Most any project-based learning involves math. Students need to calculate current numbers in a situation they are working to improve, tabulate survey responses, graph results, measure liquid or solid quantities for an experiment, recipe, or other product, determine how much time is needed for each part of a presentation – are some examples of how students use math in any project.
In addition, here are project-based learning challenges with special focus on math:
Role playing architects and interior designers – how will we design rooms for a new building in our community?
What plans for our new school will we recommend to the architects?
How can we add to the school garden to help other plants and animals live here? For example build a new raised bed, bird house or water feature. (from Amy Farmer)
How can we plan and create a school supply store for our school?
Role playing landscape architects how can we plan an enjoyable outdoor public space?
How can we help a community or group that needs to carry water by designing a light weight container using least amount of materials? (from Kathy Johnson)
As planning consultants, how can we predict our town’s population growth or decrease over time so that appropriate plans can be made for community resources?
How can we use math to plan a road trip? (from Ursula Cote)
How can we predict the number of patients in a possible future Ebola epidemic, so correct number of hospital beds and other resources will be available? (from Tennille Moore)
Role playing town planners, how can we plan an annual budget?
How can we design a solar chocolate melter that works outside on a cold winter day?
Role playing families with different incomes how can we plan a family budget and address unexpected expenses? (Adapted from “Wealth Matters,” by Teaching Tolerance.)
What advice can we give to a car purchaser about interest rates?
How can we help a local nonprofit or business analyze their social media trends to use for their future planning? (Telannia Norfar)
What budgeting advice can we give graduates beginning to live on their own? How can we help them prepare a budget?
How can we plan dimensions for our garden’s beds? How much will supplies for our garden cost?
Craig Kemp’s students work on How can we create math board games that incorporate required elements?
How can we plan a meal within a stated budget?
How can we calculate our field trip’s expenses and keep them within our budget?
Role playing city planners, how can we design a community friendly town? Create a model true to scale.
How can we plan our budget for the party we are having for our next door neighbor class? How can we plan a schedule with time for each party activity?
How can we plan a vacation within a $_______ budget.
How much would it cost to create your ideal backyard?
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Have your students had project-based learning that uses math? Or are you planning to provide a project that uses math? What is the project?