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When it comes to making mathematics engaging and relatable, finding the right kind of field trip can be challenging.
This is particularly true for Senior Essential Maths.
Enter outdoor laser tag.
Outdoor laser tag is a dynamic, interactive game. It provides students with a fun experience and seamlessly integrates mathematical concepts through gaming statistics. In other words, outdoor laser tag aligns well with the "Essential Maths" curriculum.
This makes it an ideal choice for a field trip that combines physical activity with applied learning.
Laser tag is sometimes seen as just a recreational activity, but when designed with educational objectives in mind, it becomes a powerful learning tool.
The game involves strategy, teamwork, and quick thinking, all of which can be connected to mathematical concepts. The real magic happens when the gameplay is combined with gaming statistics, offering students an opportunity to analyze data, interpret results, and apply mathematical reasoning in a real-world context.
Outdoor laser tag provides a unique environment where students are physically active, engaged in problem-solving, and continuously learning. The fresh air and open space create an ideal setting for a field trip that breaks away from the traditional classroom setting, offering students a hands-on experience that is both memorable and educational.
Innovative teachers like Dr. Valerie Spall and Sharon Rummins from Hills College booked an outdoor laser tag field to engage their senior students in the Essential Maths subject.
The curriculum of Essential Maths is designed to help students develop a solid foundation in mathematics by focusing on key areas such as number operations, measurement, geometry, statistics, and probability. In studying Essential Mathematics, students learn about:
Outdoor laser tag, with its built-in gaming statistics, provides a wealth of opportunities to explore these concepts in a practical, engaging way.
One of the core components of the Essential Maths curriculum is data collection and analysis.
After a laser tag game, players took photos of the individual display screens of their games for detailed analysis back in the classroom.
The display screen includes data points such as the number of shots fired, hits made, accuracy rates, and time spent in the game.
These statistics offer a treasure trove of data for students to analyse.
Probability is another key area in the Essential Maths curriculum.
Laser tag provides a practical application for exploring this concept. Students can use the data generated from the games to calculate probabilities related to various in-game events.
For instance:
By calculating these probabilities, students gain a deeper understanding of how chance and statistics play a role in real-life scenarios.
They learn to think critically about the factors that influence outcomes and develop a more intuitive grasp of probability.
By linking these mathematical concepts to the physical world, laser tag makes learning more engaging and relevant.
While not directly a mathematical concept, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential skills that the Essential Maths curriculum seeks to develop.
Laser tag naturally fosters these skills as students must work together to achieve their objectives.
They need to communicate effectively, develop strategies, and adapt to changing situations—all of which require critical thinking and the application of mathematical reasoning.
For example, teams might use statistics from previous games to develop a winning strategy, such as deciding which players should take on certain roles based on their strengths.
This process of problem-solving and strategic planning is a valuable exercise in applying mathematical thinking in a group setting.
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Outdoor learning experiences like laser tag offer numerous benefits for students, especially when integrated with the Essential Maths curriculum.
These benefits include:
Increased Engagement: The interactive nature of laser tag captures students’ attention and keeps them engaged in the learning process. The excitement of the game motivates students to participate actively and apply themselves.
Hands-On Learning: Laser tag provides a hands-on learning experience where students can apply mathematical concepts in real-time. This practical application helps reinforce theoretical knowledge and makes abstract ideas more accessible.
Improved Retention: Studies have shown that students retain information better when they are actively involved in the learning process. The combination of physical activity and mathematical analysis in laser tag helps solidify students’ understanding of key concepts.
Encouragement of Collaboration: The team-based nature of laser tag encourages collaboration, communication, and collective problem-solving—skills that are essential in both academic and real-world settings.
Real-World Application: By linking mathematics to a real-world activity like laser tag, students see the relevance of what they are learning. This connection helps them understand how mathematics is used in everyday life and why it is an important skill to develop.
To maximize the educational value of a laser tag field trip, preparation is key.
Educators can work with the laser tag provider to ensure that the gaming experience is aligned with educational objectives.
For instance, pre-game briefings can include discussions about the mathematical concepts that will be explored, while post-game debriefs can focus on analysing the data collected during the game.
In addition, educators can design worksheets or activities that students can complete before, during, and after the laser tag session.
These materials can guide students through the process of collecting data, performing calculations, and interpreting results, ensuring that the learning objectives of the Essential Maths curriculum are met.
Outdoor laser tag is more than just a fun field trip activity; it is a powerful educational tool that can enhance the Essential Maths curriculum.
By integrating gaming statistics into the learning experience, educators can provide students with a practical, engaging way to explore mathematical concepts like data analysis, probability, geometry, and measurement.
The combination of physical activity, teamwork, and applied learning makes laser tag an ideal choice for a field trip that is both enjoyable and educational. As educators continue to seek innovative ways to make mathematics more accessible and engaging, outdoor laser tag stands out as a perfect solution that brings the subject to life in a way that students will remember long after the field trip is over.
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