Mathematical Modelling
What is Mathematical Modelling?
Mathematical modelling is not simply using a graph, chart, equation or physical model to represent a concept, but rather the process of engaging in a multistep, iterative process in which students use mathematics to make sense of a real-world context.
It's a creative process, involving making assumptions and decisions, to understand something new and relevant and make informed choices based on that learning.
Grades 1 to 8: Algebra
C4. apply the process of mathematical modelling to represent, analyse, make predictions, and provide insight into real-life situations
Grade 9: Data
D2. apply the process of mathematical modelling, using data and mathematical concepts from other strands, to represent, analyse, make predictions, and provide insight into real-life situations
Recordings of Ministry of Education webinars on mathematical modelling are available in the 'Supports for Learning' educator e-Community using the DSB1 Virtual Learning Environment.
DSB1 Mathematical Modelling Webinar
(June 2021)
The audience for this webinar was secondary math teachers but the ideas presented are applicable to all grades. This video addresses the following questions:
What is mathematical modelling?
Why is it important?
What might some modelling tasks look like for my grade?
How do I facilitate this process?
How might I assess it?
Where can I find some resources?
Mathematical Modelling Ideas
This is the collaborative document generated during the webinar. It’s open for editing to DSB1 educators. We welcome your ongoing ideas!
Getting Started with Modelling
3-Act Math Tasks can introduce the process of mathematical modelling by exploring a smaller problem that can potentially be done in one math block. Using these tasks on a semi-regular basis can help students become familiar with the modelling process, enabling them to tackle larger, more complex problems.
Dan Meyer: The Three Acts of a Mathematical Story (blog post) and 3-Act Math Tasks
Andrew Stadel: 3-Act Math Tasks
Jon Orr: MrOrr-IsAGeek.com
Kyle Pearce: TapIntoTeenMinds.com
From MakeMathMoments.com
Graham Fletcher: FGletchy.com
Recording template for 3-Act math tasks:
If you use Desmos Activities to facilitate your lessons, click the icon below to get a 3-Act math activity template. Just drop in your videos, images, etc.
Click below to access a 3-Act math task made into a Desmos Activity. The videos and images are from Dan Meyer’s “Girl Scout Cookies” from his database linked above. This task involves volume of rectangular prisms.
Assessing Mathematical Modelling
The following rubric was created based on criteria adapted from Guidelines for Assessment & Instruction in Mathematical Modeling Education (Bliss, Karen, et al). The accompanying student guide mirrors the criteria in the rubric. The guide is intended to support students through a larger modelling task but as student become more comfortable with the process of mathematical modelling, they will likely require this support less and less. Both documents can be copied and edited to suit your needs.
More Modelling Resources:
Mathematical Modelling: A New Addition to the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum for Grades 1-8
(Sept 2020)
Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Mathematical Modeling Education
Guiding Questions to Support Math Modelling
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Articles:
Going with the Flow: Challenging Students to Make Assumptions
Preserving Pelicans with Models That Make Sense
Fracking: Drilling into Math and Social Justice
A Blizzard of a Value
An Authentic Task that Models Quadratics
(Maximizing Profit)
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