Back to the Thinking Group

Let’s see ... scalars and vectors. What shall they do today?

The first thought is that the individuals we work with need more exposure to the vector directions of north, south, east, and west. "To the board!"  Copy the date. Then, copy the words, "north, south, east, and west." Yikes!  Too much.  We'll have them copy N, S, E, & W.

We’ll use the volunteers holding N, S, E, & W signs from last week for continuity and we'll have about 10 other volunteers walk whichever direction requested.  Ok, better have a mini-lesson too on fixed items found in each direction, like outside door, plants, wagon are all on south side of room.  Ahh, have sign holders tape their sign to wall after a while to see if they've been able to similate!  Hehe - they love tests! 

Ok, next!  The individuals should learn 12" = 1', specially if we’re going to move the "direction people" farther away from each other. Hey, this is interesting. A 25 foot tape measure is in the drawer it was supposed to be in! They are going to love using a long tape measure! We'll have them line up their rulers along tape measure.  That way they can get used to looking for the foot number on the tape measurer. 

Most of the individuals can’t remember that four quarters equal a $1.00. They are going to have trouble with 12 inches = 1 foot. A real stretch of their imagination. Maybe we’ll slip in a short lesson on the word "equal." And, we should teach them right away (=) symbol. Have to build confidence. Maybe will mix the word "equal" with "the same as."

We could form teams and make them equal, have two people with equal number of rulers, and then count out 12 fruit loops = 1 plastic cup.  That will do the trick.  Before the session I will have to pre-count fruit loops, then make sure everyone gets a cup to count.  (Some will just eat!)

Then back to tape measure.  They will need to "pinch numbers" on the tape measure to mark a measurement. Hehe, we could get about 6 people pinching at the same time! Also, they’ll need to estimate which foot mark is closest to the pinched fingers.  Then they could measure how far and to what direction things are, like two notebooks, chairs, and people, then add the directions again. So-and-so is sitting 7 feet W of so-and-so.

Ok, think we have basic plan!