Middle School
Here are a few project ideas that kids at middle school level can try out.Solar System Model: The activity of preparing a solar system model could involve a lot of math work, provided that one attempts to make it as per the scale. Distance between the sun and planets should be calculated. Based on these calculations, a distance that is in proportion with the actual one should be used for spacing the models of sun and planets. The same procedure can be used for setting the distance between planets and their moons.
Dice Probability Project: A kid who likes board games such as monopoly would find this project interesting. In this activity, one has to roll 2 dice with 6 sides, say about 100 times. The first task is to record the results every time the dice is rolled. On the basis of these results, combination of numbers that occur most number of times can be calculated.Circle Patterns: The activity of drawing circles to create different patterns is quite interesting. Circles with equal radii should be drawn for this activity. First you should draw a circle with a specific radius. The second circle must be drawn in a manner that its radius lies on the rim of first circle. The points of intersection of these circles should be used as centers for drawing the next two circles. The subsequent circles should also be drawn with their radii at the points of intersection. After drawing few more circles you would find that these circles form a certain pattern of triangles. It means that even if you haven't intended to draw patterns of triangular shapes, the intersections of circles create them (patterns). This activity/project proves that circle is the basic unit of measurement and also a crucial factor in the organization of space as applied in Islamic architecture.
Integer Trains: This is an interesting math game for kids. In the game of integer trains, you have to create a train (series of integers) of specified length say, 10 (unit not needed). Here you have to work out the probabilities and possibilities of different ways to form this length (10). For example, you may form a train with two integers i.e. 9 and 1 (9+1=10). Another example is that of adding 5, 3 and 2 (5+3+2=10). In this manner, you can go to the extent of working out a formula for calculating the number of ways in which such integer trains can be formed. This is not a math problem however, an exercise which basically helps you play with numbers.The different math project ideas for kids discussed in the article should be useful for making the subject of mathematics interesting. Similar concepts can also be used for science fair projects in schools.ead more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/math-project-ideas.html