Sixth Graders Acquire a Sense of Proportion—through Math

In what math teacher Paul Rogers calls the “Comic Blow-up Project,” sixth graders are currently focused on ratios, proportions, and scale, using grids and measuring tools to create comic enlargements on a scale of 1:3.5. Mr. Rogers has the students work in groups of 2 or 3 on this project “because I want them to learn the value of teamwork. They need to check each other's measurements (measure twice, draw once), figure out ways to divide up the work so everyone contributes, and brainstorm solutions to the problems they encounter.”

On each homework assignment, students are required to write the "key word" of that month. January's key word was patience. In answer to the perennial question, "When am I ever going to use this math?” Mr. Rogers tells them that, “although I don't know if they will ever use the math they are learning in class, the key words are an important part of the process of learning math well and are an essential part of being successful in anything else they want to do when they are older.” Other key words have been accuracy, persistence, and determination. Mr. Rogers smiles: “This project in particular tested their patience, accuracy, persistence, and determination.” MORE PHOTOS