Introduction
This WebQuest will guide students through the three key properties of math: commutative property, associative property, and distributive property. This WebQuest will include a guided practice, an activity, a project, and a follow-up assessment. By the end of these activities, the students will be able to develop a solid understanding of these properties, distinguish between the properties, and apply them to real-world and mathematical problems.
Guiding Questions:
- What are the commutative, associative, and distributive properties?
- How can these properties simplify solving equations?
- How do these properties apply to real-world scenarios?
Learning Objectives:
- Define and identify the commutative, associative, and distributive properties.
- Apply these properties to solve mathematical problems efficiently.
- Create examples showing how these properties work in real-life situations.
The standards that will be addressed in this WebQuest are:
MA.6.AR.1.4
MA.6.AR.1.AP.4
Task
- For this activity, the students will participate in a group equation transformation race. The students will be put into small groups. Each group will be given a set of equation cards that they have to simplify before the timer is done. The group who has the most points wins!
- For this assignment, the students will work in small groups to create and present a PowerPoint presentation. The PowerPoint should include at least 9 slides (3 for each property), an explanation of the property definitions with examples, a real-life application for each property, and contain pictures or animations.
- For this assessment, the students will be assessed on their knowledge of the 3 properties and their ability to apply them. This assessment will contain multiple-choice and short-answer questions. (This is an independent assessment.)
Process
- a. Divide the class into small group.
b. Each group will be given a set of equation cards that they will solve using the properties.
c. Set a timer for 5-7 minutes. In this time frame, students will solve as many equations as they can.
d. Once the timer ends, review the answers with the class and offer extra credit or small prizes to the winner of the race.
- a. Each student in the group will research the property they have chosen. The research should include the definition, a worked-out example, and a real-life application (Use these provided sources to conduct your research: https://www.khanacademy.org/, https://www.mathsisfun.com/, https://www.purplemath.com/ ).
b. Share your research with your group mates
c. Plan the layout of your PowerPoint.
d. On the due date, students will present their project, teaching other students what they know.
- a. Students will be given 45 minutes to complete the assessment.
b. This assessment will have 3 multiple-choice definition questions, 3 multiple choice questions of equations that will be required to apply the correct property, 3 short answer questions of equations that they will be required to use the correct property, and a short answer real-world problem.
Evaluation
- Activity Rubric:
-Teamwork (10 Points): Evidence of collaboration and works well with other team members.
-Participation (10 Points): Contributes and answers questions.
- PowerPoint Rubric:
-Content (40 Points): Clear definitions, examples, and applications.
-Organization (20 Points): Logical structure and effective narration.
-Visuals and Creativity (10 Points): Use relevant visuals, animations, and creativity.
-Teamwork (10 Points): Evidence of collaboration and balanced contributions.
-Presentation (20 Points): Clarity, engagement, and professionalism in narration.
- Assessment Rubric:
-Definitions (3 Points), Multiple Choice (3 Points), Short Answers (3 points), Real-world use (1 Point): Each correct question is one point.
-Show your work (10 Points): Student shows their work step-by-step.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of the WebQuest! At this point, the student has completed an introduction activity, a PowerPoint project, and an assessment. As a result, the student has gained a greater understanding of commutative, associative, and distributive property. An enrichment activity that students can complete is a “Math Property Superhero Activity”. https://www.mathsisfun.com/activity/associative-commutative-distributive.html