MATH FUN AT HOME

Math can tell you something interesting about everything you do ... whether it's eating, traveling or simply growing taller. You can try out these cool activities at home - or wherever you go.

Tall Order
Measure yourself each month to track how much you are growing.
Do you think you'll grow the same amount each month? Why or why not?
Make a graph or chart that shows the day you measure yourself and how many inches you've grown.
Look on the Internet to see what percentage of the body is water, blood, bone, etc. NEW!
Research the average height of typical NBA players. NEW!
Measure the perimeter of areas around the school building, or house by "stepping it off" and use math to transfer the amount of steps to inches, feet even yards. NEW!
You've Been Served
Look at the label of your favorite foods or drinks. Use a measuring cup to see what one serving size really looks like.
Compare the amount of one serving to how much you usually eat or drink.
While shopping for the family groceries at the grocery store, ask your parents if you can try to buy the ingredients to feed the family a spaghetti dinner, including dessert, bread and drinks without going over $10. Explain your choices as you shop. NEW!
Whatís your favorite Italian food (try to think of something other than pizza or spaghetti)? Look up Italian food recipes in family cookbooks or on the Internet. Plan a meal for your family or friends. NEW!
Timed Travel
Use a clock or watch to determine how long it takes to get to school, to your favorite restaurant and other places.
Design paper dolls dressed in clothes needed for different tourist attractions! Write some travel-themed measurement problems to match. NEW!
Can You Take the Heat?
Read the oven cooking directions for the foods in your freezer.
Find the food that requires the highest temperature to heat it.
Why do you think that some foods need higher temperatures to heat them than other foods?
Fast Breaks
While you are watching your favorite show, time the length of each commercial break.
Calculate the actual length of the television show without the commercials.
Money Measurement
Estimate how many one-dollar bills it would take to cover your kitchen floor.
Grab a parent and discuss your weekly or monthly budget with them. Try to make a budget out of your allowance and see how to spend your money wisely! You can make your budget on an electronic spreadsheet or on paper. NEW!
By Enlarge
Choose a simple picture from a magazine or newspaper and use the grid paper (pdf) to attempt to enlarge or reduce the image. NEW!
Luggage Check
Allow each family member to pack a different bag or piece of luggage. See which person's bag weighs closest to 18 pounds. NEW!

Can you think of other ways that you can use math in your everyday life?