ERIC Number: EJ1020115
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-May
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1073-5836
EISSN: N/A
Let's Take a Road Trip
Hildebrandt, Martha E.; Biglan, Barbara; Budd, Lisa
Teaching Children Mathematics, v19 n9 p548-553 May 2013
In this article, the authors describe activities that can keep math and science skills sharp over summer breaks. A fourth-grade class was encouraged to talk about their coming summer break. The class brainstormed about what one might see on the road--"Observing landscapes, vehicles, and highway signage were quick replies." The children were then directed to possibly the most common element on the road: license plates. Every vehicle is required to have one. Each student received a color copy of a car's state plate, all of which were unique. The opportunity to "play" with the digits on their license plates proved to be an excellent opener and provided the chance for students to work together while investigating their individual plates. Using communication via journaling, students could describe a recent trip or one they hope to take. How far did they travel? How much gas did they use? How much did it cost? What kind of mileage did their car get? Additionally, students could explore various terrains as they trace their trip on a map, and science can be incorporated, because climate and weather play an important role in any excursion. What destinations have class members visited? How many students have been to countries outside the United States? Exploring any or all of these topics could lead to rich dialogue and mathematical or science applications.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Grade 4, Elementary School Mathematics, Teaching Methods, Mathematics Skills, Student Motivation, Motor Vehicles, Creative Teaching, Mathematical Concepts, Travel, Computer Uses in Education, Cooperative Learning
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1502. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-3702; Fax: 703-476-2970; e-mail: orders@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A