The purpose of this project is to engage first-grade students in developing foundational math skills through the creation of addition and subtraction word problems. By designing math puzzles for family fun nights at a local community center, students will enhance their collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills. This project aims to make math learning meaningful and enjoyable by connecting classroom activities to real-world applications, encouraging students to work together, think critically, and express their ideas effectively. Through interactions with a math specialist and participation in various performance tasks, students will gain confidence in their mathematical abilities while contributing to their community.

In this project, students will be learning to apply addition and subtraction skills through the creation and solving of word problems. They will develop collaboration skills by working in pairs and groups to design math puzzles, enhancing their ability to listen and incorporate diverse ideas. Students will also improve their problem-solving skills by designing and refining math games, encouraging critical thinking and cooperative solution-finding. Additionally, students will practice effective communication by clearly expressing their ideas and solutions during presentations and discussions. This project aligns with the Missouri learning standards for first grade mathematics, focusing on developing fluency in addition and subtraction within 20, understanding the relationship between numbers and operations, and solving real-world problems. Through engagement with community partners, such as an elementary school math specialist, students will receive guidance on creating age-appropriate and challenging math puzzles. The project will culminate in a Math Game Exchange, where students will demonstrate their learning by articulating problem-solving strategies and providing peer feedback.

In this project, first-grade students will create a series of engaging math puzzles using addition and subtraction, designed for family fun nights at the local community center. The students will work collaboratively to develop and illustrate simple stories that incorporate word problems, enhancing their storytelling and mathematical skills. They will also design and test math games, refining them based on peer feedback to ensure clarity and appropriate difficulty levels. Through these activities, students will accomplish the creation of a collection of math puzzles and games that can be shared with the community, promoting both educational engagement and family interaction.

To kick off the project, organize a "Math Puzzle Adventure" day at the school. Begin with a storytelling session where you read a fun, interactive story that includes a simple math puzzle. Engage students by asking them to help solve the puzzle as a group. After solving it, introduce the challenge question: "How can we develop a series of math puzzles using addition and subtraction to distribute at our local community center for family fun nights?" Next, have students participate in a collaborative activity where they create a quick, simple math puzzle on a large poster using manipulatives or drawings. Encourage them to share their puzzles with the class, highlighting the importance of creativity and teamwork. This launch will excite students about the project and set the stage for collaborative problem-solving.

To exhibit the culmination of this project, organize a "Family Math Fun Night" at the local community center. During this event, students can showcase their math puzzles and games to their families and community members. Set up stations where each pair or group of students presents their illustrated word problems and games, explaining the math concepts and strategies involved. Encourage attendees to engage with the puzzles and provide feedback. This exhibition not only celebrates the students' learning and creativity but also fosters community involvement and highlights the importance of math in everyday life.