The second edition of this hands-on math guide features sixty engaging projects for students in grades six to twelve learn math concepts and skills.

This book is filled with classroom-tested projects that help students build skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making. They also support a positive group environment by emphasize cooperative learning, group sharing, verbalizing ideas, and research skills, as well as writing clearly in mathematics and across other subject areas.

Each of the projects follows the same proven format and includes instructions for the teacher, a Student Guide, and one or more reproducible datasheets and worksheets. They all include the elements needed for a successful individual or group learning experience. This second edition includes new projects and information about technology-based and e-learning strategies.
Hands-On Math Projects with Real-Life Applications includes a special Skills Index that identifies the skills emphasized in each project. This book will save you time and help you instill in your students a genuine appreciation for the world of mathematics.

Judith A. Muschla has taught mathematics in South River, New Jersey, for over twenty-five years. She was a recipient of the 1990 - 1991 Governor's Teacher Recognition Program award in New Jersey and was named 2002 South River Public School Teacher of the Year. Gary Robert Muschla, prolific author and classroom teacher, taught reading and writing for more than twenty-five years in Spotswood, New Jersey. Including this edition, this is the seventh math resource coauthored by Judith A. Muschla and Gary Robert Muschla. Their earlier books include The Math Teacher's Book of Lists; Math Starters!; Geometry Teacher's Activities Kit; Math Smart!; Algebra Teacher's Activities Kit; and Math Games, all published by Jossey-Bass.

Each of the projects follows the same proven format and includes instructions for the teacher, a Student Guide, and one or more reproducible datasheets and worksheets. They all include the elements needed for a successful individual or group learning experience. The projects are easily implemented and can stand alone, and they can be used with students of various grade levels and abilities.

This thoroughly revised edition of the bestseller includes some new projects, as well as fresh information about technology-based and e-learning strategies and enhancements; No Child Left Behind standards; innovative teaching suggestions with activities, exercises, and standards-based objectives; reading and literacy connections; and guidelines and objectives for group and team-building projects.

Hands-On Math Projects with Real-Life Applications is printed in a lay-flat format, for easy photocopying and to help you quickly find appropriate projects to meet the diverse needs of your students, and it includes a special Skills Index that identifies the skills emphasized in each project. This book will save you time and help you instill in your students a genuine appreciation for the world of mathematics.

"The projects in this book will enable teachers to broaden their instructional program and provide their students with activities that require the application of math skills to solve real-life problems. This book will help students to realize the relevance and scope of mathematics in their lives."
--Melissa Taylor, middle school mathematics teacher, Point Pleasant Borough, New Jersey

Acknowledgments.

About This Book.

Alignment to National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards.

How to Use This Resource.

Part One: Implementing Projects in the Math Class.

Chapter One: Overview of Projects in the Math Class.

Your Role.

Supporting the Standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

The Teacher's Role During Math Projects.

Strategies for Problem Solving.

Problem-Solving Strategies.

Helping Students Develop Problem-Solving Skills.

Creating Your Own Projects.

What It Takes to Become a Top Problem Solver.

Sources for Developing Math Projects.

Conclusion.

Chapter Two: Managing Projects in Your Math Class.

Structuring Your Class.

Creating and Maintaining a Positive Environment.

The Responsibilities of the Math Student.

The Right Environment.

Teaching Suggestions.

Individual and Team Conferences.

The Value of Cooperative Problem Solving.

Organizing Teams.

How to Set up Project Teams.

Rules for Working in Math Teams.

The Importance of Sharing.

Writing in Math Class.

Using Technology with Math Projects.

The Writing Process and Math.

Technology Training.

Math Projects and the Internet.

Conclusion.

Chapter Three: Assessing Math Projects.

Observation Logs.

Individual Observation Log.

Group Observation Log.

Checklists.

Possible Assessment Questions.

Skills Checklist.

Point Systems for Project Assessment.

Evaluating Writing.

Grading Projects Using a Point System.

Suggestions for Grading Writing in Math Class.

Self-Assessment.

Conclusion.

Student Self-Assessment.

Teacher Self-Assessment.

Part Two: The Projects.

Section One: Math and Science.

Project 1: The Benefits of Recycling.

Student Guide 1.1, The Benefits of Recycling.

Data Sheet 1.2, Some Facts About Recycling.

Project 2: Endangered Species: Can They Be Saved?

Student Guide 2.1, Endangered Species: Can They Be Saved?

Data Sheet 2.2, Examples of Endangered Animals.

Data Sheet 2.3, Some Facts About Endangered Species.

Project 3: Charting Your Calories.

Student Guide 3.1, Charting Your Calories.

Worksheet 3.2, A Daily Calorie Chart.

Project 4: How Many Calories Do You Burn Each Day?

Student Guide 4.1, How Many Calories Do You Burn Each Day?.

Data Sheet 4.2, Caloric Expenditure and Physical Activities.

Worksheet 4.3, A Daily Activity Chart.

Project 5: It Is Only Natural.

Student Guide 5.1, It Is Only Natural.

Data Sheet 5.2, Math in Nature.

Project 6: Designing a Flower Bed.

Student Guide 6.1, Designing a Flower Bed.

Data Sheet 6.2, Facts and Prices of Selected Plants.

Worksheet 6.3, Centimeter Grid.

Project 7: Buying a Class Aquarium.

Student Guide 7.1, Buying a Class Aquarium.

Data Sheet 7.2, Aquariums and Accessories.

Project 8: The School's New Lunch Program.

Student Guide 8.1, The School's New Lunch Program.

Data Sheet 8.2, School Lunch Program.

Worksheet 8.3, A Five-Day Menu.

Project 9: What Is the Weather?

Student Guide 9.1, What Is the Weather?

Data Sheet 9.2, Weather Words.

Project 10: A Flight to Mars.

Student Guide 10.1, A Flight to Mars.

Data Sheet 10.2, Information About the Red Planet.

Section Two: Math and Soc…