Skulls, Skeletons and Skills - An Inquiry Based Math Project

Project based math inquiry, perfect for any upper grades measure project and inquiry into the human body or even for Halloween, this week long inquiry based math project focuses on the form and function of the human skeletal system and how it compares with the skeletons of other organisms. It offers collaborative learning and hands on inquiry requiring the children to solve problems, think critically and apply their knowledge of measure with hands on application requiring various measuring tools and using the units of centimetres, metres/inches and feet as well as measuring with millimetres. UK and USA spelling is included.

The children will :

•Inquire into the form and function of our skeletal system

•Measure our own bones and create life sized model

•Investigate the joints within the human skeletal system

•Research, compare and contrast the skeletal system of other living organisms, analyse and record their data

•Plan , design and build a human skeleton using junk materials

•Plan , design and build a skeleton of another living organism

•And much more!

Informational text is included that the children will have to identify and use in order to solve the problems. Research will be necessary as the children have to know and identify the various bones and joints within the human skeleton.

It culminates in a class presentation of the facts found ,reasoning as to their plan and design of their team’s model. Comparing and contrasting each group’s work, helps with critical thinking too and communication skills. Wholly differentiated, ( Task B cards are less challenging)

It can be created as a booklet or in a binder, with a front cover included, being used as a goal setting pre assessment for the children. Mix and match the pages to suit your students’ needs.

I prefer to have the children work on the design pages individually before they compare their designs within a small group and work together to collaboratively create their group plan of the skeletons.

This inquiry based math packet is easy to print and go, perfect for an IB PYP Sharing the Planet theme or for Who We Are and thoroughly encourages student agency throughout. It can be used for 3rd – 5th grade and is included in my Complete Unit of Inquiry of the Human Body, with the central idea of : Human body systems are connected and interdependent. It looks into the major body systems such as the respiratory system, muscular system, digestive system and much more, with over 170 pages of hands on, interactive inquiries. You can take a look at that unit here.

You will find the following skills and standards ideally suited for the IB PYP Phases 3 & 4 and CCSS Math for 4th and 5th grade:

•Common fractions and/or decimal fractions

•Measure: using measuring tools , cm, metres, inches, feet and millimetres.

•Data analysis

Make math fun, engaging and authentic!

You can find many more inquiry based math projects in my store and on my blog.

Enjoy!

Susan Powers

PYPteachingtools.com