Mowing the Lawn

How long will it take to mow the lawn?

Mowing the Lawn Real World Math - Lawnmower Zoomout

Real World Mathematics Using Proportional Reasoning, Linear Equations & Measurement

In the Mowing the Lawn task, students will have an opportunity to utilize skills related to proportional reasoning, linear equations, and measurement after watching the information Mr. Pearce collected while mowing his lawn. This activity is geared for his grade 9 applied class, however it can be modified to suit many other levels.
 

Math Topics Related To This Activity:

  • Proportional reasoning
  • Linear equations
  • Finding the area of composite figures.

 


Act 1: Introducing the Task

 

Some images to assist:

Mowing the Law - Real World Math - Front Yard View

Mowing the Lawn Real World Math - Lawnmower Zoomout

Problem To Be Solved:

How long will it take Mr. Pearce to mow his lawn?

Some prompts for students:

  • What could we do to find low long it will take to Mow the Lawn?
  • What information will be necessary to help us decide?

Act 2 – Providing the Details

 

Brand New Task Template File (PDF):

Click the image below or click here:

Mowing The Lawn 3 Act Math Task Template PDF File Resource

Act 3 – Watch for the Solution

 

Consolidation & Discussion

I really like this problem because there really is no way for all students to come to the same answer. There are so many variables that affect the solution (how fast I’m walking, turns, objects in the way, etc.) that we can only expect students to come to reasonable answers. This is great because it helps students learn that math is about the process rather than the final answer.

For additional consolidation and practice, you could run this custom gameshow I created to complement this task:

Other Useful Resources:

Lisa Bejarano shared this Google Slides presentation that you can use right from your web-browser! Thanks, Lisa!

Mowing the Lawn 3 Act Math Google Slides Presentation


Mr. Connally (@MrConnallysMath) shared a PearDeck for this task. Thanks, Mr. Connally!

Mowing the Lawn PearDeck Slides - 3 Act Math Task

Silent Solution, Student Work, and Exemplars

I recently created a silent solution primarily to help teachers who are hoping to use the task, but aren’t exactly sure where the task can go. Here is a 1 minute silent solution video to assist with this:

Clayton Edwards shared some of his student work with the #MTbos:

Try out the problem and let me know how you like it below in the comment section!


New to Using 3 Act Math Tasks?

Download the 2-page printable 3 Act Math Tip Sheet to ensure that you have the best start to your journey using 3 Act math Tasks to spark curiosity and fuel sense making in your math classroom!



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About Kyle Pearce

I’m Kyle Pearce and I am a former high school math teacher. I’m now the K-12 Mathematics Consultant with the Greater Essex County District School Board, where I uncover creative ways to spark curiosity and fuel sense making in mathematics. Read more.


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