Marshmallow Math...YUM!

Hi Everyone, 

My classmate Sabrina created a math problem out of marshmallows for this weeks class. It involved filling two papers, of different length, with marshmallows and determining which container contains more marshmallows. The scenario that Sabrina created for this activity is a very relatable with students. I think this is very important for explaining any mathematical concept to students because it helps them conceptualize it. 

Sabrina dealt with volume for her activity. She had a piece of paper folded into two different ways and called upon students at each table to fill those cylinders with marshmallows. Then, she encouraged students to guess which container held more marshmallows and encouraged students to explain their reasoning. I think that in Math it is very important to facilitate discussion with peers because it aides student to communicate and evaluate their opinion. 

The next step of this activity was to empty one shape and put the contents of the other into that shape. It was a very interesting step because it allowed students to see the difference between the two shapes. Finally, Sabrina asks what type of elements we can consider when deciding which shape had more marshmallows. Some suggestions included measuring the shapes and the marshmallows while others suggested using a formula for volume to calculate a cylinder. Overall, I think this was a very thought out activity and something that I can see using in a future math class.