Math Projects for Kids: Fun Ideas for Math Homework

How to Make Math Homework Fun

Math homework doesn't have to consist of a long list of problems with no practical application. Math is used in a variety of different fields, ranging from carpentry and interior decorating to science and engineering. Projects can help students realize that math is applicable to real-life situations and their personal interests.

According to psychologist Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, there are eight different types of intelligence, including linguistic, logical, naturalist, spatial, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Students who are musically or kinesthetically intelligent, for example, may be less interested in math than those who have high logical intelligence. To make math fun for all of your students, you might use projects that cater to your students' various strengths by requiring multiple types of intelligences and skills.

Four Fun Math Projects

Math Rap

Music can be applied to mathematical concepts at any level. For this project, have your students come up with lyrics or a rap song that outlines steps to solve a problem. For instance, students may create lyrics to help them remember multiplication times tables or the order of operations. Those who are musically inclined will likely enjoy the activity, which can help them remember the ideas.

Calculating a Dream Room

Many math concepts are needed when decorating, including measurements, perimeters and surface areas. After learning how to make these calculations, ask your students to design their ideal bedroom on graph paper. Require your students to apply these techniques at home by measuring their room's perimeter and the lengths and widths of their bedroom furniture.

Money Counts

This topic appeals to students of all intelligences because everyone spends or earns money, so there is a clear application to real life. For this project, each student could come up with a product to sell. The product should be simple, like origami or friendship bracelets. Students can determine fair prices based on current retail rates and even calculate a certain percentage that they'd take off for a special discount. Then, on a market day, the students can buy and sell their products to one another using either fake or real money. Through this exercise, students learn about the value of money and the economy.

Number Stories

For students who have linguistic intelligence, or simply like stories, you can ask your students to create a picture book to explain a math concept. For example, the greater-than sign is often personified as an alligator who wants to eat the largest number. Students will have fun writing and drawing, but at the same time, they'll develop a better understanding of the concept because they must explain it through a narrative.