As your classroom school supplies come tumbling in the first weeks of school why not have some math fun with them! Here are some quick and easy ideas:
1. Chart and graph
Create a simple bar chart of each of the items and watch it grow.
You could also do a line chart for each day. For example, Day 1 – 12 pencils, Day 2- 24 pencils, etc. This will help students see
that line charts are for showing changes over time. You can even keep it going to show how the pencil supply also quickly moves down.
2. Mark on a map where they were made
This is a super fun one. Look at each package and mark on a map where the supply is manufactured. It can be really eye-opening to see how far they come form.
3. Build towers
Using the tissue boxes or reams of paper, challenge groups of students to see how tall or strong they can build using only these items. You can also use smaller items, like pencil boxes or even binders.
4. Receipts and cost
If possible, find the average costs of each item (like a box of pencils) and then estimate the cost each student’s family needed to pay. Or have parents bring in the receipts to see how much everyone had to pay altogether. This might help students also be more responsible for the items.
