Ideas for Project-based Math Learning

As a K-5 gifted education teacher, I see students at varying math levels in every grade across five schools. It’s my job to make sure they stay engaged with their math learning so they can be prepared for school and state assessments.

I’ve noticed that connecting math to real-world topics of high student interest greatly helps with engagement. Without a real-world connection, some students struggle to see how math applies to their daily lives. I’ve found that this can lead to negative attitudes about math. This is especially true when lessons are too easy or too hard for students; some kids get bored, while others lose interest.

That’s why I like challenging students with the DynaMath’s math investigations. I LOVE the application component! The project-based math activity introduces my students to some STEM concepts and brings their thinking to a whole new level.

Back in January, I used the “Designing a Presidential Office” math investigation during the week of the presidential inauguration. My students loved designing their very own presidential office. This activity not only challenged them to use their geometry knowledge and creativity, but it connected to real-world current events. (Interested in checking out the activity yourself? Click here .)

I also like to create skills sheets packets for each student to complete for continued enrichment in the regular education classroom. I appreciate that the skill sheets are leveled and connect with the articles for each month. Not to mention, they keep kids engaged with the topics they need to learn.

Often, my students are so interested in the stories they read in DynaMath that they forget they are even doing math problems! This happened recently when my third graders read the story, “Wishing for a Pet” in the December 2016/January 2017 issue. They quickly realized the responsibilities and time it requires to own a pet. The article was engaging because it presented a topic my students were interested in, and showed them how the elapsed time lessons they were learning in the classroom had real-world meaning.