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Below is a link to an article that stresses the importance of project based learning in mathematics!

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What is Project-Based Learning for Math?

When you're staring at still another worksheet filled with multiplication problems for your students to solve, your mind wanders to the thought, 'There has to be a better way to teach them math!'

There is. Project-based learning for math involves the introduction of challenging problems that get their creative juices flowing. Project-based learning can be authentic instruction at its finest, where the students are allowed the experiences of real life problems, using their own unique approach.

In project-based learning, students will:

gather information about the problem

decide how to approach finding a solution

decide the types of activities that will be involved

analyze the information, breaking it down into the pieces

put the information together in new ways--create new information

decide how to use the obtained knowledge in the problem

apply interdisciplinary knowledge to the problem (for example, using science and social studies knowledge to help solve a math problem)

produce something that shows how they applied their knowledge, and what they have learned

communicate their results in an effective manner

Essentially, project-based math, or it is often referred to as problem-based math, involves the creation of a real-life situation (or a historical or imaginary one that simulates a real-life possible situation) that will illustrate certain mathematical principles. The original problem can be assigned, or the students can be invited to come up with one of their own. The teacher acts as a manager, supervisor, and counselor in the process, but does not lead it. The students are responsible for their own success and are graded on their accuracy, creativity, inventiveness, professionalism, etc.

Benefits of Project-Based Learning in Mathematics

One of the most common complaints in the math classroom is, 'Where would I ever use this?' Students often cannot see a connection between what they're learning and anything that matters to them--and it is exactly that connection that is the core of effective teaching. When the students' minds can make a connection between a learning exercise and something interesting and important to them, then they will engage, becoming active, interested participants in the learning process.

A big advantage of project-based learning in general, and project-based math, in particular, is that the students own the project. They feel that it is theirs, a reflection of who they are and a demonstration of their own success and achievement. When the students proudly display the vehicle that they built, showing how their own math calculations made it possible, then it becomes obvious to all educational stakeholders, faculty, staff, parents, and other students, that these students are now invested in the learning process.

When an effective multi-faceted connection is made in the student's mind, a connection that ties many emotions, memories, points of excitement, points of understanding, and knowledge areas together, the abilities regarding remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating are all enhanced.

The opportunities offered by project-based learning in mathematics are not limited to a certain sector of the students. You can craft and guide projects for those with disabilities, those with special gifts, those whose learning styles do not match the others, those with very special intelligence types, and any combination of students that might appear in your classroom.

Examples of Project-Based Learning in Mathematics

House for a Spider

John, Tina, Mary, and Chloe are learning about measurement and spaces. They plan to build a doll house for a spider they have captured. They need to know the sizes of doorways, walls, roof, rooms, etc. for their house. Those dimensions must be obtained from the spider (or type of spider), and then applied to the house design. They will figure out what type of spider it is, research typical dimensions for spiders of that type, research house designs, and draw up a set of plans, complete with dimensions. Finally, they can build the house out of craft materials. Their presentation will be the display of house, plans, and spider, and they will describe the process by which they completed the project.

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project based learning for math | study.com

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Project Based Learning for Math | Study.com

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When you're staring at still another worksheet filled with multiplication problems for your students to solve, your mind wanders to the thought, 'There has to be a better way to teach them math!' There is. Project-based learning for math involves the introduction of challenging problems that get their creative juices flowing.

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Incorporate project based learning in math!

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Students must first understand circle graphs as illustration for fractions!

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Students will open their own pizza parlor and design their own specialty pizza!

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Students can then write and produce their own commercial describing their pizzas.