My Name in the Stars!

I love the Loco Teacher's name constellation project, so I was inspired to create my own! Students practice graphing by mapping out the letters in their name to create a constellation (click here for a freebie). Afterwards, if you have a lite-brite, have students light up the room with their name! Then, have them connect their stars, use their imagination, and create a picture. What does their constellation look like?! For another kid-personalized constellation idea, check out Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational's body constellations!

Tape Math

Create oversized ten frames and number lines on the classroom floor! You could even practice coordinate graphing! Then, use your tape roll to go on an angle walk (below)! Click here for details! Also, check out Polygon Construction!

Other activities that can be done with tape in the classroom:
Hot Wheels Math
Blacktop Geometry
Me! Graphing
Hop the Clock!
Run N Round
Kid Calculator
Oreo Math

2D and 3D Geometric Towns

Integrate math, social studies, and art with 2 awesome projects! 

1. 2D GEOMETRIC TOWN (LINE SEGMENTS) - Check out ABC Teach Geometric Town Map project (more advanced)! View examples at Engrade and Mrs. Sandri Math.

2. 3D GEOMETRIC TOWN - Get creative and "develop basic mapping and geography skills including the use of symbols, compass directions, scale, and grid coordinates," by creating a 3D Town - Peggy Healy Stearns - (photo of town featured above). Visit Parent's Choice for free building pattern printables (store fronts / town accessories), as well as map printables (cardinal rose, coordinate grid, etc)! Also, check out Fun Stuff To Do for lots of 3D solid patterns for your town buildings, and see their version of a Geometric Town!

To turn this into a PBL project, combine the 2 activities! Make small 2D maps of your 3D geometric town. Share your town on a parent night! Pass out maps to the tourists (aka parents) and have them visit your Geometric Town!

Note: You can also add fractions to your town, click here for details!

Nerf Gun Graphing

maverick via popular mechanics

Math-n-spire has an awesome activity to help kids learn about coordinate graphing! They shot and recorded where their darts got suctioned on a coordinate grid. Before you attempt this activity: 1. Check with the principal, 2. Make sure parents approve, and 3. Work on your students' aim! Check out their math lab here! 


Take a look at Math-n-spire's fractionopoly, an interactive life-sized game board! Kids play the role of the game pieces!