Lesson Plan
Moodboard Creation Plan
Students will collaboratively create visual moodboards to represent algebraic concepts, fostering deeper understanding and personal reflection on mathematical challenges. They will develop social-emotional skills by expressing feelings about learning struggles and successes.
Integrating social-emotional learning into math helps students connect with the subject on a deeper level, building resilience and a positive mindset towards challenges. This lesson promotes creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
Audience
7th Grade Group
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Hands-on, collaborative moodboard creation and guided reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers, Concept & Color Slides, Magazines/newspapers (various), Scissors, Glue sticks, Large paper or poster boards, Algebra Moodboard Workshop, Reflection Mood Journal, and Creativity & Insight Criteria
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
15 minutes
- Gather magazines, newspapers, scissors, glue sticks, and large paper/poster boards for each group.
* Ensure the whiteboard/projector is ready for the Concept & Color Slides.
* Review the Algebra Moodboard Workshop and Reflection Mood Journal to familiarize yourself with the activities.
* Review the Creativity & Insight Criteria for assessment guidelines.
* Make copies of the Algebra Moodboard Workshop and Reflection Mood Journal as needed.
Step 1
Warm-up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Begin by displaying the first slide of Concept & Color Slides and introduce the 'Math Moodboard' concept.
* Ask students: "How do you feel about algebra? What colors, images, or words come to mind when you think about solving equations?" (2 min)
* Explain the objective: "Today, we're going to use creativity to explore algebra and how we feel about it. You'll create a moodboard that visually represents an algebraic concept and your feelings towards it." (1 min)
* Transition to the next slide of Concept & Color Slides to explain moodboards.
Step 2
Understanding Moodboards & Algebra Concepts
10 minutes
- Present slides 2-4 of Concept & Color Slides, defining what a moodboard is and showing examples.
* Explain how colors and images can represent abstract ideas and emotions. (3 min)
* Present slide 5 of Concept & Color Slides which lists various algebraic concepts (e.g., variables, equations, inequalities, functions, graphing, problem-solving, etc.).
* Instruct students to choose one algebraic concept for their group's moodboard. Distribute the Algebra Moodboard Workshop handout. (2 min)
* Guide groups to brainstorm how they can visually represent their chosen concept using colors, images, and words. Encourage them to think about both the mathematical definition and any emotions associated with it. (5 min)
Step 3
Moodboard Creation
15 minutes
- Distribute materials: magazines, scissors, glue sticks, and poster boards.
* Remind students to refer to the guidelines on the Algebra Moodboard Workshop as they work. (1 min)
* Circulate among groups, offering guidance, asking probing questions about their choices, and encouraging collaboration. Focus on how they are connecting their chosen concept to their emotions through visual elements. (14 min)
* Teacher Prompt: "How does this image/color represent the 'challenge' you feel when solving for 'x'?"
* Teacher Prompt: "What image could show the 'balance' in an equation?"
Step 4
Group Share & Reflection
8 minutes
- Have each group briefly present their moodboard, explaining their chosen algebraic concept and how the visual elements (colors, images, words) represent both the concept and their feelings about it. (6 min - ~1.5 min per group if 4 groups)
* Distribute the Reflection Mood Journal and instruct students to complete the prompts individually. (2 min)
* Collect moodboards and journals at the end of class for review based on the Creativity & Insight Criteria.
Step 5
Wrap-up
2 minutes
- Conclude by reiterating the value of connecting emotions and creativity to learning, especially in subjects like math. (1 min)
* Thank students for their participation and creative insights.
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Slide Deck
Math Moodboard: Algebra in Color!
How do you feel about algebra? What images or colors come to mind?
Greet students and introduce the day's creative math exploration. Ask an engaging question to activate prior knowledge and emotional connection to math.
What's a Moodboard?
A collection of images, colors, textures, and words that represent a concept, feeling, or idea.
Define what a moodboard is and its purpose.
Moodboard Examples
Visualizing abstract ideas through art.
Show visual examples of moodboards (conceptual or abstract) to inspire students.
Colors & Feelings
Colors can express:
- Joy, excitement
- Challenge, frustration
- Clarity, confusion
- Balance, imbalance
Explain how colors can evoke emotions and meanings, relevant to both math concepts and personal feelings.
Choose Your Algebra Concept
Which concept resonates with you?
- Variables
- Equations
- Inequalities
- Functions
- Graphing
- Problem-Solving
- (Or choose your own!)
Present a list of algebraic concepts. Allow groups to choose one for their moodboard.
Your Mission: Math Moodboard!
Create a moodboard that visually represents:
1. An algebraic concept.
2. Your feelings about that concept or challenges in math.
Use images, colors, and words from magazines!
Explain the task and expectations for the moodboard creation.
Reflect & Connect
After creating, you will reflect:
- What did you choose to represent and why?
- How did you use visuals to show feelings?
- What did you learn about yourself and algebra?
Provide guidance on the reflection journal. Emphasize honest self-reflection.
Creative Math Minds!
Connecting feelings and creativity to math makes learning more powerful. Keep exploring!
Summarize the lesson and encourage continued creative thinking in math.
Activity
Algebra Moodboard Workshop
Group Members: _____________________, _____________________, _____________________, _____________________
Your Chosen Algebraic Concept: _________________________________________
Part 1: Brainstorming (5 minutes)
Discuss with your group:
- What images, colors, or words come to mind when you think about your chosen algebraic concept?
- How does this concept make you feel? (e.g., curious, confused, excited, challenged, determined)
- What kinds of pictures or colors could represent these feelings? Consider both the math itself and your personal experience with it.
Part 2: Moodboard Creation (15 minutes)
Materials: Magazines, newspapers, scissors, glue sticks, large paper/poster board
Instructions:
- Work collaboratively with your group.
- Cut out images, words, and colors from the provided magazines and newspapers.
- Arrange and glue them onto your poster board to create a visual moodboard.
- Your moodboard should clearly represent:
- Your chosen algebraic concept (e.g., if you picked "Variables," you might include question marks, empty boxes, or images of things that change).
- Your feelings and emotions related to this concept or to challenges you face in math (e.g., a bright color for excitement, a tangled image for confusion, a clear path for problem-solving).
- Feel free to write a few key words or phrases directly on the moodboard to enhance your message.
- Remember, there's no single "right" way to create your moodboard. Focus on what is meaningful to your group and how you can visually communicate your ideas and emotions.
Part 3: Group Share Preparation (Optional, if time allows)
- Discuss how your group will present your moodboard to the class.
- Who will explain the algebraic concept? Who will discuss the emotional connections?
Journal
My Algebra Mood Journal
Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________
Reflecting on My Moodboard
- What algebraic concept did your group choose to represent on your moodboard, and why did you choose it? (What about it interested you or challenged you?)
- Describe at least three images, colors, or words you included on your moodboard. For each, explain how it represents the algebraic concept and your feelings/emotions about it.
- Element 1:
* Explanation: - Element 2:
* Explanation: - Element 3:
* Explanation:
- Element 1:
- How did working on this moodboard activity help you think about algebra differently? Did it change any of your feelings or perspectives?
- What was one challenge your group faced while creating the moodboard, and how did you overcome it?
- How can you use creative ways like this to better understand or cope with challenging subjects in the future?
Rubric
Algebra Moodboard Rubric: Creativity & Insight
Group Members: _____________________, _____________________, _____________________, _____________________
Chosen Algebraic Concept: _________________________________________
Criteria
| Category | 4 - Excellent | 3 - Good | 2 - Developing | 1 - Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebraic Concept Representation | The moodboard clearly and effectively represents the chosen algebraic concept with deep understanding. | The moodboard generally represents the chosen algebraic concept with good understanding. | The moodboard attempts to represent the algebraic concept, but clarity or understanding is limited. | The moodboard does not clearly represent an algebraic concept. |
| Emotional Connection & Reflection | Visual elements creatively and thoughtfully convey feelings/emotions related to the concept or math challenges. Journal entries show deep, insightful reflection. | Visual elements generally convey feelings/emotions. Journal entries show thoughtful reflection. | Visual elements make some attempt to convey feelings/emotions, but are inconsistent. Journal entries are basic. | Visual elements lack emotional connection. Journal entries are minimal or off-topic. |
| Creativity & Originality | The moodboard demonstrates exceptional creativity, unique ideas, and a high level of effort in design and execution. | The moodboard shows good creativity and effort in its design and execution. | The moodboard shows some creativity, but design or effort could be improved. | The moodboard lacks creativity or appears rushed. |
| Collaboration & Presentation | Group worked effectively together, and presentation clearly explains concept and emotional connections. | Group worked well together, and presentation explains key aspects. | Group collaboration was inconsistent, or presentation lacks clarity. | Group did not collaborate effectively, or presentation was unclear. |
| Journal Completion | All journal prompts are thoroughly answered with detailed and personal responses. | Most journal prompts are answered with sufficient detail. | Some journal prompts are answered, but lack detail or completeness. | Few or no journal prompts are answered. |
Total Score: ________ / 20
Teacher Comments:
Lesson Plan
Moodboard Creation Plan
Students will collaboratively create visual moodboards to represent algebraic concepts, fostering deeper understanding and personal reflection on mathematical challenges. They will develop social-emotional skills by expressing feelings about learning struggles and successes.
Integrating social-emotional learning into math helps students connect with the subject on a deeper level, building resilience and a positive mindset towards challenges. This lesson promotes creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
Audience
7th Grade Group
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Hands-on, collaborative moodboard creation and guided reflection.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers, Concept & Color Slides, Magazines/newspapers (various), Scissors, Glue sticks, Large paper or poster boards, Algebra Moodboard Workshop, Reflection Mood Journal, and Creativity & Insight Criteria
Prep
Gather Materials & Review
15 minutes
- Gather magazines, newspapers, scissors, glue sticks, and large paper/poster boards for each group.
* Ensure the whiteboard/projector is ready for the Concept & Color Slides.
* Review the Algebra Moodboard Workshop and Reflection Mood Journal to familiarize yourself with the activities.
* Review the Creativity & Insight Criteria for assessment guidelines.
* Make copies of the Algebra Moodboard Workshop and Reflection Mood Journal as needed.
Step 1
Warm-up & Introduction
5 minutes
- Begin by displaying the first slide of Concept & Color Slides and introduce the 'Math Moodboard' concept.
* Ask students: "How do you feel about algebra? What colors, images, or words come to mind when you think about solving equations?" (2 min)
* Explain the objective: "Today, we're going to use creativity to explore algebra and how we feel about it. You'll create a moodboard that visually represents an algebraic concept and your feelings towards it." (1 min)
* Transition to the next slide of Concept & Color Slides to explain moodboards.
Step 2
Understanding Moodboards & Algebra Concepts
10 minutes
- Present slides 2-4 of Concept & Color Slides, defining what a moodboard is and showing examples.
* Explain how colors and images can represent abstract ideas and emotions. (3 min)
* Present slide 5 of Concept & Color Slides which lists various algebraic concepts (e.g., variables, equations, inequalities, functions, graphing, problem-solving, etc.).
* Instruct students to choose one algebraic concept for their group's moodboard. Distribute the Algebra Moodboard Workshop handout. (2 min)
* Guide groups to brainstorm how they can visually represent their chosen concept using colors, images, and words. Encourage them to think about both the mathematical definition and any emotions associated with it. (5 min)
Step 3
Moodboard Creation
15 minutes
- Distribute materials: magazines, scissors, glue sticks, and poster boards.
* Remind students to refer to the guidelines on the Algebra Moodboard Workshop as they work. (1 min)
* Circulate among groups, offering guidance, asking probing questions about their choices, and encouraging collaboration. Focus on how they are connecting their chosen concept to their emotions through visual elements. (14 min)
* Teacher Prompt: "How does this image/color represent the 'challenge' you feel when solving for 'x'?"
* Teacher Prompt: "What image could show the 'balance' in an equation?"
Step 4
Group Share & Reflection
8 minutes
- Have each group briefly present their moodboard, explaining their chosen algebraic concept and how the visual elements (colors, images, words) represent both the concept and their feelings about it. (6 min - ~1.5 min per group if 4 groups)
* Distribute the Reflection Mood Journal and instruct students to complete the prompts individually. (2 min)
* Collect moodboards and journals at the end of class for review based on the Creativity & Insight Criteria.
Step 5
Wrap-up
2 minutes
- Conclude by reiterating the value of connecting emotions and creativity to learning, especially in subjects like math. (1 min)
* Thank students for their participation and creative insights.