 by 2.3

Major California Content Standards addressed in this unit include:

Mathematical Reasoning (6th and 7th): 1.1 Students analyze problems by identifying relationships, distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, identifying missing information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns.

Algebra and Functions (7th): 4.2 Students solve multi-step problems involving rate, average speed, distance, and time or a direct variation.

In Unit 4.2 Monkeys and Penguins you will

• Deepen your understanding of mathematical concepts, including: 
  •  Using the relationship D = RT in applied situations, with emphasis on non-matching units
  • Interpreting rate relationships in situations involving quantities other than physical distance
  • Interpreting D=RT relationships graphically as well as algebraically 
• Develop skills in new instructional strategies, including
  • Using dimensional analysis to solve mathematics problems
  • Improving the quality of student explanation
  • Developing students’ ability to use formulas to solve problems
• Apply your new skills in a Lesson Plan Project.

What you will see:

• This unit is organized around a highly-missed question from the California High School Exit Examination
• The unit presents a lesson taught by a middle school teacher.
• The teacher designed the lesson with input from Dr. Marty Bonsangue.
• You will work through two separate strands on math content and instructional strategies.

What you will do:

• As you move through the unit, you will read text, view videoclips of classroom teaching, and respond to reflection and assessment questions.
• You will submit your responses to the assessment questions as you move through the unit.
• Once you submit a response, comments from Drs. Bonsangue and Costa will "pop-up" for your viewing.
  In addition, your Online Facilitator will be checking your responses for accuracy and completion.
• At the end of each strand, you will be asked to post your reflection on the Discussion Board. You will also respond to a colleague's posting.
• At the end of the unit, you will also be asked to reflect on the entire learning experience.
• At the end of each unit, you also apply what you've learned to a lesson plan project.