Math Education Month: Activities

Math Activities

Activities

Grades K–2: Mathematics
Sorting Fun
Learning the basics of sorting is essential to your students' math success. Have students create sorting challenges for each other by putting objects in groups in which one object does not belong.
Find the Unexpected Guest
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/find.html

Grades K–2: Mathematics/Art
Best Bugs
Have a small group of students ask their classmates the names of their favorite creepy crawly creatures. Then have another small group make a bar graph of their classmates' responses on poster board. Other students may want to decorate the graph with drawings.
Creepy Crawly Creatures
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/creepy.html

Grades K–5: Mathematics/Art
The Art of Math
Students will have fun creating patterns as they color triangles and hexagons. You might have students cut the shapes and use them to create new patterns.
Coolmath4kids - Colouring Book - Hexagons & Triangles 1
http://www.coolmath4kids.com/coloring2_hextri1.html
Coolmath4kids - Colouring Book - Hexagons & Triangles 2
http://www.coolmath4kids.com/coloring_hextri2.html

Grades 1–2: Mathematics
Sharing Treats
Turn snack time into math time. Have students add, subtract, multiply, and divide as they make sure that everyone gets an equal share.
Math Snack
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/1_10_act2.html

Grades 1–2: Mathematics
Math Detective
Have students practice looking for patterns in an interactive format.
Missing Number in a Sequence
http://www.aaamath.com/B/patk2fma.htm

Grades K–6: Mathematics
Name That Term!
Do your students know their math terms? Challenge them with this fun game.
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade K)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_gradek.html
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade 1)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_grade1.html
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade 2)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_grade2.html
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade 3)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_grade3.html
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade 4)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_grade4.html
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade 5)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_grade5.html
eGames—Math Lingo (Grade 6)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/mathlingo_grade6.html

Grades 2–3: Mathematics/Reading
Connecting the Dots
Students will have fun practicing their counting as they connect the dots to make a picture and answer a question.
Dot2Dot
http://www.scugog-net.com/room108/dot2dot/samp.html

Grades 2–8: Language Arts
Word Finds
Have students find math words hidden in a puzzle.
Math (grades 2–4) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_easy_wf.pdf
Math Answer Key (grades 2–4) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_easy_wf_key.pdf
Math (grades 5–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_hard_wf.pdf
Math Answer Key (grades 5–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_hard_wf_key.pdf

Grades 1–6: Mathematics
Test-taking Tips and Strategies
Have your students explore animated illustrations of test-taking strategies.
Test-taking Tips Grade 1
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/testprep/g_1.html
Test-taking Tips Grade 2
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/testprep/g_2.html
Test-taking Tips Grade 3
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/testprep/g_3.html
Test-taking Tips Grade 4
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/testprep/g_4.html
Test-taking Tips Grade 5
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/testprep/g_5.html
Test-taking Tips Grade 6
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/testprep/g_6.html

Grades 1–6: Mathematics
Computational Game
Can your students string together a series of computations to reach a given result? See if they can get the frog safely across the pond.
eGames—Rock Hopper (Grade 1)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/rockhopper_grade1.html
eGames—Rock Hopper (Grade 2)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/rockhopper_grade2.html
eGames—Rock Hopper (Grade 3)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/rockhopper_grade3.html
eGames—Rock Hopper (Grade 4)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/rockhopper_grade4.html
eGames—Rock Hopper (Grade 5)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/rockhopper_grade5.html
eGames—Rock Hopper (Grade 6)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/rockhopper_grade6.html

Grades 1–6: Mathematics
Geometry Game
Your students can give their spatial skills a workout with this fun game.
eGames—RoboPacker (Grade 1)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/robopacker_grade1.html
eGames—RoboPacker (Grade 2)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/robopacker_grade2.html
eGames—RoboPacker (Grade 3)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/robopacker_grade3.html
eGames—RoboPacker (Grade 4)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/robopacker_grade4.html
eGames—RoboPacker (Grade 5)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/robopacker_grade5.html
eGames—RoboPacker (Grade 6)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/robopacker_grade6.html

Grades 1–6: Mathematics
Sequencing Challenge
See if your students can put together their sequencing, computational, and strategizing skills to achieve success.
eGames—Find a Friend (Grade 1)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/faf_grade1.html
eGames—Find a Friend (Grade 2)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/faf_grade2.html
eGames—Find a Friend (Grade 3)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/faf_grade3.html
eGames—Find a Friend (Grade 4)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/faf_grade4.html
eGames—Find a Friend (Grade 5)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/faf_grade5.html
eGames—Find a Friend (Grade 6)
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/swfs/faf_grade6.html

Grades 2–3: Mathematics/Social Studies/Art
Colour Map
Colouring maps is easy, right? Challenge your students to color maps and explore the complex math involved in the process.
The Most Colourful Math of All
http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~casey931/mega-math/workbk/map/mpbkgd.html

Grades 2–3: Mathematics
Strategy Game
In math, there's usually more than one way to solve a problem. Have students play a fun game, applying basic problem-solving strategies.
Family Math Balloon Ride
http://sv.berkeley.edu/showcase/flash/balloon.html
Balloon Ride (PDF file)
http://sv.berkeley.edu/showcase/media/cl_balrd.pdf

Grades 2–4: Mathematics
A Drop in the Bank
Have students practice math by dropping coins into a piggy bank. The challenge is to use a specific number of coins to deposit a specific amount of money.
Room 108 Money Drills
http://www.scugog-net.com/room108/money/money.htm

Grades 2–4: Mathematics
Pattern Building
Tessellation Town is a place where the main occupation is making mosaics. Have students build their own personal Tessellation Town.
Tessellation Town--Tessellations at Math Cats
http://www.mathcats.com/explore/tessellationtown.html

Grades 2–4: Mathematics
Puzzling Pieces
Piecing puzzles together helps to keep the brain nimble and promotes spatial reasoning, an important math skill. Have students beat the clock to put an image of Sacajawea back together.
Golden Dollar Puzzle
http://www.usmint.gov/kids/index.cfm?Filecontents=/kids/games/index.cfm&pick=7

Grades 2–5: Mathematics/Social Studies
Sets of Social Groups
Integrate social studies into your math class by having students compare social groups with math sets.
Making a Class Pictogram
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/pictogram.html

Grades 2–8: Language Arts
Word Finds
Have students find math words hidden in a puzzle.
Math (grades 2–4) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_easy_wf.pdf
Math Answer Key (grades 2–4) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_easy_wf_key.pdf
Math (grades 5–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_hard_wf.pdf
Math Answer Key (grades 5–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_hard_wf_key.pdf

Grades 3–5: Science/Math
Dino Math
Introduce students to Sue the Dinosaur, and then have them learn from math problems based on her statistics.
Big Bad Sue (the Dinosaur, That Is)
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/big_bad_sue.html

Grades 3–5: Math
Pie Slicing Challenge
Have students try their hand at slicing an apple pie (figuratively speaking) while applying mathematical logic.
Easy as Pie
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/easyaspie.html

Grades 3–5: Language Arts/Mathematics
Poems About Shapes
Have your students explore the world of geometric shapes through writing poetry.
Poems Have Shapes, Too!
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/poem_shapes.html

Grades 3–5: Mathematics/Science
How It Adds Up...
Have your students use basic mathematical operations to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of overfishing on a threatened species, the Patagonian toothfish (also known as the Chilean sea bass).
What Happened to the Patagonian Toothfish?
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/bass_math.html

Grades 3–5: Mathematics/Art
To Coin a Coin
There's more that students can do with coins than count out change. Have students make their own personal coins.
Making Change
http://www.usmint.gov/kids/index.cfm?Filecontents=/kids/games/index.cfm&pick=5

Grades 3–8: Mathematics
Challenging Word Problems
Challenge your student's problem-solving skills with Brain Teasers. Each week a new Brain Teaser is posted for three grade ranges: 3–4, 5–6, and 7–8. Hints are provided, and answers are given the following week. Problems are archived for three weeks.
Brain Teasers
http://www.eduplace.com/math/brain/

Grades 3–8: Mathematics
Math Answers 24/7
When your students have a math question, they can check Dr. Math's amazing archives. If they don't find their question in the archives or in the frequently asked questions section, they can e-mail their question to Dr. Math.
The Math Forum:Write to Dr. Math
http://mathforum.com/dr.math/ask2.html

Grades 4–6: Mathematics
For What It's Worth
Have students solve a real-life math problem and decide which is really the best deal.
Sale! Buy and Save!
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/as/education/projects/webunits/
math/shoes.html

Grades 4–8: Mathematics/Social Studies
Express Mail
The men and women who rode for the Pony Express covered hundreds of miles on horseback through all sorts of terrain and danger. Have students plot the route of the Pony Express, discover the kinds of terrain it crossed, and calculate the number of shifts needed to cover the distance of its total route.
The Pony Express
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/pony.html

Grades 4–8: Mathematics/Science/Social Studies
Open for Business!
Turn your students into neighborhood entrepreneurs. Have them open up a lemonade stand and do the math that will bring them success.
Coolmath4kids - Lemonade Stand
http://www.coolmath-games.com/lemonade/

Grades 4–8: Mathematics
Baseball Math
Have students step up to the plate for some math practice. Cautious math batters will aim for singles; daring math sluggers will reach for the home run.
All-Pro Joe Baseball (Math)
http://www.prongo.com/math/multiplication.html

Grades 5–8: Mathematics/Language Arts
Pig Math
So, your students think they know the whole story of the Three Little Pigs. Have your students solve several word problems based on the classic tale.
MathStories.comTM
http://www.mathstories.com/Book_17_3pigs_grades23.htm

Grades 5–8: Mathematics/Social Studies/Art
Colour Map
Colouring maps is easy, right? Challenge your students to color maps and explore the complex math involved in the process.
The Most Colourful Math of All
http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~casey931/mega-math/workbk/map/mpbkgd.html

Grades 6–8: Mathematics/Social Studies
Real Life Math
One way to show students the value of math is to take a close look at how people in their community use math everyday. Have students conduct an interview with a family member or a family friend to find out how they use math at work or at play. Then have students chart their findings. Finally, hold a class discussion on the results.
Numbers at Work
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/numbers.html

Grades 6–8: Science/Math
The Math of Global Warming
Have students develop a better understanding of global warming through math problems.
CO2: How Much Is Too Much?
http://www.eduplace.com/activity/global_warming.html

Grades 6–8: Mathematics
Shifting the Tower
Based on an ancient legend, this puzzle will bring out your students' problem-solving skills.
Tower of Hanoi
http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/Java/Tower/towerhistory.html

Grades 7–8: Mathematics
Making the Grade
Behind the A's, B's, and C's on a report card there's quite a lot of math. Have students study the math of grading. Then have them calculate their own grades.
Calculating Your Grade
http://oncampus.richmond.edu/academics/as/education/projects/webunits/math/gcalc.html

Grades 7–8: Mathematics/Language Arts
Crossword Puzzle
Challenge students to identify the polygons.
Polygons (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_xword.pdf
Polygons Answer Key (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/april/pdf/math_xword_key.pdf

Grades 8: Mathematics
Ratio Race
Have students practice computing ratios in a timed, interactive format.
Ratios
http://www.aaamath.com/B/g81_rax1.htm

Internet Resources

Preschool Coloring Book: Number Coloring Pages
Here are individual pages of plain and block numbers to print for your students.
http://www.preschoolcoloringbook.com/color/cpnumber.shtml

The Math Forum Home Page
This awesome site is an amazing resource for math lessons, projects, and links. Especially noteworthy is "Dr. Math," a feature where math questions are answered and archived. If you or your students have a math question, there's a good chance it's in the archives. If it's not, Dr. Math will come up with an answer.
http://www.mathforum.org/

Pi Mathematics
Pi Mathematics is a multidisciplinary project designed around the concept of pi, involving math, history, English, and problem-solving skills. This site, designed for grades five through eight, guides students in discovering the approximate value of pi, using measurement data, formulas, and various problems and activities. Pi Mathematics also offers a downloadable movie and software as in-class resources. Pi Mathematics was created by teachers Georgette Moore and Betty Ganas with assistance from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications.
http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/Edu/RSE/RSEorange.html

Summary of Rules
You can review the rules for working with fractions at the S.O.S. Math Web site from the University of Texas at El Paso.
http://www.math.utep.edu/sosmath/algebra/fraction/frac8/frac8.html

The Abacus: Index
This site offers interactive activities using an abacus, and it presents the history of the abacus.
http://www.ee.ryerson.ca:8080/%7Eelf/abacus/index.html

allmath.com: Metric Conversion Tool
This is a handy site when you need to convert from U.S. to metric measurements (or vice versa).
http://www.allmath.com/metric.asp

Metric units and Measurement
This site features the fundamentals of measurement.
http://www.mathleague.com/help/metric/metric.htm

A Maths Dictionary for Kids by Jenny Eather
This engaging, interactive dictionary explains hundreds of common mathematics terms, using animated models that students will enjoy manipulating. The site was created by an Australian primary school teacher.
http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com

DuPage Children's Museum: Aunty Math
The DuPage Children's Museum in Wheaton, Illinois, has created an engaging math Web site featuring Aunt Mathilda (Aunty Math) and her nieces and nephews. Children solve challenging word problems that may be adapted for young children. Extensive teacher tips are available.
http://www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org/aunty/index.html

AAAMath
These pages illustrate and provide interactive arithmetic exercises and problems. They contain a series of basic math lessons, which are a resource that can be used by math students in formal elementary education math classes, in home schooling, or elsewhere.
http://www.aaamath.com/

Index

Wayne
Update
August 2005