Math in Real World Projects

Integrating technology into math is much bigger than finding dazzling software, effective virtual manipulatives, or hot lesson activities. Project-based learning opens the doors to the meaningful use of technology and math in real life projects and problems. Remember, that technology is not the focus of learning in these projects but rather functions as useful tools to solve problems, promote learning, inspire new visions, etc. Here are some resources to get you going. Don't be afraid to develop your own ideas!

Edutopia: Project-based Learning
The George Lucas Educational Foundation has rich resources to help teachers of every subject and grade. In case articles alone don't give you the whole picture of what project-based learning looks like in real classrooms, there are plenty of video clips to show you the way!

Math Projects
Computing Technology for Math Excellence brings a good list of resources for finding and/or developing math projects.

Specific Projects

Nutrition Science & Math
This is a project that I've used successfully in my classes through the years from 8th grade on up into teacher education classes. The full handout is from 1998, so I plan to update it sometime soon and will post it here when I do.

Problem-Based Learning

Figure this! Math Challenges for Families
Take problems and work together to solve them. Parents and/or teachers can model problem solving skills. These challenges are also available in Spanish!

Population Connection
Find plenty of ways to use real-world data to use in real-world problems. There are online lessons and materials for all grades.

Technology in Projects

Multimedia in Projects
Find tips on how to effectively manage and use technology in math projects.