In the past, mathematics was taught as a process method. Reasoning and thinking through the processes were not emphasized as much as they are today. One way to get your students interested in mathematics is through the television show Numb3rs.
Background on Numb3rs
The show started airing in January 2005. Since then it has been popular. The show is essentially a crime show with a twist. Don Epps and his team solve crimes with the help of Don's brother, Charlie. Charlie is a mathematics professor at CalSci who is called upon to help the FBI in difficult cases. Charlie's work centers on using probability in order to calculate criminals' next moves. Charlie is also helped by Amita, his girlfriend, and Larry, a fellow professor and longtime friend.
"We All Use Math Everyday" Website
When the show debuted, Texas Instruments had a partnership with CBS and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in order to develop activities related to the show for high school students in order to help interest students in mathematics. However, they only had a three year partnership and TI stopped developing activities in January 2008. The activities from previous seasons can still be found on the We All Use Math Everyday website.
Activities and Lessons
Listed with each episode are two or three activities that teachers can use in their classrooms. Information for teachers about the activity is listed, as well as information for the students. Standards information, goals and purposes of the lesson are also provided.
Most of the lessons are for older students and are more difficult to use with Algebra 1 and Geometry students. However, there are lessons that are applicable to these grade levels as well. Most of the lessons require access to TI 83 or 84 calculators (for graphing or statistical purposes), but some of the lessons can be adapted in order to not require calculators. Groups may be useful if there are calculators available but in limited supply.
How to Use the Lessons
There are many approaches in using the lessons and activities. One approach would be to use an activity in order to introduce a new topic, such as simple probability in order to help engage the students in the topic. The activities could also be used after a topic in order to reinforce what was taught as well as give more meaning to the previous lesson.
Another suggestion would be to use the lessons around a school vacation, if you have a few days to spare but do not have enough time to start a new unit or topic. Since most students have more trouble motivating themselves right before a break, picking an episode that has activities that are not beyond their knowledge would be good. Leading up to the last day before break, complete the activities. The day before break, bring in the episode and show it to the class. While the mathematics in the episode may still be above their knowledge level, the students will have a basic understanding of what Charlie is using to help solve the crimes.
Assessment Activities
While these activities may be more interesting than learning mathematics through exercises provided in textbooks, students will need to be assessed in order to keep their motivation. Count the activity as a homework or classwork assignment, or even a quiz grade. Be sure to discuss the answers as a class in order to measure student understanding. If using the activity as a reinforcement for a topic, ask a question about it on a test. If using it before a vacation, put an extra credit question on a test (unless you go over the activities thoroughly after they return from break).
Summary
Using these activities will help motivate your students' appreciation of math. While most activities are geared toward junior and senior level mathematics classes, there are some activities that could be used for younger students. These activities help introduce a lesson, summarize a lesson or help keep students interested on days before school vacations. But do remember to assess their understanding, otherwise, they will take less interest.
