5 Simple Ways To Use Inquiry-Based Math

When I was a teacher, I often used math investigations as extension activities for fast finishers. Now, I help develop DynaMath’s Problem of the Month. Each issue’s project-based learning activity relates to one of our stories. You can find them in our Teacher’s Guide—where they preview an upcoming article—or online.

For our December story on two climbers who Snapchatted their Mount Everest ascent—twice!—we developed a research activity about the world’s tallest mountains, which incorporates metric measurements.

1. Morning work: Your students walk into the classroom, unpack, and await the morning announcements. Have them work on the Problem of the Month as their daily morning math warm-up.

2. Early-finisher activity: I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I’m done…now what?” For early finishers, use the Problem of the Month to give speedy students something math-related to do.

3. Extra credit: Want to help your students earn an extra point or two on their math assessment? Assign the Problem of the Month on the first day of the month to be completed and handed in by the last day.

4. Small-group work: Working in groups can be a challenging but fun activity. Utilize Problem of the Month in your small group-centers for students to complete during their weekly rotations. Marjorie Miller, a K-5 gifted education teacher in Pennsylvania, explains more about how she does this in a blog post here.

5. Family engagement activity: Our investigations are designed to be inquiry-based, incorporating the Mathematical Practices and solving strategies students might rarely use. Invite parents to work with their child on the math investigations. Then students can present their findings to the class.