Math Projects for Middle and High School

Let’s talk math projects….

As a teacher, I love to implement projects into as many units of study as possible. Projects can push students to use a higher level of thinking, because often, projects include more creativity, application, evaluation and analyzation than the average assignment or activity. This is a great way for us, as teachers, to see that students’ have the capability to expand upon their skill set.

Students also enjoy doing something outside the normal lesson. Projects can give students’ choice, which can boost their engagement and motivation, allow them to capitalize on their interests and strengths, and enable them to meet their individual learning needs.

Projects are a teacher and student win-win! Therefore, my math friends and I want to share with you some of our FAVORITE math projects that you can use in your classroom!

Let’s start with the projects I use in my classroom…

Students ALWAYS ask how will we use this math in the real-world?! Therefore, I create projects that have students use their math skills in real-world scenarios. They’re also perfect for a summative assessment at the end of a unit OR integrated within a unit. Either way, you are answering that forever dreaded question of how math is used in real life! Click on an image and read about some of the projects I’ve created for my students:

More Projects from My Mathtastic Friends…

*Click on each image to learn more about the project.
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Tactile Formula Project
– Math Giraffe
​This project is a quick and easy add-on to any lesson or unit that includes formulas to remember. Students have to choose a tangible material that they will shape into each component of the formula. But the key is that they have to select something that is meaningful and will help them remember what each number, letter, or symbol represents. They will mentally connect the material to the concept and increase their retention. The post contains a free rubric download and details about the idea (with photo samples).

Volume and Surface Area Real World Project ​– Amanda Nix, Free to Discover Engage students in geometric measurement through design, persuasive writing, and hands-on learning!

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​Geometric Transformations Logo Project
– Mrs E Teaches Math
​This project is a great way for students to demonstrate their learning about transformations in Geometry! Students will look for real-world examples of logos and relate them to translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations.

​Selfieometry – Kacie Travis, The Efficient Classroom​ ​Looking for a way to assess or reinforce what your Geometry students have learned? This project combines Geometry with the craze of “The Selfie!” It assesses the student’s ability to apply Geometry concepts to the real world with a fun, highly relevant spin!

​ ​Slope Mini Project – Jamie Miller Math Looking for a fun way to practice slope? Students pick a word and illustrate the different kinds of slope!

Graphing Grass Linear Equations Project – Scaffolded Math and Science The project is so simple – students plant seeds, grow grass, measure, plot growth, find lines of fit – but the learning opportunities stretch the project so much farther.

Design a Game Show Using Probability – Rise Over Run ​Students use what they know about probability to create their own game show. They can get creative and even test out their games! Instructions are included to guide students in designing a game based on a simple event, designing a game based on a compound event, explaining the probabilities of winning, and choosing prizes based on a budget and probabilities of winning.

​Math is Everywhere Project – Middle School Math Man Get students thinking about how they see math in the real world with this Math is Everywhere Project. Students combine art and math to create a tile that shows how they see math outside of the classroom. These make an amazing bulletin board display!

​Castle Creation: A Surface Area and Volume Project – Taylor J’s Math Materials ​Castle Creation is a great surface area and volume project that challenges students to CREATE, MEASURE, and CALCULATE the surface area and volume of several 3-D figures while building a one-of-a-kind castle!