Math is Everywhere Lesson Plans

Submitted by

April Paine

Help your students learn about math - even when you're not there! By teaching children that math and mathematical concepts can be found in almost every aspect of our daily lives, you will enrich their learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

You will find lesson plans that are sure to inspire even the most disgruntled math student. You will also find web links to some of the most fun Internet games out there. Check out the students' sample work too.

Purpose of the Project

In an effort to get children excited about math, it's a great idea to relate math to the real world. As you know, mathematical concepts can be found in almost every aspect of our lives. By providing students with the "glasses" to see math in the world, they will begin to notice how math infiltrates their very existence. This project is designed to show you a few ways that math can be related to the real world in the hope that you will use it as a springboard for your own ideas to bring every day math into your classroom. Never again do you have to feel imprisoned by a boring textbook or dry explanation of decimals. Lessons including money, baking, and candy will inspire even the most down trodden mathematicians.

Each day, students gather into a circle to discuss different ways that they see math in the world (i.e. how much time it took to complete homework, how much change they received for purchases). As a group, students choose the juiciest example and the child who shared the example will write it in a "Math: It's Everywhere!" binder. You'll be amazed at how much your pupils enjoy going back through this book to read these math examples. Using Weather.com to check the daily weather, students can write the temperature high and low in their math notebooks. At the end of each week, pupils create a bar graph of the weather pattern. The teacher can also use the weather as a catalyst for several other mathematical purposes including differences, averages, and temperature readings. By asking and showing children daily about where they experience math in the real world, they will begin to realize that math is indeed everywhere.

Standards

Students understand that numbers and the operations performed on them can be used to describe things in the real world. They can predict what might occur from drawing on their own experiences. They internalize the concept that mathematical ideas can be represented concretely, graphically, and symbolically. The project can help a teacher teach to the standards in a colorful way.

Software and Materials Used

A computer with internet connection, chart paper, markers, crayons, 3-ring binder, candies, cookies, and measuring cups/spoons.

The Students

This project is geared toward 3rd-5th Grade students, although any age level can benefit from discovering math in the world. Students should have a basic knowledge of computers and the internet. Students need to be able to work in groups as well as independently.

Overall Value

Freeing students from math worksheets and drill exercises, the teacher allows the pupils to realize that math is simply a wonderful part of every day living. Children become comfortable with the internet and all that the World Wide Web can provide. This project can create a successful mathematician even out of the most challenged student. When children feel successful in a subject area, they are more likely to work harder in order to learn more. The children in your class will enjoy this project because it gets them up and out of their seats-surfing, performing, talking, discussing, and sharing.

Useful URLs

Tips

Take time out to use teachable moments of math in the world. From attendance to lunchtime, there are always opportunities to bring real-life math into your classroom. Go for it!