Create Integrated Math Activities for Middle Schoolers with Microsoft Office

Presenter: Scott Lommis

Real life examples were given to show how PowerPoint, Excel, and Word were used to teach math to middle schoolers. Then, participants were given hands-on experience putting the things learned into action.

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PowerPoint

Textbox Objects: Inserting textbox objects will allow students to enter requested information right into a slide. It can also be used as a presenter to brainstorm a certain idea and type the information directly onto the slide while the participants (or students) are brainstorming.

Ink Annotation: Using this allows teachers to ask the students to draw requested information. Using the highlight tool, emphasis can be placed on text when presenting, or student's can highlight text as they are reading to bring out key information to answer questions (like it math word problems).

Record Narration: Narration can be added to individual slides (ex. giving directions) or to the entire slide show. Note: need to have access to a microphone

Action Buttons: Insert action buttons to create easy navigation through a PowerPoint. Quizzes and games can be created using these items. You can hyperlink to a webpage, previous page, next page, or even a particular slide. Scott doesn't suggest giving students free reign; however, a teacher led "quiz" can be very effective.

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Excel

IF formulas: Instant feedback is good in Excel because it is harder to guess. The correct has has to be included to received the correct response. To create the instant response, use the IF conditional formatting.

Auto-Create Graphs and Charts: Using input data and graph can be generated that will automatically create a visual of the information. A great way to use this with kids is have them perform experiments with different variables. An example of this is to have different groups drop tennis balls from various heights and record the height of the bounce. This information can be input into the excel spreadsheet and immediately the information is represented on the graph. The other groups do the same so it provides an immediate visual comparision.

Drawing Tools: These can be used to demonstrate knowledge of something they've learned. An example would be to have them insert ovals, set specific dememsions for the ovals, and fit into a larger object.

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Word

Clipart as a Manipulative: Inserting clipart will allow you to have rulers or numbers lines for student's to mainpulate on the screen to measure objects.

Format AutoShape: Use this when precise measurement is needed

Auto-Shape - Freeform, Drawing Tools: These can be used to have students demonstrate knowledge of a concept being taught. An example of this is to have students to create a perimeter of an object that is not a normal object.

Using Form Fields: If time doesn't allow for teaching how to use the technology, a document can be created for form fields to be used with designated text and check box fields.