Overview of "Be A Math Wizard" Webquest
- This webquest is designed to deepen students understanding of multiplication by creating and illustrating word problems and realizing that multiplication is repeated addition.
- It can be used as part of a 3rd grade math unit on multiplication and is aligned to the following CCSS: CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.1 Interpret products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 × 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects eachCCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.3 Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
- Students use of computers in this webquest meet the following NETS standards: 3 Research and information fluency students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students process data and report results.
- Because the tasks allow for student choice, the tasks can be easily differentiated for each students current level of multiplication proficiency.
- Additionally, the final product of a potion book could be modified for students with difficulties having to complete fewer pages or easier facts. It could also be modified for higher learners to include more pages or could include two digit by 1 digit facts to increase complexity.
- This webquest could be completed each day over the period of a week or could be used throughout the multiplication unit with the potion book as the culminating activity.
- This webquest provides both group and individual work. Students can work together on the computers to play the games if they choose. Also, students work together to correct each others word problems in step2.
- This webquest aims at reaching higher level thinking skills through the creation of potion book and solving each others word problems. It encourages students to apply, create, evaluate, and analyze.
- The final product, the potion book, is the assessment which is evaluated by the rubric. The rubric was created with the help of Rubistar. The rubric focuses on how accurately the pictures reflect the equation, neatness, completion of problems and accuracy. Please note that the accuracy component under Mathematical Errors is on students performance as solvers. How they answered their peers word problems. Once books are collected teachers should review problems created to make sure they are solvable for the solvers. If not students will need to correct them before they can be solved.
- You will need multiple computers with internet access to complete steps 1 & 2. A free printable multiplication chart can be found here: http://math.about.com/blgrid.htm
- Please check out the credits page to view other webquests and resources that were helpful in the development of this webquest. A quick google search of multiplication webquests offer a plethora of information.