Assignment: Selecting and Evaluating a Worthwhile Mathematical Task

Objective:

The purpose of this assignment is to help practice identifying and evaluating mathematical tasks that promote meaningful student learning. Select a task that would be effective for use in a math classroom and provide a rationale for that task using the evaluation checklist provided in your textbook.

Directions:

Find a Task: Locate a mathematical task from a resource of your choice (textbook, online repository, curriculum materials, etc.).

• Be sure the task is designed for a specific grade level or grade band (e.g., upper elementary, middle school, Algebra I).
• The task should be rich enough to promote reasoning, problem solving, and conceptual understandingnot just rote practice.

Identify the Grade Level: Clearly indicate the grade or grade band for which this task is most appropriate.

Evaluate the Task: Using the checklist for evaluating worthwhile mathematical tasks provided in an, analyze the task. Consider questions such as:

• Does it engage students in significant mathematical thinking?
• Does it allow for multiple entry points or strategies?
• Does it connect to important mathematical ideas?
• Does it encourage communication, justification, or reflection?

Write Your Explanation: explain why the task is worthwhile. The explanation should:

• Summarize the task selected.
• Describe the intended grade level.
• Reference specific points from the checklist to justify why the task is effective.
• Provide professional insight on how this task could benefit students' mathematical learning.

Submission Guidelines:

• Include a copy of the task or a link to where it can be found.