Overpopulation
in New York City Classrooms
By Kachun Ng
INTRODUCTION
Did you know that approximately 38 percent of New York City public
schools students are in overcrowded classrooms? That forty-seven percent of elementary school students and 51 percent of high
school students are attending classes that are overcrowded? And that the
average classroom size for private schools is about 15 to 20 students, whereas
in the public schools it’s almost double that amount? Mayor Bloomberg wants to
know what your opinions are in solving this problem.
TASK
PROCESS
Worksheet: Define the Problem
Worksheet: Gather the
Evidence
Worksheet: Identifying the
Causes
Worksheet: Evaluate an
Existing Policy
Worksheet: Develop Solutions
Worksheet: Select the Best
Solution
RESOURCES
EVALUATION
PowerPoint Presentation
ACTIVITY |
EXEMPLARY |
PROFICIENT |
PARTIALLY
PROFICIENT |
INCOMPLETE |
POINTS |
Define
Problem |
3 points |
2 points |
1 point |
0 points |
|
Gather
Evidence |
3 points |
2 points |
1 point |
0 points |
|
Identify
Cause |
3 points |
2 points |
1 point |
0 points |
|
Evaluate
Policy |
3 points |
2 points |
1 point |
0 points |
|
Develop
solutions |
3 points |
2 points |
1 point |
0 points |
|
Select
best solution |
3 points |
2 points |
1 point |
0 points |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Oral Presentation
CONCLUSION
Congratulations! You have successfully completed your study of the
problem that is over-crowding in NYC classrooms. Explain what worked and what
didn’t in the course of completing this project. What would you do differently?
What was the hardest part about putting this project together?
STANDARDS
New York State Standards:
Standard 1:
Analysis, Inquiry, and Design
Students
will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry, and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers, and
develop solutions.
Standard
2: Information Systems
Students
will access, generate, process, and transfer information using appropriate
technologies.
Standard
3: Mathematics
Students
will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by
communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in
real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of
number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and
trigonometry.
Standard
5: Technology
Students
will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use, and
evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.
Standard
6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes
Students
will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics,
science, and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of
learning.
Standard
7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Students
will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and
technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.