Math Inquiry Project: Area, Volume, Operations & Ratios & Human Rights

Inquiry based math offers collaborative learning and hands on inquiry requiring the children to solve problems, think critically and apply their knowledge of volume, fractions, ratio tables and the four operations., as they plan and build a global village using 3d shapes. Research will be necessary as the children have to know the countries within the continents and a few flags of the most populated countries in the world, together with how education and homes around the world, compare to their own.

This week long , authentic learning activity is based on the book, “If the World Were A Village” by David J. Smith and it focuses on the inequality of our global population. I designed this as a part of our complete IB PYP unit of inquiry of How We Organise Ourselves, looking into Human Rights and Responsibilities. The book is not necessary, since there is text included, with data for the children to pull from.

It culminates in a class presentation of the facts found and reasoning as to their plan and design of their team’s world village. Comparing and contrasting each group’s work, helps with critical thinking too and communication skills. Wholly differentiated, ( Task A cards are less challenging) you can use it as a summative assessment tool of the skills and standards included. It can be created as a booklet or in a binder., with a front cover included, being used as a goal setting pre assessment for the children. Mix and match the pages to suit your students’ needs.

This inquiry based math packet is easy to print and go, perfect for back to school or all year round. I designed it for my IB PYP 5th grade class. It can be used 4th – 6th grade too. You will find the following skills and standards ideally suited for the IB PYP Phase 4 and CCSS Math for 4th and 5th grade:

• Number sense and base ten operations
• Fractions: adding, subtracting and simplifying
• Measure: using measuring tools , area and volume
• Geometry: identifying and classifying polygons and polyhedrons
• Place value: using standard form, word form and expanded form.
• Data analysis

Make math fun, engaging an authentic!

You may also enjoy these inquiry based maths projects too!

The Great Time Travel Adventure

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You can find many more inquiry based learning tools in my store and on my blog. Subscribers receive TONS of freebies, so please do follow along.

Enjoy!

Susan Powers