Zeitreise in der Mathematik

This worksheet aims to teach students how to actively monitor their own reading comprehension using structured self-check strategies

Content and methods: The worksheet introduces two self-monitoring tools through informational texts about caring for the planet. First, students apply the "Traffic Light Check" by moving a paper clip across colored indicators to rate their paragraph-by-paragraph understanding and identify comprehension breakdowns. Second, they use the "3-2-1 Quick Check" to extract three facts, formulate two open questions, and summarize the central idea in one sentence, followed by a peer discussion and a plenary question round.

Competencies:

• Reading comprehension and metacognitive self-monitoring
• Information extraction and summarization
• Question formulation and inquiry skills
• Collaborative peer exchange and communication

Target group: Grade 5 and above

Note: Each student will need a piece of paper and a paper clip to complete the activity. The progress checks should be completed on paper, not digitally.

This worksheet aims to provide students with a reliable methodological tool for systematically interpreting non-continuous texts—such as diagrams, tables, infographics, and charts—across various subjects. Learners will recognize that, unlike traditional continuous text, these formats cannot simply be read linearly; rather, individual visual elements, numbers, and text blocks must be actively linked together. By systematically applying a 4-step plan, they develop the ability not only to accurately grasp complex data from a wide variety of subject areas but also to interpret it with subject-specific expertise and to critically evaluate the visual representation for its informative value.

Content and Methods:

The worksheet combines methodological guidance with a structured, step-by-step approach. After a brief introduction to the variety of discontinuous texts (including line charts, bar charts, pie charts, data series in tables, thematic maps, and complex diagrams), students develop a systematic 4-step plan. This plan guides them through the analysis process like a detective:

• Step 1: Orient & Describe: Students identify the topic, type of representation (diagram, table, etc.), axis labels, and symbols used.
• Step 2: Analyze & Interpret: This involves recognizing patterns and trends, accurately reading values (including maximums and minimums) while specifying the units, and comparing different data sets.
• Step 3: Explain & interpret: The focus here is on context- or theory-based interpretation; students connect notable features with their prior knowledge and subject-specific expertise and learn to strictly distinguish between pure observation and interpretation.
• Step 4: Critical Analysis: In the final step, learners evaluate the design of the presentation, such as the selection of data, visual distortions caused by truncated scales, or the relationship between percentages and absolute numbers. The process concludes with a visually organized “cheat sheet” that concisely summarizes the four steps of analysis for future work with other discontinuous texts.

Competencies:

Students can...

• identify and explain various types of discontinuous texts (e.g., different types of diagrams, tables, charts) and recognize that the reader must independently connect the information presented.
• navigate complex graphical and tabular representations across disciplines by purposefully identifying and describing key elements such as titles, axes, units, colors, and symbols.
• objectively analyze depicted patterns, trends, and extreme values (maximum/minimum), compare groups with one another, and precisely read values in relation to their units.
• Interpret selected data trends from a technical perspective, derive theory-based causes for them, and clearly distinguish in their formulations between objective observation and their own interpretation.
• Critically evaluate the design of diagrams, tables, or infographics by questioning aspects such as data selection, axis scales that appear manipulative, or the informative value of absolute numbers versus percentages.

Target audience and level: Grade 8 and above

Note: This worksheet is designed as a universal methodological tool. It provides students with a subject-independent 4-step framework for analyzing non-continuous texts. A non-continuous text is required to use this worksheet.

This worksheet aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the significance and function of academic language and to help them practice actively using it in subject-specific instruction. Students will recognize that academic language serves as an essential tool for presenting complex topics in an objective, impersonal, and precise manner, and that the ability to switch between everyday language and academic language is a key skill. Through guided practice in translating everyday observations into formal language, they learn to use subject-specific linguistic tools, to put their own thoughts into writing in a structured manner, and to reflectively evaluate their own learning process and linguistic expression.

Content and Methods:

The worksheet combines cognitive awareness, guided writing practice, independent text production, and self-evaluation. After an introductory informational text on the distinction between everyday language and academic language, as well as an introduction to subject-specific language tools (e.g., for cause-and-effect relationships, hypothesis formation, or evaluations), learners gradually translate given everyday statements into logically structured academic language. They then apply this translation technique to their own current course material and reflect on the advantages and challenges of academic language formulation. The module concludes with a structured self-assessment matrix designed to evaluate their own language competencies and identify remaining learning needs.

Competencies:

Learners can...

• identify the difference between everyday language and academic language and explain the importance of precise technical language for subject-matter understanding.
• identify and purposefully apply specific subject-specific language tools (e.g., phrasing guides for descriptions, justifications, and analyses).
• systematically translate colloquial observations into precise, factual, and logically structured sentences using formal language.
• structure their own conceptual ideas derived from current classroom activities and independently put them into writing using appropriate technical terms.
• critically reflect on their own language translation process and evaluate their individual strengths and areas for development in the use of formal language.

Target Audience and Level:

Grade 8 and above

Objective:This worksheet aims to assess and strengthen pupils mathematical skills in various areas. By completing the exercises, pupils will consolidate their knowledge of fundamental mathematical operations such as powers, roots and exponents, fractions and logarithms, and identify the areas where they still need further practice.

Content and methods: The worksheet contains 20 exercises on various mathematical topics, including powers, roots and exponents. The exercises are designed as multiple-choice questions, in which pupils must select the correct answer. The exercises are to be solved without a calculator in order to promote an understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts.

Skills:

• Understanding of powers, roots and exponents, fractions, logarithms, etc.
• Ability to solve mathematical problems without aids.

Target group and level: Middle School

 Students consolidate their multiplication skills and apply them in a playful problem-solving context.

Content and Methods: The worksheet is designed as an escape-room activity. Students solve several multiplication problems, count how often certain results occur, and use this information to determine individual digits of a numerical code. At the end, they combine the digits to form the complete code and “open” the chest.

Skills:

• Solve multiplication problems accurately
• Compare and evaluate results

Target Group and Level: suitable for primary school students (Grades 2–4)

The overarching goal of this worksheet is to introduce students to a selected historical numeral system in a hands-on and historically contextualized manner.

Content and Methods:

This worksheet teaches the basics of the numeral system of a selected advanced civilization or historical period through a fictional story told from a child’s perspective. Methodologically, the document combines a true/false comprehension quiz with illustrated arithmetic examples. Students actively apply the principles by solving historical word problems drawn from the child’s everyday life. The worksheet concludes with open-ended reflection and application questions that bridge the gap to the modern mathematical number system and the present day.

Competencies:

• Arithmetic Competence
• Text and Language Competence: Extracting information from a narrative and describing mathematical phenomena in one’s own words
• Cultural and Historical Competence: Reflecting on the evolution of global arithmetic symbols and systems

Target Audience and Level: Grade 5 and above

Note: Due to the background research on ancient forms of calculation, creating this worksheet takes longer.

Students investigate how artificial intelligence is transforming a specific field, gaining an understanding of both the benefits and challenges of AI. The goal is to develop critical awareness of AI’s capabilities, ethical issues, and the ongoing need for human judgment in decision-making.

Content and Methods:

The worksheet guides students through an exploration of AI in a specific field by examining real-world examples. Students analyze ethical concerns. Methods include comprehension questions, multiple-choice tasks, comparison of benefits and risks, open-ended reflection questions, and a short argumentative essay about AI’s role in that field.

Competencies:

• Understanding technological applications of AI in a real-world professional field
• Critical evaluation of the benefits and risks of AI in that field
• Ethical reasoning about data privacy, bias, and human–machine interaction
• Analytical thinking about the balance between AI capabilities and human expertise
• Argumentative and reflective writing skills

Target Group and Level:

Grade 8 and up.

With the help of the worksheet, learners engage with a film in a structured way in order to develop a deeper understanding and to reflect on and transfer what they have seen.

Contents and methods: 

The worksheet is structured like a brochure and asks questions about the content and further questions about the film. The worksheet ends with a personal evaluation of the film.

Skills:

• Concentrated extraction of information from a visual medium
• Analysis, reflection and transfer of film content

Target group and level:

Grade 7 and above

Students learn to analyze information from various digital sources and link it logically in order to draw conclusions.

Content and Methodology: The worksheet offers an interactive puzzle task based around a found smartphone. The students analyze chat histories, pictures and an audio file to identify the owner of the smartphone.

Skills:

• Critical analysis of texts and media
• Logical thinking and reasoning
• Understanding historical and/or scientific contexts

Target Audience and Level: Suitable for teaching at lower secondary level.

Objective: This worksheet aims to reinforce students' understanding of the given topic while prompting them to transfer and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Content and methods: The worksheet addresses the given topic through an exit ticket format. Students answer targeted recall and open-ended conceptual questions assessing factual comprehension and cause-and-effect reasoning. Finally, they engage in applied writing prompts requiring them to analyze practical real-world applications in navigation, agriculture, and daily life, before formulating an original application example.

Competencies:

• Scientific explanation and causal reasoning
• Knowledge transfer and real-world application
• Critical thinking and hypothesis formation
• Written communication and conceptual synthesis

Target group: Middle School