When we developed The State Fair Project in fourth grade there were countless opportunities to use math. During the year we were constantly looking at statistics for each state. Size, population, socio-economic make-up, average temperature, significant dates… All of these numbers were looked at and discussed. The numbers were used not only to compare and contrast the 50 states but to develop some cause and effect hypotheses.
If the average temperature of a state was warmer than most, how would this effect the size of the population. How about the average age of the population? Why would older people tend to live in a warmer climate? Why would more Olympic skiers grow up in specific states? But, why were there Olympic figure skaters training in Florida?
Every statistic became a jumping off point for further discussion and research. Questions created more questions. The use of math was constant, fluid, and authentic. (And of course, reading and writing skills were strengthened as well.)
*This authentic project can be easily adapted for territories, counties…whatever system the country you are studying uses.
The Educational Journey 