About the site
This website is designed for educators who wish to extend the concepts of the math curriculum beyond the pages of the text. Google Earth is the dynamic tool that will be used to accomplish this. Google Earth provides startling clear satellite views of the globe in an interactive 3D environment. Beyond the visual, users can add placemarks, annotations, photos, and models, as well as measure distances and draw paths.
Within this site you will find lesson ideas, examples, and downloads for mathematics that embrace active learning, constructivism, and project-based learning while remaining true to the standards. The initial focus will be for grades 5 and up, but teachers of younger students may be able to find some uses or inspiration from the site. Higher level thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and creativity are encouraged as well as technology skills and social learning. The core of this site is mathematics, but many lessons lend themselves to interdisciplinary activities also.
The menu bar at the top of each page will link you to several areas of the site. The Lessons page offers a menu of lessons grouped into five categories: Concept Lessons, Project-Based Learning, Exploratory, Measurement and Space. Each grouping contains 4 or more lesson examples to preview. The Community page is intended as a means to collaborate, respond to, or submit lesson ideas. One strong feature of instructional technology is the ongoing communication between users, and the Community page will serve as this site’s social viaduct. The Update page will display new lessons or resources added to the site, as well as any alterations to lessons previously posted. The Update page will also be the location of Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ. Finally, the Resource page will contain links to other sites, blogs, or materials that users of Real World Math should find helpful. This will include links to tutorials on Google Earth and SketchUp.
Math teachers are always searching for meaningful, practical math lessons that engage their students. I hope this site is useful to you and that your students learn real world math.
View the promotional video to learn more!
Thomas J. Petra
Contact
Please use the Blog on the Community page to offer ideas, corrections, and collaboration. If you would like to communicate personally with me or submit lesson material , use the email address above.
