‘YKSD Creates Place-Based Math Task Database’ by Bobbi Jo Erb

“…the Alaska Cultural and Alaska Mathematics Standards combine to create relevant, engaging, and rigorous math learning.”

How long does traveling from Allakaket to Hughes by snow-go vs. boat take? Why is the distance traveled different for these two situations? How much further to go by boat? These are the types of questions Yukon Koyukuk School District (YKSD) students will tackle in math classes as teachers begin using the YKSD Place-based Math Task database. YKSD educators developed this database during spring break Place-based Math workshops.

Over this past spring break, a group of K-12 educators from all over the district got together to learn how the Alaska Cultural and Alaska Mathematics Standards combine to create relevant, engaging, and rigorous math learning. The group started by reviewing the cultural and math standards. Next, they brainstormed ideas for activities in which their students regularly participate. Finally, educators found pictures of those activities happening in their communities.

Final lessons include both questions and suggested answers.

Once the activities were selected and pictures found, educators worked in teams to create leveled math questions that applied to the picture/activity. The group wrote questions for grade bands K-2, 3-5, Middle School, and High School. Some questions ask students to study the math behind specific beading patterns on a vest in Minto, others ask about the materials needed to make marten hats in Huslia, and some ask students questions about an aerial photo of Delta Junction. There are currently over 50 completed question sets, with more under development.

Educators reported learning more about the Alaska Cultural Standards and the Alaska Math Standards and how math can be applied to real-world contexts. The workshop was a lot of work, but everyone agreed, also pretty fun!