Making a Difference with PowerPoint

1. Making a Difference with PowerPoint Math Dictionaries In this presentation, the value of using PowerPoint as a tool for student learning of vocabulary will be discussed. In this presentation, the value of using PowerPoint as a tool for student learning of vocabulary will be discussed.

2. Math Dictionaries Create for several units: Rational Numbers Geometry Algebra & Integers Probability Measurement Sixth grade students will use PowerPoint to create a math dictionary for terminology learned throughout several units. As the students are introduced to new vocabulary, they will add the terms to a list of words that will be included in their dictionary. Students will be responsible for using their notes, textbook, print dictionaries, and the internet to create their own �dictionary� of important terms. The purpose of the dictionaries are to increase student comprehension and retention of important math vocabulary. Students will find that the dictionaries are also great preparation tool for exams and quizzes.Sixth grade students will use PowerPoint to create a math dictionary for terminology learned throughout several units. As the students are introduced to new vocabulary, they will add the terms to a list of words that will be included in their dictionary. Students will be responsible for using their notes, textbook, print dictionaries, and the internet to create their own �dictionary� of important terms. The purpose of the dictionaries are to increase student comprehension and retention of important math vocabulary. Students will find that the dictionaries are also great preparation tool for exams and quizzes.

3. Reinforce Vocabulary Define term Demonstrate use of term Illustrate real-world situation Geometry dictionary example Math dictionaries reinforce new vocabulary in several different ways. For all units, students will write a personal definition of the term. They may use their notes, textbooks, print dictionaries, or online resources to help them understand the term. But, it is important that they use words and language that makes sense to them. The definition might also include the pronunciation, etymology, or part of speech of the term. This further emphasizes the meaning of the word and is also a great tie to the language arts curriculum. Depending on the topic of the unit, students will demonstrate the use of the term in one of several ways. For instance, in the geometry unit, students will be expected to find a real-world example of the term. They may use clipart or search for images on the web. The example will also correlate with a chosen theme. [go to example] Math dictionaries reinforce new vocabulary in several different ways. For all units, students will write a personal definition of the term. They may use their notes, textbooks, print dictionaries, or online resources to help them understand the term. But, it is important that they use words and language that makes sense to them. The definition might also include the pronunciation, etymology, or part of speech of the term. This further emphasizes the meaning of the word and is also a great tie to the language arts curriculum. Depending on the topic of the unit, students will demonstrate the use of the term in one of several ways. For instance, in the geometry unit, students will be expected to find a real-world example of the term. They may use clipart or search for images on the web. The example will also correlate with a chosen theme. [go to example]

4. Parallel (adj.) Parallel describes two lines or segments that will never intersect. ? In this example, a hurdle is used to demonstrate the meaning of �parallel�. This would be an appropriate illustration for a dictionary written with a sports theme. The part of speech, definition, and explanation of the illustration are also given. [BACK] ? In this example, a hurdle is used to demonstrate the meaning of �parallel�. This would be an appropriate illustration for a dictionary written with a sports theme. The part of speech, definition, and explanation of the illustration are also given. [BACK]

5. Reinforce Vocabulary Define term Demonstrate use of term Illustrate real-world situation Geometry dictionary example Describe situation in which term is used Provide example or illustration Review through sharing For other units, students will describe situations in which the term might be used. Depending on the rubric requirements, the situation could be a type of math problem or a real-life circumstance. Some math vocabulary words, such as prime number, are best demonstrated using examples and non-examples. Vocabulary with be further reinforced as students have the opportunities to share their dictionaries with others. Students can compare the different ways a term was illustrated or defined. They will be exposed to many different representations of a word which increases the probability a concept will be retained. For other units, students will describe situations in which the term might be used. Depending on the rubric requirements, the situation could be a type of math problem or a real-life circumstance. Some math vocabulary words, such as prime number, are best demonstrated using examples and non-examples. Vocabulary with be further reinforced as students have the opportunities to share their dictionaries with others. Students can compare the different ways a term was illustrated or defined. They will be exposed to many different representations of a word which increases the probability a concept will be retained.

6. Why Use PowerPoint? Multimedia Capabilities Text Graphics Audio Video Familiarization with Microsoft Office Share work with others Motivation Of course, there are many ways for students to demonstrate the definition of a word. The multimedia capabilities of PowerPoint make it an ideal tool for appealing to many learning styles. Students are able to present using several different modes. The dictionaries for all units would include text and graphics. Some dictionaries could have audio recordings of pronunciations and definitions. Students also might be able to reinforce words meanings by including videos that demonstrate a term. Children could create video or find clips on the web to support their definitions. Through the creation of their dictionaries, students will gain familiarity with the powerful presentation tool, PowerPoint. They will certainly need to use the program to complete projects for other classes in the future. Students can transfer what they have learned about using the menus and options in PowerPoint to other Microsoft Office programs. Their knowledge of Office software will benefit them throughout school AND in the real-world. Children will enjoy being able to share their work with the class. As mentioned before, this repetition will reinforce retention of words. Also, students will see the different definitions and ways the term can be applied. Knowing that their work will be shared with others will increase motivation. Typically the only audience for student work is the teacher and the child. With PowerPoint, the dictionary project can easily be shared with individual peers or the entire class. Many students will be proud of their creativity and professional looking presentation. Overall, PowerPoint is an excellent tool for learning and reinforcing vocabulary. Of course, there are many ways for students to demonstrate the definition of a word. The multimedia capabilities of PowerPoint make it an ideal tool for appealing to many learning styles. Students are able to present using several different modes. The dictionaries for all units would include text and graphics. Some dictionaries could have audio recordings of pronunciations and definitions. Students also might be able to reinforce words meanings by including videos that demonstrate a term. Children could create video or find clips on the web to support their definitions. Through the creation of their dictionaries, students will gain familiarity with the powerful presentation tool, PowerPoint. They will certainly need to use the program to complete projects for other classes in the future. Students can transfer what they have learned about using the menus and options in PowerPoint to other Microsoft Office programs. Their knowledge of Office software will benefit them throughout school AND in the real-world. Children will enjoy being able to share their work with the class. As mentioned before, this repetition will reinforce retention of words. Also, students will see the different definitions and ways the term can be applied. Knowing that their work will be shared with others will increase motivation. Typically the only audience for student work is the teacher and the child. With PowerPoint, the dictionary project can easily be shared with individual peers or the entire class. Many students will be proud of their creativity and professional looking presentation. Overall, PowerPoint is an excellent tool for learning and reinforcing vocabulary.

7. Examples & Materials Student Work �Bailey�s Exquizit Math Dictionary� �Brooke�s Animal Geometry Dictionary� Geometry Dictionary Rubric