Teaching strategies which involve project based learning offer students the potential of gaining deep insights into mathematical concepts. Mathematics projects prompt students into developing and answering their own questions. This strategy assists students in developing higher order math skills that allow them to make the all important connections between one math concept and other math concepts.
Math Problems
Math problems in project based learning must challenge students with an in-depth investigation of a mathematical concept. These type of problems lead to students using critical thinking and reasoning skills in solving problems. Project based learning in mathematics require students to:
- develop a plan to solve math problems posed by a project
- collect information from a variety of sources
- develop a plan for solving the problem
- analyze all data and information collected
- carry out the plan
- communicate findings as to how the problem was solved to complete the project
Math Projects
Math projects provide a method for connecting a number of math concepts within one math problem. This is critical step for students developing a better understanding of math; connecting several math concepts together. In addition to making connections in math, projects provide teachers with the opportunity to use of real-world applications.
The advantage of using math project teaching strategies is that it allows students to decide and apply math problem solving strategies and skills. This teaching strategy helps students develop a sense of mastery of math concepts. As students master math concepts they are more likely to retain the knowledge gained for a longer period of time, avoiding the short term gains of rote memorization.
Student Learning
Teaching strategies that include project based learning activities offer the greatest opportunity for student learning and must be hands-on, minds-on; i.e., students are actively engaged physically and mentally. Six examples of math projects include:
Tessellations Project – students create geometric shape using tessellations by hand. This provides students with an opportunity to use dividers, protractors, and other geometric tools. Students develop a sense of regular and repeating patterns in the world around them.
Math Cartoon Project – students must create a cartoon comic strip using a minimum of six panels. The key to success in this project is that students are able to communicate a math concept, math rule, or math technique using humor. Since all students are not artistically inclined, students have the option of using a computer drawing program.
Creative Math Book Project – students create a book using cartoons, illustrations, and pictures to explain everyday real-world applications of math. This project supports student learning in math as they make connections with geometry, algebra, number sense, and more concepts.
Stock Market Project - students pick a stock they want to follow. They make a brochure for prospective investors using a publishing computer program. Students then graph the sales of the stock over a several week period to display how well the stock fared during this time period. They make several math connections along with reading, using newspapers in the classroom, watching stock reports on television, comparing and contrasting, and more.
Geometry Map Project – students are required to design a map that includes lines, angles, and triangles. The map can be of a neighborhood town, city, or state. The map must include the following as a minimum:
- Two sets of streets that are parallel
- Two sets of streets that are perpendicular
- One street that intersects another street to form an obtuse angle
- One street intersects another to form an acute angle
- One street that is a line segment
- One street that is a line
- One street that is a ray
- One building in the shape of an equilateral triangle
- One building that is in the shape of a scalene triangle
- One building that combines three different geometric shapes in its design
Math Problem Solving Video – students create a video of everyday math they observe in the real-world that explains a math concept, math rule, or math technique. Students may work in groups to present a skit or role playing situation as they follow the guidelines of the project.
Making Connections with Project Based Learning
Student learning benefits both academically and personally from their involvement in project based learning. Student participation in actual real-world learning activities might encourage them to do their best work and see the relevance of mathematics in their daily lives. Teaching strategies that include collaborative math projects, particularly involving students outside their school setting, helps students learn how to be a part of a team and communicate appropriately with others.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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