Draft and Task Group

In the MathCityMap web portal, you can prepare tasks in draft mode before you finish creating the task. You can also bundle tasks that are all related to the same object into task groups. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create drafts and task groups:

Step 1 – Create a new task

Go to “Tasks – Create and manage” or select “Tasks” in the menu bar on the left-hand side.

Then click on the plus symbol at the top right and select “New draft”.

You will then be asked to enter basic data for your task.

Click on “Create” to save your draft. 

Step 2 – Edit drafts

Like all other tasks, you can find drafts in your profile under “My tasks”. All drafts are framed with a yellow box.

If you want to complete the task, you can simply click on it and edit the task.

Once you have entered the missing information, click on “Save”.

Step 3 – Create task groups

Go to “Tasks – Create and manage” or select “Tasks” in the menu bar on the left-hand side.

Then click on the plus symbol at the top right and select “New task group”.

You will then be asked to create the first task in your task group.

Once you have entered all the information, click on “Create” at the bottom.

Step 4 – Add subtasks

To complete your task group, you need to create additional subtasks.

If you click on your task group and scroll to the bottom, you will be taken to the “Subtasks” section. Click on the plus symbol to add further subtasks to your task group.

The page for creating a task opens again. Click on “Create” to save the subtask.

Finally, you can change the order of the subtasks. To do this, click on the “Change order” button and move the subtasks so that they are in the right place.

Then confirm that you want to save the changes.

Further tutorials

Support Tasks

Support tasks are additional tasks designed to help learners better understand more complex tasks or calculate intermediate steps. These tasks can facilitate the learning process by focusing on and supporting partial aspects of a main task. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating and using support tasks:

Step 1 – Open task area

Go to “Tasks – Create and manage” and under “My tasks” select the task for which you would like to create support tasks.

This task then becomes the main task and can be subdivided by one or more support tasks.

Click on the desired task and then scroll to the bottom.

Step 2 – Create a support task

You will see a box with the title “Support tasks”. Click on the plus symbol on the right-hand side to create a new support task.

You will then be asked to enter all the basic information again, as when creating the main task.

You only do not need to enter the location, as this is the same as the one of the main task.

Once you have entered all the information, click on “Create”.

Step 3 – Multiple support tasks

For complex tasks, it can be helpful to create several support tasks. To do this, click on the plus symbol again and create another support task.

You can then determine the order in which the tasks should be processed. To do this, click on the “Change the order” button and move the support tasks so that they are in the right place.

Then confirm that you want to save the changes.

Further Tutorials

Conducting Lessons with MCM

MathCityMap is a great way to make math lessons interactive and hands-on by having learners solve math problems outdoors. Here are a few steps on how to conduct your lessons with MCM:

Step 1 – Preparation

Before the planned lesson, you should look for suitable tasks or, if necessary, create your own tasks. Think about what content you want to work on or deepen and then search for suitable tasks in the web portal using the filter functions.

Also pay attention to the location of the tasks. It should be easy to reach with the class.

Then create a trail to summarize the tasks. You can also create a digital classroom, share the trail with the learners there and monitor their progress.

If necessary, you should also organize a range of materials beforehand, such as a folding ruler, measuring tape or calculator. When carrying out the trail, learners can also take a piece of paper and pencil with them to write down their calculations.

Step 2 – Preparation in the classroom

The trail is intended to take up and deepen the content of the lesson, so it may be useful to discuss the various mathematical concepts again.

For the implementation, you can either download the trail and its tasks as a pdf and print it out for the learners or use the MathCityMap app.

It is best for learners to work in small groups of around three people.

Only one mobile device per group is needed when working with the app.

Briefly explain how to use the app and discuss how much time the learners have for the trail and where they should meet at the end of the time.

The trail you have created has a code so that you can share it specifically with your learning group. This can be found in the information about your trail. Share it with the learners so that they can download the trail. This means they don’t even need internet access when they are outside.

Step 3 – Go outside and solve tasks

Take your class outside to the place where the tasks have been placed. The learners navigate to the individual tasks using the MCM app or the printed map.

It is best for the individual groups to start at different tasks so that they do not get in each other’s way.

On site, the learners take measurements and work on the questions.

Depending on the teacher’s settings, they can receive direct feedback on the accuracy of their solution in the app.

Step 4 – Follow-up in the classroom

After the outdoor phase, you can discuss the learners’ experiences together in the classroom. You can talk about specific tasks and solutions, as well as different strategies.

It is best to use MathCityMap not only for one outdoor math lesson, but to integrate it regularly into your lessons. Over the course of the school year, learners can always solve new tasks and, if possible, create tasks themselves.

Further Tutorials

Finding tasks outside

To find suitable mathematical tasks outside, you should look for certain objects in your environment that are well suited for mathematical questions. Here are some steps you can follow when looking for suitable objects and questions:

Step 1 – Recognize suitable objects

Look for objects with clear geometric shapes or fixed dimensions, such as rectangular buildings, round fountains or linear paths.

You can also use natural features such as trees, plants or hills.

Road signs, distance markers or other markings in the environment also often provide valuable data for mathematical questions.

Schritt 2 – Fragestellung

Make sure that your question also requires an activity. In order to solve the task, you have to estimate, observe or measure and also calculate.

You should therefore not choose objects where you can already read off the solution.

Further Tutorials

Task-Wizard

The task-wizard is a helpful tool to make the creation of tasks in the MathCityMap web portal easier and faster. It works for some of the standard tasks. Before using it, you must have already thought about the task and collected measured values. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the task-wizard:

Step 1 – Open the task-wizard

When you create a task, you will see a magic wand icon in the top right-hand corner. Click on this to open the task-wizard function.

Step 2 – Enter basic data

First select a suitable topic for your task.

You can then select an object that matches the topic.

Then you need to specify what you are looking for in your task.

Fields will then open in which you should enter your measured values.

Once you have entered everything, click on “Apply”.

Step 3 – Check and complete the data

The task-wizard automatically formulates a suitable task and also creates the sample solution and appropriate hints.

Think about whether you want to adjust the title and add a cover image.

Click on the position on the map where your object is located and click on “Create” at the end.

Further Tutorials

Create / Edit Trail

A trail comprises several mathematical tasks that are all located near each other. This allows you to walk from one task to the next and work on them one after the other. Here you will find a step-by-step instruction on how to create and edit your own trail:

Step 1 – Open trail area

To create your own trail, click on “Trails – Create and manage”. You can also click on “Trails” in the menu bar on the left-hand side.

There is a + symbol at the top left. Click on this to start creating your trail.

The trail will not be saved automatically, so don’t forget to click on “Create” after entering the information.

Step 2 – Specify basic information for the trail

You will now be asked to enter the basic information for your trail. This includes uploading a representative cover image, defining the title and basic information about the trail.

You also need to specify the location of the trail. To do this, simply click on the correct location on the map.

Various settings can then be activated or deactivated. Clicking on the “i” explains what the settings are for. By default, all applications are activated. They can be deactivated by clicking on the slider on the right-hand side.

Now click on “Create”. You can then add tasks.

Step 3 – Add tasks

Now click on “Add tasks” and select suitable tasks. Under “Tasks nearby”, you will be shown tasks that are located near your selected location for the trail. If you have created your own tasks for the trail in advance, you can also search only for these by clicking on “own tasks only”.

Click on the green plus on the right-hand side to add tasks or on the red cross if you want to remove them again.

Then click on “Yes” under “Save changes” if you want to add the tasks to your trail.

You can now find the trail with the added tasks under “Trails – create and manage” under “My trails”.

Step 4 – Edit trail

If you want to make subsequent changes to your trail, click on “My trails” in the trail area and select the trail you want to edit.

If you want to add new tasks, remove tasks or change the order, click on the first icon at the top right. There you can edit the task list.

You can also change the general information, such as the title. To do this, click on the second icon.

Click on “Save” to save your changes.

Further Tutorials

Create / Edit a New Task

You can create your own mathematical tasks in the MathCityMap web portal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create and edit new tasks:

Step 1 – Open the task area

To create your own task, click on the “Tasks – Create and manage” field.

You can also click on “Tasks” in the menu bar on the left-hand side.

There is a plus symbol at the top left. Click on “New task” to start creating your task. The task will not be saved automatically, so don’t forget to click on “Create” after entering the information.

Step 2 – Enter basic information for the task

You will now be asked to enter the basic information for your task.

Cover picture: Upload a picture of the place where your task is located. It’s easiest to use the QR Code. Scan it with the smartphone that you took the picture with and follow the instructions. Make sure that the task cannot be solved by the cover image alone.

Basic data: Choose a suitable title for your task. Write down a precise definition of the task and provide all the necessary information.

Position: To indicate the exact position of the task, simply click on the right spot on the map.

Step 3 – Answer format and solution

Various task types can be selected in the bar. Decide which format makes sense for your task.

For example, if you want to determine an exact number, it makes sense to ask for an exact value. With measurement tasks, small measurement errors can occur, so it makes sense to offer a solution interval here. Depending on the type of task, different solutions must be given.

Then provide a sample solution to your task. This can be in written form or as a picture.

Step 4 – Stepped hints

Up to three hints can be given for a task. These can be helpful in solving the task.

They can contain an idea or an approach to a solution or even a concrete formula or direct instructions.

To do this, select the hint type and then add a text, image or video.

Step 5 – Task meta data

Interesting information about the object of the task can be added here. For example, you can enter the year of construction of a building or exhibition information about a sculpture.

You can also specify the grade level for which the task is suitable. This is particularly important for public tasks so that MCM users know whether the task corresponds to their mathematical abilities.  

Furthermore, the required tools can be specified here, such as a folding ruler or measuring tape.

Finally, you should define certain keywords. These also help other MCM users to decide whether they want to solve the task or not. To do this, enter a term and confirm it by pressing the Enter key.

Your own name is automatically entered as the author. The e-mail address of the linked account is also listed there, but it is not visible to others. Finally, click on “Create” and your task is created in the web portal.

Step 6 – Edit tasks

f you want to edit your task later, go to “My tasks” via the “Tasks – Create and manage” field.

Select the task you want to edit. You will then see an edit icon at the top right. If you click on it, you can adjust the cover image, basic data, position and meta data afterwards.

Click on “Save” at the bottom to save your changes. 

Further Tutorials

Search and filter public tasks

You can find public tasks that have already been created in the MathCityMap web portal. The search for suitable tasks can be narrowed down using various filters. Here you will find a step-by-step instruction on how to search for and filter public tasks in the web portal:

Step 1 – Accessing public tasks

To search for public tasks, click on the “Tasks – Create and manage” field.

You can also click on “Tasks” in the menu bar on the left-hand side.

A page with your tasks will open

Step 2 – Search for tasks

Click on “Public tasks” to search for specific math tasks that are publicly available.

The magnifying glass symbol allows you to enter keywords that should be in the title of the task.

Step 3 – Sorting tasks

The tasks can be sorted in ascending and descending order according to three different criteria: by creation date, by distance from the current location and by class level.

Step 4 – Filter tasks

There are various options for narrowing down the search using the filter symbol.

Grade level: select the grade level for which you want to find suitable tasks.

Period: select the period in which the task should have been created. 

Language: filter the tasks according to the availability of languages or activate the slider if the tasks should be in your own language (which is selected in the web portal).

Topic: If you are interested in a specific mathematical topic, you can enter it as a tag. This will only display tasks on this topic.

Task format: select which answer format your task should have.

Step 5 – View results and open tasks

The selected filters are displayed in a blue box above the tasks.

If you want to reset your filters, you can click on “Remove filters”.

After you have set the filters, the matching tasks will be displayed.

Click on a task from the list to see more details.

Further Tutorials

Profile

Your profile in the MathCityMap web portal contains personal data and statistics on your activities in the portal. Other MCM users can find out which tasks you have published, for example. Here is a more detailed description of how you can use your profile.

Step 1 – Open Profile

To open your profile, click on the “Profile – Personal data, statistics” field on the start page. You can also select this from the menu bar on the left.

You will then see your name, your profile picture and your timeline.  

Step 2 – Edit Profile

If you want to edit your profile, click on the pencil icon in the top right-hand corner.

Here you can add a profile picture or specify your occupation and add awards.

Click on “Save changes” to save your settings.  

Step 3 – Activities in the Portal

In your timeline, you can see your activities in the portal in chronological order. The most recent activity is always displayed at the top.

In addition to your timeline, you can also view your public tasks and trails separately. This can be a helpful view when searching or sharing.

You can also see who you have subscribed to and your subscribers. If you follow someone, you will be informed about their activities in your newsfeed and vice versa.  

Step 4 – Awards

You can earn various awards by participating in the web portal. You will find all possible awards and those you have already achieved under the medal symbol.

As soon as you have received one or more awards, you can also add them directly to your profile so that they appear next to your profile picture. To do this, click on the pencil icon.

You can select up to three awards and decide whether they should be in first, second or third position.

Finally, confirm by clicking on “Save changes”. 

Step 5 – Profiles of other Members

All public tasks and trails are always accompanied by the name of the person who created them. By clicking on the person’s name, you will be taken to the corresponding profile.

This is basically structured like your own, but you will find additional icons at the top right.

You can follow and unfollow a person by clicking on the bell icon.

If you want to request a person’s contact details, you need to click on the business card symbol. The other person must first agree to the transfer, so it may take some time before you receive it.

You can also leave a public message on the person’s timeline. To do this, click on the paper airplane icon and enter your message.  

Weitere Anleitungen

Groups and Sharing Content

You can join groups or create your own groups and share your content in them, making tasks and trails available to other members. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create groups, join them and share content:

Step 1 – Open group area

Click on the “Groups – Create and manage” field on the start page of the web portal or select “Groups” in the menu bar at the top left.

You will then be shown the groups that you have already joined.

Step 2 – Searching your groups

If you have already joined several groups and are looking for a specific one, it may be helpful to click on the magnifying glass symbol.

There you can search for the title and the matching groups will be displayed at the top.

Step 3 – Joining a group

To join an existing group, you will need the corresponding code. The person who created the group can share it with you.

You can enter it by clicking on the join symbol in the top right-hand corner.

Then click on “Join a group”.

Step 4 – Create a group

Click on the plus symbol to create a new group.

You will then be asked to enter a group name.

Click on “Create” or confirm with Enter.

Step 5 – Manage group

If you click on the share icon, you will be shown the access code for your group. You can share this with other people so that they can join your group.

You can also delete your group by clicking on the trash can icon.

You can leave the group by clicking on the leave icon.  

Step 6 – Share content

When you click on a group, you will see the members, the shared tasks and the shared trails.

To share content yourself, you must first create your own tasks or trails.

You will then find the share icon at the top right of your tasks. If you click on this, you can select the group in which you would like to share the content.

Click on “Save” to share the content in the selected group.

Further Tutorials