Problem Solving and Integrated Learning
The mathematics curriculum focuses on teaching through problem solving. Integrating learning opportunities gives teachers more flexibility in creating their problem-solving questions.
For example, math concepts can be taught through science investigations. Grade 3 students may be exploring Strong and Stable Structures in Science, and so the teacher could create a problem whereby students work in groups to design and budget materials they need to build a bridge that can withstand the weight of a specified live load. Through cross-curricular and integrated learning, students are applying math knowledge and skills while also learning about science concepts. This type of activity exposes children to the type of thinking they would need to have in the real-world if they were engineers attempting to build a bridge for a specific purpose.
Literacy concepts can easily be tied into mathematics learning. For instance, a book that relates to a specific math concept could be used as a starting point for a problem-based learning opportunity. There are plenty of rich math problem-solving questions that can be integrated across subject areas, which will lead to increased student engagement and conceptual understanding of topics.
Integrated Lesson Planning: Resources for Teachers
There are an abundance of online resources to help teachers in creating cross-curricular and integrated lessons. Below are links to valuable resources for lesson-planning, just to name a few. Click on the title to access the websites.
A Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics: Problem Solving and Communication
Ontario Teachers’ Federation: Lesson Plans
ProTeacher: Cross-Curricular Math Lessons
About Education: Cross-Curricular Lesson Plans
For example, math concepts can be taught through science investigations. Grade 3 students may be exploring Strong and Stable Structures in Science, and so the teacher could create a problem whereby students work in groups to design and budget materials they need to build a bridge that can withstand the weight of a specified live load. Through cross-curricular and integrated learning, students are applying math knowledge and skills while also learning about science concepts. This type of activity exposes children to the type of thinking they would need to have in the real-world if they were engineers attempting to build a bridge for a specific purpose.
Literacy concepts can easily be tied into mathematics learning. For instance, a book that relates to a specific math concept could be used as a starting point for a problem-based learning opportunity. There are plenty of rich math problem-solving questions that can be integrated across subject areas, which will lead to increased student engagement and conceptual understanding of topics.
Integrated Lesson Planning: Resources for Teachers
There are an abundance of online resources to help teachers in creating cross-curricular and integrated lessons. Below are links to valuable resources for lesson-planning, just to name a few. Click on the title to access the websites.
A Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics: Problem Solving and Communication
Ontario Teachers’ Federation: Lesson Plans
ProTeacher: Cross-Curricular Math Lessons
About Education: Cross-Curricular Lesson Plans