Picture
This!
Math in the Real World
A PBL Magnet Project
2024 - 2025 Cohort
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INTRO
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OVERVIEW
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K - 2
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3 - 5
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6 - 8
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9 - 12
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COVER
REFLECTIONS
intro
Picture This: Questioning Math in Our World is conversation starter and aims to get us excited about looking for the math in our world.
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COVER
INTRO
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OVERVIEW
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K - 2
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3 - 5
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REFLECTIONS
08
9 - 12
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6 - 8
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overview
What is the purpose?
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COVER
INTRO
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K - 2
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3 - 5
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REFLECTIONS
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9 - 12
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6 - 8
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As a culminating project and celebration, educators participating in the PBL Magnet After-School Professional Development created this e-flip book. We are looking at math in our world and also applying the 8 Mathematical Practices, along with grade level standards.
What was used?
As a sample and guide for teachers and students to create their own Picture This slide deck, e-flip book, or blog.
OVERVIEW
To see and experience the creation and culmination of thematic project.
Who is involved?
Teachers from grades K - 12 who teach in project based learning schools across New York City.
QUESTIONS:
What fraction(s) can be used to name the parts of the center circle?
FUN FACT:
Concentric circles share the same center but have different radii.
LOCATION:
Alameda Hidalgo Park, Queretaro, Mexico
Contributed by:
Christine King
QUESTIONS:
If the price tag shown in only for a corner of the sectional, how much might the entire couch cost?!
FUN FACT:
The world’s longest couch, to date, is 168 feet 8 inches.
LOCATION:
Arhaus, SONO Collection Mall, Norwalk, Connecticut
Web: Arhaus Furniture
Contributed by:
Christine King
K - 2
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COVER
INTRO
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K - 2
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3 - 5
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REFLECTIONS
6 - 8
9 - 12
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06
08
OVERVIEW
All of the examples in this section were created by teachers from the K - 2 cohort. The critical mathematical areas for their grade levels are:
QUESTIONS:
How many points are in the apple’s star?
What is inside the star?
How was the apple cut in half; vertically or horizontally?
FUN FACT:
Apples come in many sizes, shapes and colors. They have many basic parts that are the same. All apples have a core where you will find the apple seeds.
Types of patterns in nature include symmetry, fractals, spirals, the Fibonacci sequence and tessellations.
LOCATION:
My kitchen table.
LINK:
Contributed by:
Dr. Christine Scafidi
STANDARDS K.CC.B.5 Answer counting questions using as many as 20 objects arranged in a line, a rectangular array, and a circle. Answer counting questions using as many as 10 objects in a scattered configuration. K.G.A.1 Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to. K.G.A.2 Name shapes regardless of their orientation or overall size. | WORK SAMPLE There are 5 points in the apple’s star. 2 1 3
5 4 There are seeds inside the star.
The apple half with the star was cut horizontally.
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ALIGNED QUESTION(S): How many points are in the apple’s star? What is inside the star? How was the apple with the star cut in half; vertically or horizontally? |
QUESTIONS:
How many 2D, 3D shapes can you identify using shapes attributes?
FUN FACT:
This beautiful place used to be our server room.
LOCATION:
P.S. 152 Library
Link:
About Us - P.S. 152M Dyckman Valley School
Contributed by:
Grisy Chamberlain
STANDARDS NY-2.G.1 Reason with shapes and their attributes. Classify two-dimensional figures as polygons or non-polygons. | WORK SAMPLE |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S): What are the attributes/characteristics of the shapes you see? |
QUESTIONS:
How many squares are in the Sudoku puzzle grid?
How many times does the number 9 appear inside the puzzle grid?
FUN FACT:
There is a Sudoku museum in Japan called the "Sudoku Kaikan," which is dedicated to the history and culture of Sudoku.
LOCATION:
Page 27 from ‘Sudoku Puzzles’ Volume 471 KAPPA Books
Link: https://sudoku2.com/sudoku-tips/sudoku-fun-facts/
Contributed by:
Dr. Christine Scafidi
STANDARDS 2.G.A.1 Partition a rectangle into rows and columns of same-size squares and count to find the total number of them. 2.NBT.B.6 Add up to four two-digit numbers based on place value and properties of operations. 1.NBT.A.1 Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. | WORK SAMPLE There are 81 small squares in the Sudoku puzzle grid. 9 rows with 9 squares in each row. You can count each square to 81. There are several same-size squares in the Sudoku puzzle grid. Other solutions; There are 81 small squares. There are 9 medium size squares. There is 1 large square. 81 + 9 + 1 = 91 squares (Other squares can be found and included in the student solutions) The number 9 appears nine times in the Sudoku puzzle grid. |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S): How many squares are in the Sudoku puzzle grid? How many times does the number 9 appear inside the puzzle grid? |
QUESTIONS:
If you are going to E 56th Street, how many more blocks would you need to go?
Mark walks from E 40th Street to E 33rd Street, and Shay rides his bike from E 40th St. to E 49th St. Who travels further?
FUN FACT:
The first street signs in New York City, known as “direction boards,” were posted in 1793 and were largely used on horsecars. They were intended to “rationalize the city’s built environment,” and have undergone many changes over the years.
LOCATION:
Brooklyn, NY
Link:
Contributed by:
Samantha
STANDARDS 2.OA.1a Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions. 2.OA.1b Use addition and subtraction within 100 to develop an understanding of solving two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions. | WORK SAMPLE Solutions to Question 1: |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S):
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STANDARDS 2.OA.1a Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve one-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions. 2.OA.1b Use addition and subtraction within 100 to develop an understanding of solving two-step word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions. | WORK SAMPLE Solutions to Question 2: |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S):
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3 - 5
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COVER
INTRO
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K - 2
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REFLECTIONS
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9 - 12
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6 - 8
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OVERVIEW
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3 - 5
All of the examples in this section were created by teachers from the 3 - 5 cohort. The critical mathematical areas for their grade levels are:
QUESTIONS:
How many Ritz Crackers are in this box of crackers?
How many servings are in one package of ‘fresh stacks?’
FUN FACT:
Ritz Crackers were introduced by the Nabisco Company in 1934 during the peak of the Great Depression.
Each Ritz Cracker has 7 holes.
LOCATION:
My kitchen counter.
Link:
Contributed by:
Dr. Christine Scafidi
STANDARDS 3.OA.A.3 Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities. 4.OA.A.3 Solve multistep word problems with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. | WORK SAMPLE
Groups Items in each group Total number of crackers 8 x 13 = 104 There are 104 Ritz Crackers in the box of crackers.
13 / 5 = 2 ⅗ There are two and three fifths servings in each package of ‘fresh stacks.’ |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S): How many Ritz Crackers are in this box of crackers? How many servings are in one package of ‘fresh stacks?’ |
QUESTIONS:
What percentage of keys have no letters?
FUN FACT:
The history of the modern computer keyboard begins with a direct inheritance from the invention of the typewriter. It was Christopher Latham Sholes who, in 1868, patented the first practical modern typewriter.
LOCATION:
Staten Island, NY
Link: History of Computers
Contributed by:
Shannon
QUESTIONS:
If I have 21 students in my class, how many students are not playing this game?
FUN FACT:
Inwood Hill Park has a human history that goes back to the Pre-Columbian era. Through the 17th century, Native Americans known as the Lenape inhabited the area.
LOCATION:
Inwood Hill Park
Isham Street, New York City·
Link:
Inwood Hill Park Facts for Kids
Contributed by:
Grisy
WORK SAMPLE | |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S): Based on the people standing there, how many feets are there? |
QUESTIONS:
There are 9 different types of chip bags at the party. If there are 8 bags of each kind of chips bags are there in all?
After the party about how many chips bags were taken from the table?
Contributed by:
Jayne
6 - 8
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COVER
INTRO
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K - 2
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REFLECTIONS
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9 - 12
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OVERVIEW
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3 - 5
6 - 8
All of the examples in this section were created by teachers from the 6 - 8 cohort. The critical mathematical areas for their grade levels are:
QUESTIONS:
What percent of the living room is covered by the rug?
What area of the living room floor is not covered by the rug?
FUN FACT:
In NYC apartment buildings, the "80% rule" is common, requiring at least 80% of the floor space, excluding kitchens and bathrooms, to be covered by carpeting or rugs. This rule is not a legal requirement, but is often included in leases or house rules. It's primarily intended to manage noise and protect landlords, though it can indirectly benefit other tenants by reducing noise.
LOCATION:
Manhattan, NY
Link: StreetEasy
Contributed by:
Kathryn
QUESTIONS:
FUN FACT:
The physically LARGEST book in the world: This the Prophet Muhamad. Located in Dubai, the book measures 16.40 feet by 26.44 feet and weighs approximately 3,306 pounds.
LOCATION:
T&P Room 320�9th Grade English Room
Link:�worldstrides.com
Contributed by:
Anais
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QUESTIONS:
What is the ratio of Chess Squares to Post-it Notes?
FUN FACT:
Chess was developed in India during the 6th century, with an earlier known form called Chaturanga.
LOCATION:
MS 358, Playground, Jamaica, Queens, NY
Link: Wikipedia.com
Contributed by:
Andreas
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QUESTIONS:
How many lines are in a hundred page notebook?
How many lines if the pages are double sided?
FUN FACT:
The world uses 65 billion sheets of paper each day.
LOCATION:
Staten Island, NY
Link: Record Nation
Contributed by:
Shannon
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STANDARDS 7.EE.B.4 Use variables to represent quantities in a real- world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities. | WORK SAMPLE
We are doing 2 times 100 sheets because each sheet is double-sided having 27 lines per page. We would have 5,400 lines in the entire book. |
ALIGNED QUESTION(S): How many lines are in a hundred page notebook? How many lines if the pages are double sided? |
QUESTIONS:
What percent of the clocks circumference is represented by the minutes past in the hour?
FUN FACT:
The first mechanical clocks, powered by weights, are believed to have been developed in Europe from around 1270 to 1300.
LOCATION:
Outside classroom 423, at MS358Q in Jamaica Queens, NY
Contributed by:
Rita
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QUESTIONS:
Which bottle provides more Vitamin A per tablet in mcg, and by what percentage is it greater? Explain your strategy.
FUN FACT:
U.S. sales of all dietary supplements totaled an estimated $55.7 billion in 2020, $8.0 billion was for Multivitamins.
LOCATION:
NYC, New York
Link: Nutrition Business Journal. Supplement Business Report 2021. Boulder, CO: New Hope Network, 2021
Contributed by:
Lisa Watson
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STANDARDS NY-7.RP.3 Use proportional relationships to solve multistep ratio and percent problems. | WORK SAMPLE
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ALIGNED QUESTION(S): Which bottle provides more Vitamin A per tablet in mcg, and by what percentage is it greater? Explain your strategy. |
First Bottle | Second Bottle |
3 tablets have 1,500 mcg total To find 1 tablet, divide the total by 3 1500 ÷ 3 = 500 mcg per tablet | ½ tablets has 400 mcg To find 1 whole tablet, multiply by 2 (because 1 tablet = 2 x ½ tablet): 400 x 2 = 800 mcg per tablet |
QUESTIONS:
Estimate the amount of people at the Shakira concert?
FUN FACT:
It cost: $1.6 billion
Venue Size: 2.1 million square feet
Holds: 82,500 people
LOCATION:
Metlife Stadium
East Rutherford, NJ
Link: METLife Stadium
Contributed by:
Lisa Watson
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QUESTIONS:
A ramen noodle pillow, made by students is 15 inches long. To create a display for a school fair, the student wants to arrange several identical pillows end-to-end along a table that's 7 feet long. If there must be at least 1 inch of space between each pillow, how many ramen noodle pillows can fit on the table without exceeding its length, and what is the total length of space taken up by the pillows?
FUN FACT:
In Japan, it was cheaper to buy fresh noodles known as Udon, than to purchase instant noodles. The Udon noodles did not last as long, which is why instant noodles were considered “better.” The shelf life was much longer, making them more valuable. Eventually the cost of instant noodles went down making them very popular among lower income families.
LINK:
Contributed by:
Andrea
QUESTIONS:
If I wanted to make enough pudding for a class of 32 students what would my new measurements be?
FUN FACT:
Magnolia's banana pudding made up 10 percent of Magnolia's sales back in 2007, it is now responsible for 25-30 percent of what Magnolia sells in stores.
LOCATION:
Link:
https://www.magnoliabakery.com
Contributed by:
Deirdre Cooney
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REFLECTIONS
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9 - 12
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9 - 12
COVER
07
INTRO
K - 2
OVERVIEW
3 - 5
6 - 8
All of the examples in this section were created by teachers from the 9 - 12 cohort. The critical mathematical areas for each domain:
QUESTIONS:
If the stelae are 7 ft 9.5in long, 3 ft 1.5 in wide, and vary in height from 8 in to 15 ft 5 in, what is the range of volume the blocks?
FUN FACT:
The monument consists of a 4.7 acre site covered with 2,711 concrete slabs or "stelae," arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field.
There are 43,560 square feet in one acre.
LOCATION:
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin, Germany
Contributed by:
Dr. Laura M. Gellert
QUESTIONS:
If each tower of the George Washington Bridge is 604 feet high and 119 feet wide, what is the approximate area of one square in the bridge tower?
Why are triangles used in many bridge structures?
FUN FACT:
The lower level was opened on August 29,1962 providing six lanes for traffic. These additional lanes increased the capacity of the bridge by 75 percent, making the GWB the world's only 14-lane suspension bridge.
LOCATION:
Lincoln Ave., Fort Lee, NJ
Link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington_Bridge
Contributed by:
Dr. Christine Scafidi
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REFLECTIONS
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9 - 12
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Reflections
COVER
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INTRO
K - 2
OVERVIEW
3 - 5
6 - 8
Lots of strategies and instructional approaches were discovered.
It was an eye opening experience to know the real reason behind the pattern blocks.
Very grateful for these sessions. It brings clarity on how to better assist my students in ways they can understand.
Every session is enlightening. �
Knowledge increased.
Fun time learning.
Thank you!!!