Math Learning Center Ideas for Fifth Grade

A learning center math curriculum should be taught using grade-appropriate lessons, and include interactive activities, learning games, printable worksheets, hands-on projects, assessments, and reinforcement. Educational researcher John Dewey claimed that "experience is the most rewarding when it involves the seemingly contradictory traits of rigor and playfulness," and indeed, students benefit from instruction that links such interests as art, hobbies and sports to math and science assignments.

Interactive with SMART Board

An activeboard can be a powerful pedagogical tool used to bring interactivity into the classroom. The interactive capacity of an activeboard really comes in handy when teaching about fractions. Visualization of the concept can greatly assist students with comprehending the fundamentals and applying their knowledge to an array of different problems. An activeboard activity that emphasizes the visual component can use diagrams to illustrate addition and subtraction of fractions through colored stacks. Another activity can use color and motion to illustrate the abstract concept of the number line by showing actual movement along it.

Prime Number Hunting

This activity is a fun way to introduce the concept of prime numbers, and increase practice time through a game. You will need colored markers and a hundreds chart for each child (see the Resources for a link to download a printable version). Begin this activity by explaining what a prime number is - a whole number greater than zero that is divisible only by one and itself. After providing examples of prime numbers and answering questions, begin the game. Tell the
children that they will be in a competition to cross out all the non-prime numbers with one color marker, and circle all the prime numbers on the chart with another color marker. Each player will take a turn either crossing out a non-prime, circling a prime, or passing. A point is assigned each time a student correctly crosses out or circles a number, and the player with the most points at the end wins.

Building and Abacus

An abacus is a great tool for practicing basic math skills, and building an abacus can provide the necessary hands-on component to enhance learning and promote a fun way to think about math. To do this activity you will need the following supplies for each child: eight four-inch skewers, nine popsicle sticks, fifty-six large color beads, a pencil and some glue. First, lay out three popsicle sticks parallel to each other, and draw eight matching lines on each stick, spaced evenly across their length. Take the skewers and align them along the pencil marks. Put glue on each of the lines, and thread seven beads on each of the skewers. Then, place the skewers on the glue, and arrange the beads so that two fall into the space between the sticks, and the other five fall into the larger area. Once the glue dries, glue the three popsicle sticks onto the skewers so that they line up and the beads are divided. Finally, glue the last three popsicle stick onto the top, and flip the abacus over so that the stacked sticks are at the bottom. Now, each child should have an abacus with which they can practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

References

• Experience and Education by John Dewey
• School and Educational Activities

Resources

• Worksheets and Activities for Fifth Grade Math
• Printable Hundreds Chart

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[alltrails]

on 9/21/2009 Good ideas. Smartboards are great. 5 stars - thanks!

[alltrails]

on 9/21/2009 Good ideas. Smartboards are great. 5 stars - thanks!