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Math Games for Fifth Graders
by Melissa Langley Biegert
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Overview
By the fifth grade, many students are beginning to learn basic elements of algebra and geometry. They are also learning how to convert measurements and calculate volume. To some students, these tasks may seem daunting. Yet there are many fun and engaging math activities that can help students master needed math skills without overtaxing their brains.
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Use Map Grids
Several commonly required fifth grade math skills involve the use of grids. One of the best ways to practice grid skills is through the use of maps. Practice by having students examine gridded maps and use an index to locate places on the grid. Then, create a grid map of the classroom. Have students use this grid map to play a treasure hunt game. Allow students to take turns hiding something in the room, then identifying and marking where it is on the grid. For simplicity, students should consider each square on the grid to be equal to about one step. Have other students follow the map grid to try to find the hidden item. Have students take turns creating and following the grid maps.
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Convert Measurements
Provide students with a recipe that uses customary measurements and have them convert all of the measurements into ounces. For example, a cake recipe that uses 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 1/4 cups flour and 1 tsp. vanilla would convert to 4 oz. of butter, 8 oz. of sugar, 12 oz. of flour, 1/6 oz. of vanilla. Students may practice by converting a variety of recipes.
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Create Graphs
Have students look up data, such as the average temperature for each month over the past year. Then have them create a graph that charts the data trends. Students may wish to create several different types of graphs, such as bar graphs or line graphs. Students may also wish to collect data that would be appropriate for a pie graph. For example, they might count up the number of students in the classroom who are wearing different colored shirts (blue, pink, striped, etc.) and create a pie graph that illustrates which shirt colors are most popular.
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Calculate Volume
Let students have a little fun with volume by constructing a tower out of square blocks. Once their towers are complete, have them calculate the volume of their towers using the number of squares in each tower's length, width, and depth.
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Calculate Sales Prices
Have students look through some recent sales fliers that offer percentage discounts on goods and which reveal the before-discount price (ex. "40% off; regular price $75). Have students calculate the pre-tax price a consumer would pay for the item. Students can carry out this activity with a variety of sales items.
