Description
During the first three weeks of school, we were immersed in what we call Math Bootcamp. This is basically a "camp
of basic mathematics review. Information that we must make sure we know and understand before we move on to much more complex topics. To demonstrate our learning during these three weeks, we were all split into groups, then tasked with creating a 3-5 minute math music video based on one of the following topics we've learned:
Laws of Exponents/Radicals
Polynomial Operations
Factoring Polynomials
Rational Expressions and Equations
Equations, Inequalities and Functions
Quadratic Functions
of basic mathematics review. Information that we must make sure we know and understand before we move on to much more complex topics. To demonstrate our learning during these three weeks, we were all split into groups, then tasked with creating a 3-5 minute math music video based on one of the following topics we've learned:
Laws of Exponents/Radicals
Polynomial Operations
Factoring Polynomials
Rational Expressions and Equations
Equations, Inequalities and Functions
Quadratic Functions
Process
My group--which consisted of 4 members including myself--was assigned the topic of exponents and radicals. A topic all of us had a basic understanding of but were excited to learn more about. Our first step was to assign roles based on skills. We needed actors, singers, a camera person, editor(s), and director. All of us decided that we all had some skill in these roles so we decided to each take part in all and work well with each other. This seemed iffy at times but, overall, I believe it was a good decision. Our second step was to pick a song, write lyrics, and storyboard our video. This took some time because we had a lot of other work and took some time to agree on a song. Eventually, though, we agreed on the song Awkward by San Cisco. We wrote the lyrics and drew a storyboard. The lyrics are below.
After perfecting the storyboard and planning to detail, we set out to film. Materials and supplies were difficult to find so we ended up taking longer than expected. This turned out okay, though, because we finished editing (which took a long time) on time with a small extension on the due date but an amazing video. The link to the final product on YouTube is below :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD6MsELOnjg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD6MsELOnjg
Reflection
1) Reflect on and discuss your contributions to your MatheMusic Video Project. What accomplishments would you like to celebrate? (i.e., what you produced, what you learned and how you worked together as a group.)
The majority of what I did for the MatheMusic video was designing. I helped write and edit the lyrics for our song and then create the backbone of what our video would look like. I, of course, assisted in filming and editing too but, I feel like my biggest accomplishment was in the designing and of creating a video that is creative and visually pleasing. I also worked perfectly with one of my group member and sometimes perfectly with my others too.
2) Did you contribute your fair share into the group? Was the work equitably distributed in your group? Explain.
If I were to assess the amount of work I did and compare it to the big picture, I would say yes, I have done my fair share and maybe even a bit more. Two of my group members (Alana and Allie), I feel, could have done more weight bearing on their own but, I understand that they did not. I saw them try hard at some points which is enough for me!
3) What could you have done better as an individual contributor to the group? What could your group have done better?
I feel bad that I have not spent much time outside of class or school to work on this video. I have been too lazy or busy to do anything but the lyric writing and critique outside of class while my other group member, Jared, has worked on planning, lyrics, and the storyboard outside of class. What my whole group could have done better as a whole (which is related to spending time outside of class) is coordinate and plan what and how we were going to do things better rather than trying to wing it. It pays to be organized.
4) What lessons did you learn about group work that you would like to take to your next project group?
I have learned that nobody can be forced to do something they don’t want to. They must be convinced in a kind and encouraging way. I can force them to do something, but they would do it grudgingly and not well so, why not kindly convince them to do it?
5) If you had more time to work on this project, what would you do to improve your product so that it is representative of your best work?
I would work on my camera skills and find/make better materials for filming and set-creation. We have been hurried in the creation of the video and, as a result, our goal of making a good video has gotten mixed up with a goal to just get it done” with not-so-wonderful results.
The majority of what I did for the MatheMusic video was designing. I helped write and edit the lyrics for our song and then create the backbone of what our video would look like. I, of course, assisted in filming and editing too but, I feel like my biggest accomplishment was in the designing and of creating a video that is creative and visually pleasing. I also worked perfectly with one of my group member and sometimes perfectly with my others too.
2) Did you contribute your fair share into the group? Was the work equitably distributed in your group? Explain.
If I were to assess the amount of work I did and compare it to the big picture, I would say yes, I have done my fair share and maybe even a bit more. Two of my group members (Alana and Allie), I feel, could have done more weight bearing on their own but, I understand that they did not. I saw them try hard at some points which is enough for me!
3) What could you have done better as an individual contributor to the group? What could your group have done better?
I feel bad that I have not spent much time outside of class or school to work on this video. I have been too lazy or busy to do anything but the lyric writing and critique outside of class while my other group member, Jared, has worked on planning, lyrics, and the storyboard outside of class. What my whole group could have done better as a whole (which is related to spending time outside of class) is coordinate and plan what and how we were going to do things better rather than trying to wing it. It pays to be organized.
4) What lessons did you learn about group work that you would like to take to your next project group?
I have learned that nobody can be forced to do something they don’t want to. They must be convinced in a kind and encouraging way. I can force them to do something, but they would do it grudgingly and not well so, why not kindly convince them to do it?
5) If you had more time to work on this project, what would you do to improve your product so that it is representative of your best work?
I would work on my camera skills and find/make better materials for filming and set-creation. We have been hurried in the creation of the video and, as a result, our goal of making a good video has gotten mixed up with a goal to just get it done” with not-so-wonderful results.