This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Subject taught
- Math
Link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5OYmRyfXBY&app=desktop
Type of Product
- Videos
Language Skills Developed
- Interaction
- Listening
- Speaking
Transferable/Scientific Skills Developed
Develop teamwork skills
Develop listening and speaking skills
know the meaning of exponential growth and of rate of growth
Know that there are natural phenomena which grow exponentially
know the concept of doubling time
Description
This teaching resource takes into consideration general, linguistic and subject specific aims.
The general aims are the following:
- Make cross - curricular links combining maths with science
- Increase students’ motivation and interest in studying by using clil methodology
- encourage students to develop the ability to think critically
- prepare students for life in a more internationalised society
- Develop the ability to think in English
- Let students work together to accomplish shared goals
The linguistic aims are the following:
- enable students to develop language skills which emphasize effective communication
- motivate students to learn English by using it for real practical purposes
- Promote the learning of a more extensive and varied vocabulary
- Allow students to practice understanding of a scientific talk
- Allow students to use the impersonal language to speculate about scientific topics
The subject specific aims are the following:
- understand the meaning of exponential growth
- understand the exponential rate of growth
- understand how maths can describe a natural process
- understand the meaning of doubling time
- understand that an exponential function grows faster than a polynomial one
- understand that the binary fission of bacteria follows an exponential law
Target group age: this activity is for students of the fourth year of high school from 17 to 18
Level of competence in English (CEFR) should be B1 at least
Time required to use the resource with the students: 1 h
How to use it
It is advisable to play the video in class and to stop it when professor Bartlett asks his questions in order to let the students discuss the answers in group.
Letting students interact with one another can maximize their own and each other’s learning.
Possible difficulties for the students:
- understand the meaning of rate of growth
- understand the difference between linear and exponential growth
- understand what professor Bartlett says without subtitles at first hearing
- talk in English about scientific topics
Comments
Strength:
- the video shows clearly the exponential growth of bacteria
- professor Bartlett raises interesting questions which students can discuss in group
- the video underlines the biggest misconception about doubling time
- the last part of the video gives rise to the important issue of sustainability: if a population grows exponentially it will be soon short of resources
Weakness:
- professor Bartlett talks fast (but you can stop and rewind and you can also read the subtitles)
- the video doesn't show the mathematical formula for exponential growth
Scientific reliability: the video has a good reliability
Pedagogical value: this activity gets the students together to help each other learn (collaborative and cooperative learning)