- Math fairs allow students to explore topics in creative ways.math image by jaddingt from Fotolia.com
Math fairs are a great way for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom and turn those concepts into real-world applications. The activities shown at math fairs also allow mathematical concepts and theories to be viewed in new and sometimes very creative ways. Math fair projects can be used at any skill level to teach and entertain. Many students learn best when presented with a concept they can manipulate and visualize. - Students can be shown how to estimate distances.measuring tool image by Michalis Palis from Fotolia.com
Suitable for the lower elementary levels, a project in estimation is sure to get little minds working. Use manipulatives like rocks or marbles to show how estimation can save time. Challenge onlookers to estimate the number of objects in a container. Simple mathematical equations can be used to come up with an estimated answer. Common estimation pitfalls should be addressed as well, such as rounding the wrong number. The project can address estimating measurements, using body parts and commonly-used objects to show children what "about an inch" or "about a foot" looks like. - In a group of 23 people, there is a 50 percent chance that there will be a repeat birthday. However, this does not fit into mathematical probabilities. Survey individuals to see how many people they think it will take to get a matching birthday. Survey 100 people and chart their birthdays and figure out the probabilities. Find out how large the sample needs to be to have a birthday for every day of the year, based on current probabilities. This project is ideal for students in the upper elementary grades.
- Math and music are closely related.cds and sheet music image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
It is understood that musical elements are based on mathematical concepts, and middle school students can explore this relationship in many ways. The creation of sound and how it is heard by the ear can be explored as a mathematical approach to frequency. Rhythm can be studied through types of music. Instruments can be used as an example of how volumes of air affect sound. Well-known musical pieces can be dissected to show scales and note intervals. Be as creative as the great composers when crafting this musical math fair project. - Origami uses mathematical concepts to create three-dimensional shapes.origami flowers image by Maciek Lazecki from Fotolia.com
High school students may enjoy the ancient Japanese art of origami. Origami involves turning two-dimensional pieces of paper into three-dimensional objects and uses mathematical concepts for the paper manipulation. Show how many of the objects begin with the same basic folds and explain the mathematics behind the reason the folded shapes work as they do. Try to learn what folds will create each shape and explain the 3D objects as they relate to each other mathematically.
Estimation
Skewed Probabilities
The Math of Music
Origami
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