Math Mania Marketplace: Real-World Problem Solvers

1st Grade Project 4 weeks

Math Mania Marketplace: Real-World Problem Solvers

Bray, Jenna

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage first-grade students in authentic learning by connecting math concepts to real-world situations. Through hands-on activities and creative presentations, students will explore how addition and subtraction within 20 can be applied to everyday scenarios. By solving word problems and participating in interactive experiences like the 'Math Marketplace,' students will develop a deeper understanding of mathematical operations and their practical applications. This project aims to enhance students' problem-solving skills, boost their confidence in using math, and foster a personal connection to the subject by demonstrating its relevance in their daily lives.

Learning goals

In this project, students will learn to apply addition and subtraction within 20 to solve various word problems. They will explore real-world situations involving adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions. Through activities like the 'Math and Me' poster and 'Math in Action' project, students will develop problem-solving skills and understand how math is used in everyday life. The 'Math Marketplace' event will further enhance their ability to use math in practical scenarios, such as calculating prices and managing inventory, fostering a deeper connection to mathematics and its applications.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4: Model with mathematics.

Products

In this project, students will create a series of products that demonstrate their understanding and application of addition and subtraction within real-world contexts. These products include: 1. 'Math and Me' Posters: Each student will design a poster illustrating how they use math in their everyday lives, fostering a personal connection to mathematical concepts. 2. 'Math in Action' Visual Representations: Students will create visual representations, such as posters or dioramas, showcasing a real-world problem they solved using math. This will highlight their ability to apply mathematical skills to practical situations. 3. Math Marketplace Stalls: Students will participate in a 'Math Marketplace' event, where they will set up stalls to sell imaginary products. They will use math to calculate prices, make change, and manage inventory, simulating real-world business transactions. Through these activities, students will enhance their problem-solving skills, connect math to daily life, and gain confidence in their mathematical abilities.

Launch

To launch the project, initiate a "Math and Me Show-and-Tell" session. Invite students to bring in or create an item from home that represents how they use math in their daily lives. This could be anything from a toy that involves counting to a recipe card they helped measure ingredients for. During the show-and-tell, each student will present their item to the class, explaining the math involved and how it helps them in their everyday life. This activity will not only engage students by allowing them to share personal stories but also set the stage for understanding the relevance of math in real-world situations. It encourages students to see math as a practical tool they already use, fostering a personal connection to the subject and sparking curiosity for the upcoming project activities.

Exhibition

To culminate the project, organize a "Math Marketplace" exhibition event where students can showcase their learning and creativity. Invite parents, school staff, and other students to visit the marketplace. Each student will set up a stall featuring their imaginary products, complete with pricing, inventory management, and change-making activities. As visitors engage with the stalls, students will explain the math concepts they've applied, demonstrating their understanding of addition and subtraction in real-world contexts. This event not only celebrates their achievements but also reinforces the practical application of math skills in everyday life.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Introduction to the Project - Begin with the 'Math and Me Show-and-Tell' session where students present items from home that represent math in their daily lives. Discuss the importance of math in everyday scenarios.	Day 2: Exploring Addition and Subtraction - Conduct a hands-on activity using manipulatives to explore addition and subtraction within 20. Introduce word problems and work through examples as a class.	Day 3: Word Problem Workshop - Provide students with a variety of word problems involving addition and subtraction. Guide them in identifying key information and strategies for solving these problems.	Day 4: 'Math and Me' Poster Planning - Students brainstorm and plan their 'Math and Me' posters. They will outline how they use math in their daily lives, incorporating ideas from the show-and-tell session.	Day 5: 'Math and Me' Poster Creation - Dedicate time for students to create their 'Math and Me' posters, using art supplies and materials provided. Encourage creativity and personal connections to math.
Deliverables	1. 'Math and Me' Posters - Each student will complete a poster illustrating how they use math in their everyday lives by the end of the week.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for the 'Math and Me Show-and-Tell' session, including guidelines for students on what to bring and how to present. 2. Gather manipulatives and resources for hands-on addition and subtraction activities. 3. Create a collection of word problems that align with the learning goals for students to practice. 4. Provide art supplies and poster materials for the 'Math and Me' poster creation activity.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Introduction to 'Math in Action' - Discuss the concept of applying math to real-world problems and introduce the 'Math in Action' project. Share examples of everyday problems that can be solved using addition and subtraction.	Day 2: Problem-Solving Strategies - Teach students different problem-solving strategies, such as drawing pictures, using number lines, and breaking problems into smaller parts. Engage students in guided practice using these strategies.	Day 3: 'Math in Action' Brainstorming - Facilitate a brainstorming session where students identify real-world problems they can solve using math. Encourage collaboration and idea-sharing among peers.	Day 4: Planning 'Math in Action' Visuals - Guide students in planning their visual representations. They will decide on the format (e.g., poster or diorama) and outline the steps they will take to solve their chosen problem.	Day 5: Creating 'Math in Action' Visuals - Provide time for students to create their visual representations, using the materials provided. Offer support and feedback as they work on illustrating their problem-solving process.
Deliverables	1. 'Math in Action' Visual Representations - By the end of the week, each student will complete a visual representation of a real-world problem they solved using addition and subtraction.
Preparation	1. Prepare examples of real-world problems that can be solved using addition and subtraction to share with the class. 2. Develop a mini-lesson on problem-solving strategies, including visual aids and examples. 3. Gather art supplies and materials for students to use in creating their 'Math in Action' visuals, such as poster boards, markers, and craft materials. 4. Create a checklist or rubric for assessing students' 'Math in Action' visual representations.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Introduction to the 'Math Marketplace' - Discuss the concept of a marketplace and how math is used in business transactions. Introduce the idea of setting up stalls with imaginary products.	Day 2: Exploring Pricing and Inventory - Teach students how to calculate prices and manage inventory. Use role-playing activities to simulate buying and selling scenarios.	Day 3: Marketplace Stall Planning - Students brainstorm ideas for their stalls, including the type of products they want to 'sell' and how they will price them. Encourage creativity and practicality.	Day 4: Designing Marketplace Stalls - Guide students in creating visual elements for their stalls, such as signs, price tags, and inventory lists. Provide art supplies and support.	Day 5: Practice Marketplace Transactions - Conduct a mock marketplace session where students practice their roles as buyers and sellers, using math to calculate totals and make change.
Deliverables	1. 'Marketplace Stall Plans' - Each student will develop a detailed plan for their marketplace stall, including product ideas, pricing strategies, and inventory management by the end of the week.
Preparation	1. Prepare a mini-lesson on the basics of pricing, inventory management, and making change, including examples and hands-on activities. 2. Gather materials for role-playing activities, such as play money, calculators, and mock products. 3. Provide art supplies and materials for students to design their marketplace stalls, such as poster boards, markers, and decorative items. 4. Create guidelines and a rubric for evaluating students' marketplace stall plans.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Day 1: Final Marketplace Preparations - Review the marketplace plans with students, provide feedback, and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure all visual elements and pricing strategies are ready.	Day 2: Setting Up the Marketplace - Allow students to set up their stalls, including arranging their products, attaching price tags, and organizing inventory. Conduct a walkthrough to ensure readiness.	Day 3: Marketplace Rehearsal - Conduct a rehearsal of the marketplace event. Students practice their roles as sellers, interact with classmates as buyers, and handle transactions using math.	Day 4: Math Marketplace Event - Host the 'Math Marketplace' event. Invite parents, school staff, and other students to visit the stalls. Students showcase their products, perform transactions, and explain the math concepts involved.	Day 5: Reflection and Feedback - Facilitate a reflection session where students share their experiences from the marketplace. Discuss what they learned, challenges faced, and how math was applied. Collect feedback and celebrate their success.
Deliverables	1. 'Math Marketplace' Stalls - By the end of the week, each student will have a fully set up stall for the marketplace event, showcasing their products and applying math skills in real-world scenarios.
Preparation	1. Review students' marketplace plans and provide constructive feedback for improvements. 2. Coordinate with parents, school staff, and other classes to invite them to the 'Math Marketplace' event. 3. Gather any additional materials needed for setting up the marketplace, such as tables, chairs, and signage. 4. Prepare a reflection activity or worksheet to guide students in reflecting on their marketplace experience.