After finishing the AP Calculus exam, students at Lynden High School traveled to Lynden Middle School to work with sixth-grade students on mathematical problem solving. Over the course of three weeks\u2014amidst interesting problems with accessible entry points and high ceilings\u2014the high schoolers engaged in analysis alongside the younger students, according to Jordan VanderVeen, LHS teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to see that some of my students who traditionally struggle in math are talking the most,\u201d says Erica Oostra, sixth-grade teacher, \u201cand engaged the most when working with the high schoolers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than simply solving problems, the AP Calculus students modeled problem-solving skills, considering multiple approaches and creative thinking. The middle schoolers used arithmetic skills and methods of representation to make sense of the interesting problems, striving to create meaning from complicated situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really appreciate the way that the high schoolers interacted with the middle schoolers and helped them push past the struggle of \u2018not knowing,\u2019\u201d Oostra says. \u201cIt\u2019s so hard sometimes for kids to know how to engage and so learning how to try<\/em> is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aybl, a sixth-grade student, shares his takeaway from the experience: \u201cTry harder and you will succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"