JCMS students study rational numbers

Students in Laurie Flemings seventh-grade class who participated in a study of rational numbers are, from left, Franklin Hagins, Blais Chance, Kristin McLamb and Irene Dieteman. (Photo contributed)

Recently, students in Laurie Fleming's seventh-grade math class created posters displaying their knowledge of positive and rational numbers. The posters contained information about comparing rational numbers, absolute value, properties of real numbers and rules and common misconceptions concerning rational numbers. Students were also asked to demonstrate several problems using rational numbers and then created reallife problems using them.

Students were graded on creativity, theme and adherence to requirements of the project. A rubric (grading system) was given to the students before and after the project outlining what was expected and how they met the criteria.

This activity was used to demonstrate students' knowledge of the Georgia Performance Standards. The key standards involved in the project are: M7N1. (ALL) Students will understand the meaning of positive and negative rational numbers and use them in computation; M7A1. (ALL) Students will represent and evaluate quantities using algebraic expressions; and M7A2. (ALL) Students will understand and apply linear equations in one variable.

Related standards include: M7P1. Students will solve problems (using appropriate technology); b. Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts; M7P3. (ALL) Students will communicate mathematically; M7P5. Students will represent mathematics in multiple ways; a. Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas and b. Select, apply, and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems.