Lesson Plan

Title: M & M's Data

Standard: 
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.SP.A.2
Use data from a random sample to draw inferences about a population with an unknown characteristic of interest. Generate multiple samples (or simulated samples) of the same size to gauge the variation in estimates or predictions. For example, estimate the mean word length in a book by randomly sampling words from the book; predict the winner of a school election based on randomly sampled survey data. Gauge how far off the estimate or prediction might be.
Learner Outcome:
The students will gain an understanding of Statistical Data and Probability by observing in a hands on lesson. 

Resources and Materials:
Each student needs a bag of M & M’s roughly 20 oz.

Procedures:
The student’s will all bring in a bag of M & M’s, flavor of their choice. We will then work on how many of each color there is and the total number of M & M’s in their bag. The students will find the probability of various color combinations along with the probability of having so many in one bag since all bags are different. 

Accommodations:
For students with allergies, they can bring in another object that is acceptable. For students with special needs, they would use smaller bags to allow for a better understanding. For students who are advanced, I would have them add together the classroom totals to find the probability of larger numbers.

Webinar & Undergraduate Research Day

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Undergraduate Research Day on campus so instead I have chosen to watch an online webinar. I have chosen Keys to Implementing the Common Core State Standards by The Center for Learning as my webinar to watch. I chose this because as a future educator it is important to have a solid understanding of the Common Core and how to teach under the standards.  

The topic of this webinar was how to implement the Common Core State Standards in the classroom. The narrator, Dr. Reeves, discusses why it is important for teachers to be educated and practice the standards. He believes that the Common Core is a positive change for districts to adapt but as with everything there is room for improvement. 

Some of the things he spoke about were ways to effectively use the Common Core. The best place to start is with what has not changed and use that to integrate the Common Core into your lessons. It is also important to know what the students will be expected to be able to do in the next grade so that they can be fully prepared. The number one tool for the integration is resources. There are so many resources available online that teachers can use and print.

With the Common Core, things may not always work. It is essential to get feedback daily from students, parents, and colleagues while also learning from what you have done in the past. With the adaptation of the Common Core comes a new style of teaching which brings a new way of grading. He discusses how grading standards should be assessed as well.

There are so many strengths to implementing the Common Core in districts. Some strengths are that it is written with clear expectations and connections between the grade levels. Each standard is very specific to the topic. Most importantly it emphasizes on beginning reading and writing for all Kindergarden classrooms regardless of economic standings.

I think the strengths out weigh the weaknesses but of course there are some. Some weaknesses that he describes are that there is an inconsistent grouping of grade levels. He also states that in elementary school students are expected to "spell correctly" while in middle school students are expected to "spell with assistance."

These standards are not meant to be the direct way of teaching, Dr. Reeves states that we should not settle for the way things are written down but instead we should follow them with our own twist. Teachers need to embrace the opportunity given to them rather than fearing it. Towards the end of the webinar he states again that everything starts in Kindergarden. Students in middle school today are having trouble with basic mathematical operations but are expected to have mastered multi-step equations by the time they begin high school. Students are not prepared and the Common Core is trying to change that.

Not only did I choose this topic because it is important to my future as an educator but I also have children so it is important to their future as well. My daughter is in 1st grade and excels in school but she is only in 1st grade and has so much further to go. The standards give us a clear guideline of what the students need to learn, lets get creative and teach them in a way that speaks to them.