Category Archives: Education

Math Myths

Spring 2010 277Since so many teachers are fearful of math, I am going to start out by exploding some of the more common myths that prevent us from thinking mathematically and actually ENJOYING teaching it!

Myth 1: Math is about getting the one right answer. No matter what you experienced in math class this is not correct. Truth: Math is about finding an answer that everyone agrees on.

Myth 2: Math is about numbers. Numbers are one of many tools that mathematicians use to solve problems. They also use objects and symbols and words and pictures. So then what is math? Truth: Much of mathematical thinking is devoted to the search for patterns and and solutions to problems describing those discoveries in ways that others can understand.

Myth 3: Math is boring. Truth: Math when taught properly can be just as fun as the arts. In fact, when I asked my third grade classes to vote on their favorite subject, they always chose math. But then why wouldn’t they when we had a six foot blue frog who was the king of the kingdom of three, they got to use chopsticks in a paper ball race and earned wages making products for their class store that they then sold to raise enough money to go to the Syracuse Zoo.

So how do we combat those myths and teach math so kids love it?

Make it meaningful! Counting, adding, and filling in worksheets because the teacher tells you to is a surefire way to bore children to death. Instead, always give them a purpose for thinking mathematically. Some examples:

  • Counting and computing for a purpose:  If you are addressing a common core math standard such as this one for kindergarten: K.C.C.A.3 Write numbers from 0 to 20. Represent a number of objects with a written numeral 0-20 (with 0 representing a count of no objects), don’t take it at face value and give the children a worksheet with a picture of 3 apples and a space for them to write the number 3. Instead, think of a reason why they might want to count something and record the number.  Bring in a basket of crackers for snack. Make a chart for them to write their name and the number of crackers between 3 and 6 they want for their snack. As they gain experience make it more challenging. Bring in two or three different types and have them record the number of each kind they want and the total which cannot be more that 8, for example. 
  • Buying and selling: The class store using play money is a tried-and-true method used by teachers for decades for getting children to practice adding, subtracting, and more. In addition to a store think of other places money is used and set up dramatic play centers such as restaurants, plant nurseries, even an art gallery where children can buy things from each other.
  • Earning money for a purpose: Even better is raising or collecting money for a real purpose like our trip to the zoo. One time our school collected pennies for charity and the classes had to come up with different ways to count the huge jars of pennies turned in.
  • Being mathematically curious: Math is about comparing things and finding patterns. Ask which is bigger/longer/more? How do you know? Invite children to find and make patterns: Look at the interesting pattern the blocks in this tower make? Can you make a tower using a different pattern?

DSC02111Make it ever present! Math doesn’t just have to happen at math time. Fill the classroom with tools and materials that support mathematical questioning.

  • Measure everything: Set up a measuring center and man it with rulers, tape measures, square centimeter cubes, interlocking pattern blocks, volume containers, and trundle wheels, balance scales, spring scales, step-on-scales, and gram masses, metric cylinders, measuring cups, and measuring spoons. If the tools are handy then it’s easy to say: Which is heavier? Which is longer? Which is further away?
  • Tracking time: Fill your room with clocks, stop watches and timers of all designs. And then constantly ask when children set out to do a task: How long do you think it will take? In my room I always had a timer table where children could just observe the different ways to mark time, make their own “clocks” using dripping water or grains of rice, and where they could get a child-friendly stop watch to time how fast their cars rolled or their crickets hid.
  • Calculate it: Set out calculators, cash registers, old fashioned adding machines with print out tape, abacuses, and more. And challenge them to find the sum or product, subtrahend or dividend.
  • Fill the shelves and counters with fascinating objects that invite touching, sorting and counting: Fill clear plastic bottles with buttons, bottle caps, beads, glass jewels, pebbles, sea shells, centimeter cubes, plastic bread ties, spools, screws, etc. Provide laminated Venn diagrams and graphing grids and explore, one bottle at a time.

Make it a group effort: Instead of competition to get the right answer, work together to figure out how many different ways you can find the answer or pool resources to solve problems together.

  • Be statisticians: Collect statistics about each other, projects, school happenings, and more, and create class graphs that make numbers and comparisons visual.
  • Come to agreement: If individuals get different answers, have them put their heads together and compare their methodologies. Work together until everyone agrees.

NOTE: There are many other myths about math. Here is a list of 12 others to check out:

Why The “A” in STEAM?

Lego HouseA  is for Arts




STEAM = Science & Technology

interpreted through Engineering & the Arts,

all based on Mathematical Principles 


University of Florida’s Online Master of Arts in Art Education



Measurement Lab: Observing Beets

beet4In this observation lab students are introduced to basic measuring tools: metric ruler, metric tape measure, balance scale and gram weights. The example lesson is drawn from a second grade class who have been presented with fresh beets to observe. However, this lesson can be done at any grade level using any type of engaging object that has measurable variability within a shared unity of appearance or form, such as apples, clam shells, corncobs, feathers, hot wheel cars, keys, leaves, lemons, nuts, seeds, pumpkins, rocks, worms, and so on. The lesson objects should be close to the same size. There should be one object for each child.


OBJECTIVES: Students will review using their senses to make observations. They will practice using measuring tools and saying and recording metric units of measure. This lesson meets these standards for Grade 2.

  • 2 PS-1-1 Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. [Clarification Statement: Observations could include color, texture, hardness, and flexibility. Patterns could include the similar properties that  different materials share.]


At stations around the room have set up a sensory observation table with hand lenses, a weigh station with scales and gram weights, a length stations with rulers, and a circumference table with tape measures. Have one large table where the objects can be laid out to form a physical graph on graph paper.


WOW: Place chosen objects in front of the children and ask them to observe using the sensory observation lab procedure – first using their eyes, then their other senses. Elicit this observation by asking questions that draw on their memories of the sensory observation lab.


Ask: Which one is the biggest? How do we know? Introduce the measuring tools. Demonstrate how to use each one to get an accurate measurement.beet10


Next ask each child to select an object and predict its size. Record their predictions.


Their task is to go to each center to observe and measure the object.


They are to record their results on their lab sheet. [Measurement Lab Sheet] After they have observed and measured their objects, they should place them on the graph paper from biggest to smallest.


Discuss how they decided to order them. Did they use length, width, depth, mass,  circumference or use a combination? Does it make a difference? How does using the tools help them decide where to place them? Make bar graphs using the different ways to measure.


Does the type of object affect how one measures it? Try measuring other objects.

Does it make a difference what unit of measurement is used? Try standard measures or make up your own units.


Infuse the arts by showing students examples of scientists’ journals such as Nicky the Nature Detective and Journal of Inventions: Leonardo da Vinci and having children DSC03777draw detailed illustrations of their object in their journals using regular and colored pencil.

Flying Ghosts: Observing, Predicting, and Testing


This science-math-arts lesson starts off with the following story.

Now we all know that there are no ghosts in real life, but we can make ghosts out of paper.

Once upon a time there were three little paper ghosts. (Cut out a paper ghost) like this one. These ghosts just loved to fly around. Each had a special way to fly. The first ghost would spin round and round as he flew. (spin you hand)The second ghost loved to zip back and forth as he floated. (wave hand back and forth) The third ghost like to jump up and then come straight back down feet (or sometimes) head first. (drop hand fast) One day they decided to teach each other how to do each one’s special flying technique. But try as they might they always flew in their own special way.

Why do you think that was so?


WOW A story followed by a demonstration of flying paper ghosts

OBJECTIVES Children will observe, ask questions, make predictions, and design tests. They will group and  graph their test data. CCSS.Math.Content.K.MD.B.3 CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.C.4 CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.D.10

MATERIALS Half sheets of typing type paper, pencils, scissors, paper clips, chart paper.

How will you make your paper ghost look?


During the story, cut out a ghost shape while noting that since ghosts are imaginary, they can be any shape we want them to be. Purposely make yours oddly shaped. Now let the ghost fly by holding it over your head and letting go.


  • Next ask: How did it fly? Have them share their observations. Repeat several flights. Does it always fly in the same way? How could we change the a ghost flies? What shape do you think would spin? What would make it fall faster?
  • Record their ideas of other ways to make the ghosts.

Paper ghosts can be any shape.


Give out paper and scissors and let them test their ideas by making ghost shapes and letting them fly. (Provide an open area like a rug or outside for the testing). Put out paper clips for those who want to try adding weight.

Let go and see how it flies.


Make several columns on chart paper, board, or an interactive white board. On top of each columns write a way to fly such as spin, flip, float, and drop, Have extra columns to add any other moves they observe. After each test they should put a tally mark in the column that best matches how their shape flew most often. For preschool, you can have them place their ghosts in the proper column using tape or lay them out on a chart on the floor.


Study the graph. Count tally marks or ghosts. Study their shapes. What did we learn about how paper ghosts fly? Which shape spins the most? Which floats? Does the paper clips change how it flies? Does size make a difference? What other tests could we do?


Explore making ghosts with different size and types of paper.


Infuse the arts by suggesting they make a collage using their ghosts.

How do you think this ghost will fly?

Sunflowers: A Science & Math Observation Lab

sunflower headScientists use their senses to observe and formulate questions.

In this lesson a first grade class observes sunflower heads.

WOW [Wonderful Object of Wonder]: 5 large sunflower heads and 1 sunflower still on its stem.

Objectives:  Children will name their senses and then use them to make observations and create questions (Linguistic, physical, cognitive, and creative development). Children will estimate the number of seeds in a flower head and then count them. They will estimate the height of the sunflower plant and measure it (Common Core: CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.A.1; CCSS.Math.Content.1.MD.A.2)

Presentation: Sit children in small groups and set a sunflower head before them. Ask the following questions and allow time for every child to share his or her ideas several times.


What can we observe about sunflowers?

…with our eyes

  • What colors do we see?
  • What shapes do we see?
  • How many do we see?


“The seeds are striped.” “They’re white and black.” “And gray and brown.” “The leaves are green and brown.” “There are yellow things like cups where the seeds have fallen out.” “There are fuzzy things on the seeds.” “There’s thousands of seeds.”

…with our fingers

  • Is it wet, dry or both?
  • Is it hard, soft, smooth, bumpy or all of these?
  • Does it stay together or fall apart?


“Feels hard and bumpy.” “Loose. the seeds are loose.” “The brown part on the outside falls apart.” “Ugh. This part is wet.” “I can put my finger through it.” “Feels curvy like a funny shape ball.”

…with our noses

  • Does it smell strong or not very much?
  • Does it smell like something you have smelled before?
  • Does it smell nice or yucky?


“Smells like chocolate milk.” Like dirt.” “Tickles my nose.” “Smells fuzzy.” Smells like a rainy day.” “Smells like wet paper.” “Good. It smells good.” “I like how it smells.” “Yuck. I don’t think so.”

…with our ears

  • Without moving or touching it, does it make any noise?
  • Does it make a noise when you touch it?
  • When might it make noise?


“I don’t hear anything.” “It’s quiet.”  “It’s just sitting there.””It crinkles when I touch it.” “It’s like dead.” “Sounds like paper.” “It would make noise in the wind, I think.”


DSC03419Solicit questions: Next gather child-generated questions and list on board or chart paper.

  • Is it alive? (the seed)
  • How does it get so big from such a little seed?
  • How tall is it?
  • What are these little yellow and brown flower things?
  • How many seeds are there?
  • Do they blow over in the wind?
  • Can we plant them [the seeds] now?


Have children make predictions for each question


Together with the children devise tests and do research to find the answers to the children’s questions.

For example: Set up a center where the children can remove all the seeds from a sunflower head and count them. At another center put out the different measuring tools and the sunflower on its stalk to find out how tall it is. Provide cups and dirt and plant some of the seeds to find out if they are alive. Put out books about sunflowers and find information on the web.


After all children have had an opportunity to explore the centers, share what they have learned, have them share with the whole group.


Find out what new questions they have and make a list.


  • Draw pictures of the sunflowersDSC03422
  • Make up a sunflower song or poem or story
  • Do a sunflower dance
  • Make sunflower seed pictures
  • Pantomime a sunflower seed growing into a sunflower plant


  • The scientific name for a sunflower is Helianthus., which is Greek for Sun Flower.
  • They are one of the fastest growing plants.
  • The tallest sunflower was 25.6 feet tall.
  • The sunflower is native to North America and was used as food by the Native Americans.
  • Each sunflower head is made up of 1000 to 2000 flowers which turn into the seeds.
  • The sunflower is a heliotrope, which means it follows the sun as it crosses the sky each day.
  • Oil is made from black sunflower seeds. Snacks are made from white striped ones. You have to crush break open the outer shell to find the edible seed inside.


A Big Yellow Sunflower by Frances Barry

From Seed to Sunflower by Gerald Legg

Sunflower House by Eve Bunting

This is a Sunflower by Lola Schaefer

sunflower lift

Being a Scientist: Sensory Observation Lab


Setting up a sensory observation lab

We are born scientists. From birth children can see, smell, hear, touch, and taste.  Observations made with our senses are the foundation of scientific inquiry. So that is where we start…

This activity can be done with children of any age. With very young children, it works best and is safest when an adult sits with one child and models the actions alongside them. When working with a large group provide enough objects so that no more than two children have to share an object. Record observations on chart paper or board. If children are old enough to write their own observations, use the worksheet instead.

  1. Choose something to observe: This should be something that will attract children’s attention. Do not hesitate to choose something familiar, but do make sure it has an intriguing sensory element. Some suggestions: A beet fresh pulled from the garden; a fossil rock; a flashlight; a hermit crab; a clear glass of water
  2. Place the object on a surface that highlights or contrasts with it and the surrounding surface so that the eye is drawn to it, such as a piece of paper, a tray or mat.
  3. Gather your children around the object and ask questions like the following that focus on the sensory elements.

Sensory Observation Questions

SIGHT Before touching look at the object

  • What colors do you see?
  • What shapes do you see?
  • What lines do you see?
  • Are there any special markings?
  • Does it move?
  • What is unique about it?
  • How do you think it feels?
  • How do you think it smells?

TOUCH Pick up the object and rub fingers over it

  • is it rough or bumpy or smooth or both??
  • Is it hard or soft or both?
  • is it wet or dry or both?
  • Is it sharp or dull or both?
  • Does it have moveable parts?
  • What other textures do you feel?

SMELL Pick up and hold object about 2-4 inches from the nose

[Safety note: Demonstrate how to hold the object about 2 inches from the nose and gently wave the palm over it to fan the odor toward your nose. Emphasize the danger of inhaling any unknown substance]

  1. Is the odor strong or weak?
  2. Is the odor sweet or bitter or sour or acid?
  3. Does the odor remind you of something else you have smelled?

HEARING Listen to the object

  1. Does it make a noise on its own?
  2. Does it make a noise when you touch it or rub it?
  3. Does it make a noise when you shake it or turn it?

TASTE Put object down. Do not taste or put near mouth

[Safety note: Warn children against putting anything in the mouth during a science lab unless they are working with an identified food item that has not been handled by others]

  • Why do you think you should not taste this object?
  • How do you imagine it might taste?

Coming to a Conclusion

Summarize the observations using the recorded observations. Ask one or more of the following questions.

  • What do you think it is?
  • What other things can you name that are like it?
  • Do you know this object so well that if it were mixed up with the others you could find it again?


Mix the objects together with other similar ones and see if the children can find the one they observed.

Think Like a Scientist

Here is a toe tapping song that highlights the things scientists do.

Sing it to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Think Like a Scientist: The Science Song


by Joan Koster

Observation is the key.

Scientists listen, touch, smell, and see. [use appropriate hand gestures – at end of line have students cover mouth and say NO TASTE]

Lenses, rulers, scales – the tools. [substitute whatever tools you are using at the time]

Asking questions is the rule.

Making predictions is what comes next.

Being a scientist is the best!


Next comes testing – Oh what fun!

Record that data everyone.(mime writing)

Comparing is not difficult (use hands as balance scale)

Concluding is based on results.

Scientists share what they know

That is how our knowledge grows


After sharing we think some more

What new questions are in store (make a question mark with hands)

For scientists to ask and then

Test, record, compare again. (move hands in circle)

That is what inquiring minds do. (tap head)

That is how we discover what’s new. (spread arms out wide)

Inquiry Wheel


Tools for Young Scientists

Tools for Young Scientists

Girl with magnifying glass

Here is a list of the basic tools children need to explore their world.

  • Their senses – eyes, ears, fingers, noses, and sometimes their mouths
  • Magnifying glasses
  • A scale
  • A timer
  • A ruler and/or a measuring tape
  • Access to nature and man-made objects
  • Their imaginations

Everything else is an extra.

So gather these up and get ready to explore the environment with your children.

STEM for Me and You








What you will find…

  • STEM Projects for kids and their parents
  • Standard-based STEM lessons for teachers
  • Links to STEM resources
  • Technology tips
  • Current trends and issues in STEM Education