Roller Coaster Math
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Objectives- Students will research data concerning roller coasters.
- Students will solve problems involving multiplication of multidigit numbers.
- Students will create addition and subtraction word problems.
Materials
- Roller Coaster Math worksheet
- Thrill Rides at Six Flags Website (http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/rides/ThrillRides.aspx)
Procedures
- Introduce key vocabulary: capacity, digit, factors, product.
- Have students complete the table on the Roller Coaster Math worksheet using the data found at Thrill Rides.
- Encourage students to use the back of their activity sheets to write three multiplication word problems using the data found at the website.
- Students may complete this activity individually or in pairs.
- Set aside class time for students to share their findings and challenge each other with their word problems.
Assessment
Use a rubric to assess students' ability to find data and write and solve multiplication problems.
Extension Activities
- Choose from a large collection of cross-curricular activities for all grade levels.
- Visiting the Got Milk? website (http://www.gotmilk.com/) can be fun and educational. Have students write and solve three multiplication word problems based on the data they find.
- Have students visit Wild Animal Facts (http://kidsgowild.com/af-animalfacts.html) where they can learn the number of eggs that reptiles and amphibians lay. Challenge students to determine the number of eggs each animal would lay if they laid eggs 12 times during their life span.
