Summary
In this lesson, students explore the foundational concept of matrices through collaborative activities, real-world readings, and hands-on problem-solving. Students begin by brainstorming what they already know about matrices using the ABC Graffiti strategy, then dive into short articles that explain how matrices are used in different real-life contexts such as computer graphics, economics, or robotics. Each group shares what they learn, helping the class build a broader understanding of the concept. Through a puzzle-based activity and personal reflection, students reinforce key mathematical ideas and see how matrices serve as powerful tools for organizing and interpreting data.
Essential Question(s)
How are matrices used to organize information and solve real-world problems?
Snapshot
Engage
Students activate prior knowledge of matrices using the ABC Graffiti strategy, collaboratively brainstorming related terms and ideas.
Explore
In groups, students read short articles on real-world applications of matrices, discuss their findings, and expand on the ABC Graffiti charts using newly learned vocabulary.
Explain
Each group shares a “30-Second Spotlight,” showing a summary of their matrix application. Students also watch a video on matrices in computer graphics to reinforce concepts.
Extend
Student pairs complete a square tile puzzle that challenges them to apply matrix knowledge to match equivalent expressions and reinforce understanding through problem-solving.
Evaluate
Students reflect on the most meaningful part of the lesson using the POMS (Point of Most Significance) strategy.
Materials
Lesson Slides (attached)
ABC Graffiti posters (optional)
ABC Graffiti Chart handout (attached; one per group)
Markers (unique color set for each group)
Matrix Mix handout (attached; see Teacher’s Note: Printing Matrix Mix Handout)
Square Puzzle handout (attached)
Scissors
Sticky notes or paper
Engage
15 Minute(s)
Use the attached Lesson Slides to guide the lesson. Start by posing the essential question and explaining the learning objectives using slides 3–4.
Have students get into groups of four then pass out one copy of the ABC Graffiti Chart handout to each group and a set of four markers (each group should have four markers of the same color but different from other groups). The purpose of providing each group member a marker is to encourage all students to write their ideas and not rely on a group leader. Display slide 5 and introduce students to the ABC Graffiti strategy. Explain that students will work as a group to write as many words that relate to matrices as they can within the time allotted before moving as a group to the next group’s poster and adding more. Instruct students to keep their markers with them as they rotate to different charts. Start the 2-Minute K20 Timer and let students work. Once the timer ends, have students move to the next chart and restart the timer. Repeat for at least four rotations. If students seem to be lacking engagement, consider moving on. If they are still engaged, continue until they have visited each group’s chart.
Afterwards have students return to their original chart and, if time allows, ask for volunteers to share some of their responses.
Explore
15 Minute(s)
Create eight groups of students and pass out one set per group of the Matrix Mix handout. Move to slide 6 and introduce the GramIt strategy. Explain to students that each group will read a different section of the handout to learn more about matrices and their real-world application. As they read they will create a hashtag or one-word summary that portrays the main idea. Assign each group a section following normal classroom procedure and allow students time to read.
After each group has had enough time to read their section, encourage students to summarize their reading with their groups by coming up with 1–2 hashtags that allude to the main idea or real-world connection from the article. After a while, transition to slide 7 and invite students to add more words, based on their new understanding, to their original ABC Graffiti chart. Then instruct students to split their group up so that each student goes to a different ABC Graffiti chart and tries to add more words based on their reading and group discussion. Start the 1-Minute K20 Timer.
Explain
15 Minute(s)
Move to slide 8 and introduce students to the 30-Second Spotlight instructional strategy. Explain that each group had a unique article that described a real-world application for matrices. Give the class a few minutes to prepare a summary of their application to share with the class.
Once each group has had enough time to prepare, go around the room and allow each group time to share, ensuring the class gives the speaker their full attention and recaps or paraphrases the speaker each time.
After each group has shared what they learned from their article, transition to slide 9 and play the K20 Center Matrices in Computer Graphics YouTube video. Ask the class to pay close attention to the real-world application described in the video.
Extend
20 Minute(s)
Display slide 10. Pass out scissors and the attached Square Puzzle handout to each pair of students. Have students cut out the nine square tiles and rearrange them into one large square by matching each side with an equivalent value. Inform students that when they finish, every pair of touching sides should be equivalent.
As students work together to solve the puzzle, use the image below as a quick way to check students’ work. The symbol in the top-left corner matches one of the tiles; once that symbol is oriented the same way on students’ puzzles, the letters on their tiles will be oriented as shown below if placed correctly.
Evaluate
5 Minute(s)
Display slide 13 and have students use the POMS instructional strategy to reflect on something important they learned from the lesson. Instruct students to write their reflections on a scratch piece of paper, or pass out one sticky note per student.
Resources
Aftertutor. (2021, Mar 8). History of matrices - Usage of matrices in real-time situations. YouTube [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srfzaMTYJqg
Infinity Learn NEET. (2015, Nov 10). Football + Matrices in 90 seconds | Don’t memorise. YouTube [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vnfRPzAQ0g
Infinity Learn NEET. (2016, Feb 17). Matrices - Basics | Don’t memorise. YouTube [video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMjbPh1Mjn8
K20 Center. (n.d.). 30-second spotlight. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/3748
K20 Center. (n.d.). ABC graffiti. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/96
K20 Center. (n.d.). GramIt. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/2554
K20 Center. (n.d.). POMS: Point of most significance. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/101
K20 Center. (2021, September 21). 1 Minute Timer. YouTube [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ilD555O_RE&list=PL-aUhEQeaZXLMF3fItNDxiuSkEr0pq0c2&index=2
K20 Center. (2021, September 21). 2 Minute Timer. YouTube [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcEEAnwOt2c&list=PL-aUhEQeaZXLMF3fItNDxiuSkEr0pq0c2&index=4
K20 Center. (2022, July 21). Matrices in computer graphics. YouTube [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8sMoZ2fgZw&t=1s