Professional Learning Station by Reynand Dumala-on

​Welcome to my Professional Learning Station on
Nature-Based Mathematics Teaching!
by Reynand Dumala-on

Today, we’ll explore how outdoor learning environments can enhance our maths instruction. By connecting mathematical concepts to the natural world, we can foster deeper engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in our students.

Let’s get started!

​Professional Learning Outcome(s)

• Learning Outcome
  Educators will explore how integrating nature into mathematics teaching enhances student engagement and understanding.

• Task Overview
  You’ll participate in an interactive nature walk, solve real-world problems related to nature, and reflect on the potential for applying nature-based teaching methods in your own classrooms.

​Key Learnings (Big Ideas)

1. Math in Nature
   The natural world is rich with mathematical concepts like geometry, measurement, and patterns.

2. Outdoor Learning
   Engaging students with real-world, outdoor contexts makes abstract maths concepts tangible.

3. Enquiry-Based Learning
   Students can investigate, collect data, and solve problems using nature as their classroom.

4. Cultural and Environmental Relevance
   Connecting maths to the environment enhances cultural and ecological awareness.

Poll

Let's do a poll!

For now, how comfortable are you with incorporating outdoor learning into your maths lessons?

• Very Comfortable

• Somewhat Comfortable

• Not Comfortable

Open Ended

Activity 1: Nature Walk Data Collection
Watch a recording showing a nature walk , focusing on trees, plants, and the environment. Pay attention to shapes, measurements, and patterns in nature.

Task: Calculate the canopy's area if the tree is 15 metres tall and has a circular canopy with a radius of 3 metres. Submit your work in the space provided.

$$Area=\pi r^2$$  

Connection to Ontario Maths Curriculum: Geometry and Measurement
https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g1-math/strand-e/e1; https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g4-math/strand-e/e2

Open Ended

Activity 2: Real-World Problem Solving

You are tasked with calculating the optimal space for planting 50 new trees in a park, each with a canopy similar to the video activity earlier. The park area is 2000 square metres, and each tree's canopy has an area of 10 square metres.

Tip: Think about how you can break the problem into smaller steps—start by considering how much space the trees take up and how that leaves room for the gaps in between. Your answer must show the space per tree in square metres. Submit your work in the space provided.

Connection to Ontario Maths Curriculum: Spatial Reasoning and Problem-Solving Skills
https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/grades/g2-math/strand-e/e1; https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics/context/the-mathematical-processes

Match

Match the following formulas.

• $$\pi r^2$$

• l x w

• 1/2bh

• $$\pi r^{2h}$$

• $$4\pi r^2$$

Area of a Circle

Area of a Rectangle

Area of a Triangle

Volume of a Cylinder

Surface Area of a Sphere

• Area of a Circle

• Area of a Rectangle

• Area of a Triangle

• Volume of a Cylinder

• Surface Area of a Sphere

Relevant Resources and Reading Materials for Exploring Maths in Nature
1. Ontario Teachers' Federation: Taking Math Outdoors!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXl8rneUCfQ&feature=youtu.be
2. Pinnguaq Learning: Math in Nature Video Series
https://pinnguaq.com/learn/math-in-nature-video-series/
3. Math Geek Mama
https://mathgeekmama.com/math-in-nature/
4. CCCF Resources on Math & Science
https://cccf-fcsge.ca/ece-resources/topics/math-science/experience-math-through-nature/
5. TED-Ed Mathematics Lessons
https://ed.ted.com/lessons?category=mathematics
6. Mathnasium Blog: Life Cycle of Periodical Cicadas
https://www.mathnasium.com/ca/blog/20160422-math-in-nature-a-prime-life-cycle-for-periodical-cicadas
7. Make Math Moments
https://makemathmoments.com/

Evidence of How This Topic Supports Teaching and Learning of Mathematics
A. Teacher Learning and Student Learning

-Teacher Learning. By exploring real-world, nature-based scenarios, teachers develop better strategies for fostering student engagement in mathematics, increasing their effectiveness in the classroom.

-Student Learning. This method enhances students' understanding of abstract mathematical concepts by relating them to concrete experiences. Nature also makes math feel more relevant and connected to the world around them.

B. Teacher Efficacy
-Teachers can use nature to make complex topics more accessible, thus increasing their confidence in teaching mathematical concepts.

-Leadership in Mathematics. This approach empowers teachers to become leaders in adopting innovative, student-centered methodologies.

Resources:
NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) - https://www.nctm.org/
Edutopia - https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-nature-engage-students-learning/
American Institute for Research (AIR) - https://www.air.org/
Make Math Moments - https://makemathmoments.com/
Math in Nature Project - https://www.mathinnature.org/
The Teaching Channel - https://www.teachingchannel.com/
The Nature Conservancy - https://www.nature.org/en-us/

Multiple Choice

Quiz 1

What’s the formula for the area of a circle?

• $$\pi r^2$$

• $$2\pi r$$

• $$r^2$$

Multiple Choice

Quiz 2

What is the most accurate method for measuring the area of an irregular natural object, like a leaf or rock? Choose the best answer.

• Estimate using a known reference object

• Use a formula for a geometric shape

• Divide the object into smaller, measurable shapes

Connection to the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum

This activity station aligns with key strands of the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum for grades 7-10, offering students opportunities to apply mathematical concepts in real-world, nature-based contexts. The activity integrates the following strands:

• Measurement - students calculate areas, perimeters, and volumes of natural objects, honing their precise measurement and estimation skills.

• Geometry - students explore geometric concepts like perimeter, area, and transformations by analysing natural shapes (e.g., the symmetry of leaves or the angles in a rock formation).

• Data Management - engaging with real-world data, such as measuring dimensions of natural objects and recording observations, encourages students to interpret and analyze data meaningfully.

• Problem Solving - nature-based scenarios foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students apply their mathematical knowledge to answer questions and make estimations based on observations.

Through hands-on activities, students connect mathematical theory to the world around them, deepening their understanding and making learning more engaging, interactive, and applicable.
Resource: Ontario Math Curriculum and Resources - https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/math

Open Ended

The Universe is Engineered through
Physics & Mathematics

Please give me your thoughts in the space below.

Open Ended

Reflections

Watch a short video on how nature-based and outdoor maths teaching has helped other educators improve engagement and student achievement in mathematics. Then, kindly respond to these questions. Use the space provided below and type in your reflection.

1. How can we use outdoor spaces to teach complex math concepts like geometry, measurement, and statistics?
2. What challenges might arise when integrating nature-based teaching in your classroom?
3. How confident are you in implementing nature-based math lessons?

Feedback is Valuable!

Your feedback is essential to help us improve the learning experience. Please take a moment to fill out the survey and share your thoughts about the professional learning station. I would love to hear your suggestions for improvement!

Poll

Feedback 1

How would you rate the overall content of the learning station?

• Excellent

• Good

• Fair

• Poor

Poll

Feedback 2

Which activity did you find most helpful in understanding nature-based maths teaching strategies?

• Activity 1

• Activity 2

• Both

Open Ended

What additional resources would you like to see in future professional learning stations?

Open Ended

What suggestions do you have to improve this learning station?