Matt Murrie
3 min
Discover the fun of algebra and deepen your understanding of it and how it is used with eight engaging Curiosity-Based Thinking questions that explore the subject's real-world applications, historical significance, and relationship with other branches of mathematics.
The following algebra learning experiences were created using Curiosity-Based Thinking processes as prompts for ChatGPT (prompts posted at the end).
What if we had negative numbers in our equations?
Action: Solve a simple equation with negative numbers, such as -2x + 4 = 6.
Keep in Mind: Remember to reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing both sides of the equation by a negative number.
Deeper Learning: Explore the concept of absolute value and how it relates to negative numbers in equations.
Challenge: Create a set of equations with a mix of positive and negative numbers and have students determine the solutions.
Who uses algebra in their everyday lives?
Action: Research and report on a specific career or field that uses algebra regularly.
Keep in Mind: Look for examples of real-world applications of algebra in the field.
Deeper Learning: Consider how different fields might use algebra in different ways and to what extent.
Challenge: Create a presentation on a career that uses algebra and present it to the class.
When do we use algebra in our daily lives?
Action: Identify and record at least three instances of using algebra in daily life.
Keep in Mind: Algebra can be used in a variety of everyday tasks, such as budgeting, cooking, and even shopping.
Deeper Learning: Analyze how algebra is used in different areas of daily life and how it can make tasks easier.
Challenge: Keep a journal of all instances of using algebra in daily life for a week and reflect on the results.
Where is algebra used?
Action: Research and report on a specific place or industry that uses algebra.
Keep in Mind: Look for examples of how algebra is used in different industries and places.
Deeper Learning: Analyze how algebra is used in different areas and how it is essential to certain industries.
Challenge: Create a presentation on a place or industry that uses algebra and present it to the class.
How is algebra used to make predictions?
Action: Create a simple linear equation and use it to make predictions.
Keep in Mind: Linear equations can be used to make predictions about future values based on past values.
Deeper Learning: Explore the concept of correlation and how it relates to making predictions using algebra.
Challenge: Create a linear equation and use it to make predictions about real-world data.
Why is algebra important?
Action: Research and report on the importance of algebra.
Keep in Mind: Look for examples of how algebra is used in different fields and industries.
Deeper Learning: Analyze the role of algebra in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Challenge: Create a presentation on the importance of algebra and present it to the class.
Huh? How does algebra relate to geometry?
Action: Research and report on the relationship between algebra and geometry.
Keep in Mind: Look for examples of how algebra is used in geometry, such as in equations of lines and circles.
Deeper Learning: Explore the connections between algebra and other branches of mathematics.
Challenge: Create a project that demonstrates the relationship between algebra and geometry.
Wow! How can we use algebra to solve real-world problems?
Action: Research and report on a real-world problem that can be solved using algebra.
Keep in Mind: Look for examples of how algebra is used to solve real-world problems in different fields and industries.
Deeper Learning: Analyze the process of using algebra to solve real-world problems and how it can be applied to different situations.
Challenge: Create a project that demonstrates how algebra
Prompt:
Act as a high school math teacher. Please provide eight "what if...?" questions a student learning algebra should wonder about algebra in order to love learning about algebra. Also, please create another set of questions starting with these words: What... Who... When... Where... How... Why... Huh?... Wow!.. Then, Generate any random question to spark curiosity for a lesson on algebra. Then complete the following tasks for each section below. Action: Design a quick, simple action for learners to demonstrate understanding and/or exploration of the question. Keep in Mind: Share a short segment of any relevant information for the exploration of the question or execution of the action. Deeper Learning: Share any tangential information that either opens up or deepens one’s thinking about the question and/or action. Challenge: Create a challenge that can only be accomplished through a demonstration of learning. Whereas the “Action” is typically something that can be done immediately, the “Challenge” can be something to extend the learning and/or actions surrounding the curiosity for additional activities and insights.
Want to learn more about how you can incorporate curiosity-based thinking into your teaching and learning? Contact What If Curiosity today and see how we can help you create an engaging and effective learning environment for your students.