Projects on Math Topics for Middle School Students

The History of Math

Explore the history of math with your middle school students. In particular, have students work on a project where students explore famous mathematicians. Assign students to give a presentation on the life and work of mathematicians throughout history. For example, a student could give a presentation on the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras who invented the Pythagorean Theorem. Students will learn how the concepts being used in the classroom were discovered while preparing the presentation. This project may also get students who are not excited about math more involved in class.

Math Games

Games are a great learning tool for students of all ages. There are dozens of math games like the dice game Farkel that students can play to help them learn math. These games use dice, balloons and other props to help middle school students learn about fractions, decimals and exponents. In addition, most math games require students to think quickly and sharpen their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills.

Design a Game

Most games involve some sort of math or analysis. Students love using games to learn new concepts or refresh old concepts. Have students design a dice, card or board game. Before assigning the project, set up some guidelines for the game. For example, students can be required to take one math concept and build a game around the concept. This will give the students a chance to use critical thinking skills as well as math skills.

Build a Tower

Engineers, construction workers and architects use math to build homes and other buildings. Design a project that requires students to use a certain number of supplies to build a small tower. Once the towers are built, you can test the towers to see how much weight they will hold. This project will give students an opportunity to use math skills in an applied setting.