David Schwartz always gets us thinking about numbers and space, exploring big ideas in ways we can all understand. When he pairs up with illustrator/writer Marissa Mos, the Minutes get even better. Your students will enjoy this different way of thinking about the size of things, and maybe learn a few new tricks along the read. |
STEM
Explore Mathematics - relative size
This Minute provides a great opening to talk to your students about scale and to introduce or reinforce the concept of relative size. Start by pairing students and having each express their height in terms of their partner. Choose a group of things to measure, but all measurements be expressed relative to the size of one thing of your choice (an eraser? A whiteboard marker?). Explain that the same characteristic must be measured in all items of the group (height, weight, volume, etc.). Have them try the same exercise a second time, setting up an intermediate scale - try one foot equals one inch, a standard scale in miniaturization. A thorough understanding of the relative vs. the absolute is a key concept for understanding ratios, fractions, percentages, place value and more.
Explore measurement - Metric vs. English
Note that Author Schwartz expresses his distance measurements in both the English and Metric systems of measurement. Compare the numbers to see if students can set up the algebraic conversion equations. Review the metric (or English) systems of distance measurement. For critical thinking, have students list the pros and cons of each system and debate whether and which one should become the global standard.
Explore astronomy - solar system
Use this Minute as an anticipatory set for looking at the scaled size of the solar system. Review the order and size of the planets, adding in demonstrations about the rotation speeds around the sun an on each axis, ant the outcomes the size and speeds produce.
Explore geometry - arcs and circles
Diameter, arcs, circumference, volume - use this Minute to teach the geometry of circles!
Research Skills
Explore Google hacks - calculator
Many people are unaware that Google’s search bar acts as a calculator without necessitating the extra step of searching for a calculator. Model how you can simply enter a computational string into the search bar and a calculator (with the answer) will appear.
Explore computational search engine Wolfram Alpha
For more advanced students, introduce the resource Wolfram Alpha, billed as a “computational knowledge engine.” Give them some time to explore using the subjects on the homepage - Astronomy or Units & Measures. Have them try out the “Browse examples” search on the top right. For closure, have them write about ways they might use this resource in the future, or ways this resource could extend the knowledge they gained from this Minute.
Explore Mathematics - relative size
This Minute provides a great opening to talk to your students about scale and to introduce or reinforce the concept of relative size. Start by pairing students and having each express their height in terms of their partner. Choose a group of things to measure, but all measurements be expressed relative to the size of one thing of your choice (an eraser? A whiteboard marker?). Explain that the same characteristic must be measured in all items of the group (height, weight, volume, etc.). Have them try the same exercise a second time, setting up an intermediate scale - try one foot equals one inch, a standard scale in miniaturization. A thorough understanding of the relative vs. the absolute is a key concept for understanding ratios, fractions, percentages, place value and more.
Explore measurement - Metric vs. English
Note that Author Schwartz expresses his distance measurements in both the English and Metric systems of measurement. Compare the numbers to see if students can set up the algebraic conversion equations. Review the metric (or English) systems of distance measurement. For critical thinking, have students list the pros and cons of each system and debate whether and which one should become the global standard.
Explore astronomy - solar system
Use this Minute as an anticipatory set for looking at the scaled size of the solar system. Review the order and size of the planets, adding in demonstrations about the rotation speeds around the sun an on each axis, ant the outcomes the size and speeds produce.
Explore geometry - arcs and circles
Diameter, arcs, circumference, volume - use this Minute to teach the geometry of circles!
Research Skills
Explore Google hacks - calculator
Many people are unaware that Google’s search bar acts as a calculator without necessitating the extra step of searching for a calculator. Model how you can simply enter a computational string into the search bar and a calculator (with the answer) will appear.
Explore computational search engine Wolfram Alpha
For more advanced students, introduce the resource Wolfram Alpha, billed as a “computational knowledge engine.” Give them some time to explore using the subjects on the homepage - Astronomy or Units & Measures. Have them try out the “Browse examples” search on the top right. For closure, have them write about ways they might use this resource in the future, or ways this resource could extend the knowledge they gained from this Minute.
© Karen Sterling, 2018 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission