An iAdventure is an interactive site that focuses on the students' use of problem solving skills. The site is designed to have students research various forms of data and information by visiting other suggested web sites. This information allows students to make decisions about various dilemmas presented in the adventure.
Content, Grade Level, and Time Needed This iAdventure covers mathematical content in a consumer sense. Budgeting is the main topic focused upon, but single topics explored are data analysis, averaging, and time constraints. This iAdventure could be used in seventh through twelfth grade levels, depending upon the curriculum. It is set up for one to two students to work at a computer. Full exploration and production of this iAdventure should take 4-90 minute blocks.
This site map allows you to visit a page in any order.
Background Information "The Ultimate Graduation Present" begins with the student being part of the actual iAdventure. Their best friend, Logan, was given $4000 for graduation and wants the two of them to take a vacation to either New York City or Los Angeles. After the student chooses their destination, they are faced with the decision of flying or driving. They use various web sites to gain insight on costs of both methods of travel. After they choose their mode of transportation, the student looks at hotel and vacation information from suggested web resources about the city they chose. As a final product, the student creates a vacation budget and itinerary based upon the choices they made through the adventure. All research links in this adventure open in a new window. When the student is finished viewing the information, they simply need to close the window to return to the same page they were on in the adventure.
The Show-Me (Missouri) Standards
This iAdventure pertains to the following Show-Me standards:
GOAL 1
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to gather, analyze and apply information and ideas. Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to (2) conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas, (4) use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information, and (8) organize data, information and ideas into useful forms (including charts, graphs, outlines) for analysis or presentation.GOAL 2
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively within and beyond the classroom. Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to (1) plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences.GOAL 3
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to recognize and solve problems. Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to (8) assess costs, benefits and other consequences of proposed solutions.GOAL 4
Students in Missouri public schools will acquire the knowledge and skills to make decisions and act as responsible members of society. Students will demonstrate within and integrate across all content areas the ability to (1) explain reasoning and identify information used to support decisions.Mathematics
In Mathematics, students in Missouri schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of (1) addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; other number sense, including numeration and estimation; and the application of these operations and concepts in the workplace and other situations, and (3) data analysis, probability and statistics.
Resources Needed
- One computer with Internet access to every two students
- Calculators (optional)
- Copies of Scoring Guide for evaluation
- Paper, Pens, Pencils, Rulers, etc. for creating Budget and Itinerary
Assessment There are two "mini-products" within the adventure before the final product. The first asks the students to list features about both cities after they have researched them. The second asks five questions about modes of transportation. These are provided so it is required for the students to visit the suggested web sites. You can decide upon the value of these tasks.
The budget and itinerary is graded by a scoring guide that is provided for the students on the conclusion page. You may view the scoring guide on a different page for easy printing. There are suggested guidelines on the conclusion page for the students to follow when creating their product. Most of them are addressed in the scoring guide. You might need to adjust this list to fit your criteria.
Acknowledgements Thank you to the following web sites for providing images for my production: Clip Art Connection, Clip Art by the Wizard of Draws, Animated Gif Finder, Animation Factory, and Flaming Text.
A BIG thank you to Stan Smith, who was patient and knowledgeable in teaching me everything it takes to make a web page. Another big thank you to Liz Brickhouse, who helped me develop my storyline and proofread my web pages. Also to the other six CMSU students who spent every day for two weeks for four and a half hours working on this project, thank you for sharing your ideas and input.
The iAdventure concept was developed in the Warrensburg, MO school district, as part of the "Learning with iAdventures" program. This program was funded by a Competitive Technology grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
For more information on iAdventures, visit the iAdventure Home Page.
Please e-mail me at smartone@iland.net with your feedback, questions, or comments.