On April 22 at Pacific Spirit Park, about 30 educators from across BC joined Lauren McLean and I for a walk through the forest, noticing the forest through a math lens. There were educators from Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Surrey, Langley, Chilliwack and Campbell River!
We engaged in several different experiences, uncovering and making connections to mathematics. We began with creating structures using found materials that could be used for a challenge task of some sort. We linked these tasks together to create a course that we could run through, timing each other and trying to improve on our times. We encouraged participants to "map" the course and to consider the spatial reasoning used to think about mapping - shape, size, distance, perspective, etc
We moved to another area of the forest and looked closely for patterns around us. We used field guides to help identify species and considered the mathematics embedded in plant and animal identification.
There were so many interesting discussions about learning outdoors - how it supports engagement, self-regulation, emotional well-being and opportunities for risky play.
Together, we compiled our photographs and ideas from the day and have created an ebook using the Book Creator app. I will update this post with a link to the book once I have that all sorted out!
HERE IS THE LINK TO OUR FIRST EBOOK: Where does math live in the forest?
This was an informal, "pop-up" professional learning experience that we all decided we should try again - so next up, a day at the beach!
~Janice
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