Project-Based Learning in the Math Classroom

Graphic with colorful heading that reads 'Implementing project-based learning in the elementary classroom'. Photo on the left of image shows two young boys building a city out of craft materials.

We’ve all been there. Your students are working on math problem and come across the most unrealistic scenario ever. As teachers, we want to prepare our students for the real world! Therefore, we want to expose them to real-life scenarios in our everyday instruction.

So, that leads me to today’s post. Let’s chat a little bit about Project-Based Learning and why it has been such a game changer in my math classroom.

What is Project-Based Learning? (PBL)

Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered teaching approach. Students dive into real-world problems and scenarios, while applying real world math skills.

The Benefits of Project-Based Learning in the Math Classroom:

Students apply the content and skills that they’ve learned to real-world examples.

Develops problem-solving skills

Encourages critical thinking

Provides opportunities for team work and collaboration

Promotes self-directed learning and exploration

Instills leadership in young learners

Project-based learning activities increase student engagement.

Planning a Math Project-Based Learning in the Classroom:

When planning a collaborative project-based learning activity for your students, think about the end result.

What do you want your students to learn or be able to do by the end of the activity?

Create a problem that students will encounter in the future. Do you want them to work with money? Have them start their own business!

Give students an allotted budget and have them design their own restaurant. Some elements of PBL might seem like “role playing” since students will be shifting their perspective to that of a business owner.

Then, decide how you will evaluate students on the solution to their problem.

Your PBL activity might not necessarily have a right or wrong answer. You’ll want to evaluate students based on their creativity, ability to think critically, and overall application of skills.

What are Some Examples of Project-Based Learning?

DOG GROOMER PROKECT-BASED LEARNING OPENING AND RUNNING A BUSINESS

Dog Groomer Project-Based Learning

Your students will apply third grade math skills while starting their own Pet Grooming business.

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Pet Groomer PBL

Challenge:

Your students are opening up their own pet grooming business! Students will explore a business-owner mindset to manage and maintain their grooming center.

Real-World Math Scenarios Included:

Plan and design the grooming center layout

Hire a company to place turf in their playground area

Purchase supplies for their center while staying within their budget

Hire employees to run their business

Calculate employee salaries

Plan out advertisements for their business

Calculate daily sales

Create employee schedules

Analyze monthly sales & graph data

Standards & Skills Targeted:

This PBL targets third and fourth grade standards. Students will need to apply addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurement (area), data, and elapsed time skills for this activity. For a complete list of targeted standards, check out the full resource listing here.

This Pet Grooming Project-Based Learning activity is now available in DIGITAL format!

Diner Project based learning heading in colorful letters. Includes photos of diner clipart colored in. An iPad featuring word problems is on the bottom right side of the image.

Diner Restaurant Project-Based Learning

Your students will apply third grade math skills while starting their own Diner Restaurant business.

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