Step by step: simplifying and mathematizing the real world with MathCityMap
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48489/quadrante.23604Keywords:
modelling, outdoor mathematics, digital tools, MathCityMap, authenticity, validationAbstract
Mathematical modelling needs to be taught in realistic contexts. In this paper, we examine the potential of outdoor tasks that are solved by means of the digital tool MathCityMap to learn mathematical modelling stepwise. From a theoretical perspective, it can be assumed that the tasks have the potential to force the “Simplifying/Structuring” and “Mathematizing” steps to occur in an authentic way. In addition, MathCityMap supports the modelling process through hints and an answer validation. In a case study, we compare outdoor tasks with identical indoor tasks to examine in how far these theoretical considerations can be confirmed while using of the system. The results show that the outdoor tasks strongly force the simplifying/structuring step to occur and claim to work as precisely as possible while choosing a model and compensating for inaccuracies. Additionally, the MathCityMap system can support the choice of an exact but still simplified model by means of hints, and triggers an answer validation that might have the potential to make learners rethink the steps of the modelling cycle.
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