Engaging Activities in Grade 12 Courses

Deal Or No Deal 

This past week, we were introduced to an activity that was based on probability for a grade 12 Data Management course. We were essentially playing Deal Or No Deal while learning about theoretical probability. We were asked to work in partners, however, our group ended up working in a group of 4 people. We found it was much more engaging working together because we had to make the decision as a group. This would be a great teaching decision because it allows the teacher to assess living skills and the discussions that were taking place at each table. After we opened each set of ‘cases’, we were asked to calculate the theoretical probability of leaving with a larger amount than what was offered from the ‘banker’. This was an authentic way for students to practice probability calculations and we all had fun in the process. I plan to use this activity because students always want to know when mathematics will be useful to them and this game show is one example of when mathematics can truly help you!

Logarithm Dominos 

We were also introduced to an activity about logarithms which was meant for a grade 12 Calculus course. I would have never imagined that there could be an activity that was this engaging about logarithms, yet here it was. We were given ‘dominos’ with expressions written on both ends. We needed to first understand the concept of logarithms in order to complete this activity so this would be an excellent way to consolidate a lesson. We were essentially playing dominos with the answers of the expressions and we had 45 seconds to place a domino on our turn. I thought this was an extremely engaging activity because we were truly having fun and learning about logarithms at the same time. The only part that I found confusing was the actual rules of dominos since I had never played before. However, we were helping each other, with both the rules and the mathematics, rather than competing to win. Completing this activity made me wonder if this could work for other concepts as well. For example, I can picture using this activity with linear expressions focusing on the slopes specifically, then another round using the y-intercepts. Within my next block, I plan on taking what the students are learning about and incorporating this game within a lesson.