Engage Students with Math Labs

Are you craving new ways to engage students in math? Consider Math Labs! Much like science labs, Math Labs involve hands-on experiments, but with a focus on mathematical concepts. They are an exciting way to make math fun, interactive, and realistic!

My Introduction to Math Labs

I first encountered Math Labs during a professional development session hosted by the Math Science Innovation Center in Virginia. The session, designed for middle school math teachers, emphasized incorporating activities that make math enjoyable and relatable.

One memorable activity was called "Get Your Bearings." In this experiment, we measured water displacement caused by ball bearings dropped into a test tube of water. The collected data was used to create tables, graphs, and predictions. We extended the activity by combining data from two groups to form a system of equations. It was an enlightening experience, showing how hands-on activities could transform math learning.

Adapting Math Labs for High School

While the original activity was tailored for middle school students, I wanted to adapt it for my high school Algebra 1 students. These students needed to prepare for standardized state tests, so I couldn’t dedicate a day to an activity without clear relevance to their curriculum.

After some reflection, I decided to modify the lab:

* Increased Rigor: I incorporated higher-order thinking questions (beyond DOK 1) to challenge students.

* Enhanced Scientific Approach: Students made predictions, compared tables and graphs, and used calculations as evidence to support their claims.

These changes elevated the activity to an Algebra 1 level. To my delight, my students loved the "out-of-the-box" approach to practicing math.

Initially, I planned to use the Math Lab at the start of our Relations and Functions Unit to gauge prior knowledge. However, after co-planning with another Algebra 1 teacher, we decided to use it as a review activity. This timing allowed for richer discussions and encouraged students to apply relevant vocabulary.

Why Try Math Labs?

If you want to get students excited about math, try something new! Many Math Labs I’ve conducted or developed began as simple word problems from the curriculum.

Example: Probability
Consider those classic probability questions about marbles in a bag. Why not recreate this scenario in your classroom? Extend the lesson by discussing experimental versus theoretical probability or exploring the difference between probability and odds. These hands-on activities deepen understanding and make abstract concepts tangible.

Free and Editable Resource: Get Your Bearings Math Lab

If you’d like to try the "Get Your Bearings" Math Lab, click here for a free download of the resources I used.

Important Notes:
Math Labs require additional materials, which might involve purchases or borrowing from other departments.

While they require extra preparation, Math Labs are worth the time and effort for the engagement and learning they bring to your classroom.