Formally critique the problem in a brief paper with an eye toward giving it a 21st century twist. For example: What’s good about the problem? How can it be repurposed to make it real world? How can mathematical modeling be incorporated? Does it lend itself to a career of interest?

If we’ve taught for any time at all, we have a toolbox full of good ideas. Sometimes we just need to take them out, refresh them, and share them again with students. Let’s see how this can work with mathematical modeling.

Look through the materials and resources you use to teach mathematics, and select a problem or activity that lends itself to refurbishing through the use of mathematical modeling.

Formally critique the problem in a brief paper with an eye toward giving it a 21^st century twist. For example: What’s good about the problem? How can it be repurposed to make it real world? How can mathematical modeling be incorporated? Does it lend itself to a career of interest?

Modify the problem to increase the opportunities for mathematical modeling and application to real life. Compose a brief paper describing the problem’s transformation.

Respond in writing to these questions: How can you share this process with students? What would they learn from this? How could repurposing problems help them acquire more in-depth knowledge of mathematical modeling as a 21^st century learning strategy?

In a final product, assemble the original and revised problems, the critique of the original problem, the description of the problem transformation, and the response to the reflection questions in a product of your choice appropriate for sharing with students and/or colleagues