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How connected is Social Studies to Math and Science? Quite a bit, actually! Social Studies is related to so many aspects of daily life - it surrounds us all in the arts, physical education, language, and culture. You will find many amazing ways to tie Social Studies with other areas using the resources on these websites. Check them out! |
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Links to Information on Number Systems
From Drexel University
"Working on a project that connects math to ancient history? These sites, selected by a middle school teacher, cover topics about different numbering systems: Arabic, Chinese, Mayan, Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Babylonian." |
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Daily Lesson Plan: Mathematics
From the New York Times
"These lesson plans from the New York Times draw on real-world issues and statistics to connect math to current events. As an example, one lesson idea begins with statistics about gun injuries; students then convert these statistics to visual displays and a poster campaign about the dangers of guns in the home. Handouts are included as well as links to related Times articles." |
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Mathematics of Cartography
From Rice University
"This lesson begins with a definition and a history of maps and continues with discussion of related math topics—projection, scale, and coordinate systems. A select few math problems follow; for example, using web-based technology, students are asked to find the point on the earth at a maximum distance from their home. The lesson is supported with links to relevant sites, notes to teachers, career-related information, and a list of print resources." |
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Cast Your Vote
From Annenberg Media
"This web site takes the class into a fictitious election campaign—an insider look at the mathematics behind polling and the statistics heard in newscasts. Concepts such as random sampling, margin of error, and confidence intervals are discussed, which may seem too abstract for the middle grades, but the presentation is easy to follow and the activities are "hands-on," at least virtually. Much of the material can be adapted for classrooms without computers, although one computer with access to the Internet would make the concepts come alive." |
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Culturally Situated Design Tools: Teaching Math Through Culture
From Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
"What does the cornrows hairstyle have to do with transformational geometry? And Alaskan basket weaving with Cartesian coordinates? The applets on this site allow students to explore the mathematical principles embedded in the traditional designs created by Africans, African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinos. Standards-based lesson plans and other teaching materials support the applets." |
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Multicultural Math Fair
From Drexel University
"This web site provides a collection of activities compiled by a middle school for use at its multicultural math fair. Included here are tips on how to set up the fair as well as worksheets. Each activity is described in both Spanish and English. Links to other online resources are provided, such as studying symmetry and patterns in Navajo rugs. A useful resource for planning multicultural math activities!" |
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Geometry in the New World
A WebQuest!
"It is the 17th century. You have finally decided to leave your home in Europe and travel to the New World. After three months of seasickness, sharing quarters with strangers, eating next to nothing daily, and risking your life against storms of the seas, you have landed in America. Winter is fast approaching and you need a home for you and your family. Your task is to learn about geometric shapes in order to know how to build your house. You will also have to take a tour of some of the architecture of the 17th century. Once you have gathered all this knowledge, you will be designing your own home for you and your family." |
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The Pony Express
A Math/Social Studies Activity
"In the movement West, the Pony Express was a major influence in communications during its short life. Many students may be intrigued by the story of the Pony Express, and the following activities will help them discover a little about the route, and some of the problems they encountered." |
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Transformational Geometry and Quilting
From Mathwire.com
"A study of quilts offers the chance to investigate tessellating shapes and an opportunity to apply transformational geometry as students slide (translate), flip (reflect) and turn (rotate) quilt pieces to create a traditional quilt or to create a tessellating quilt. Beyond the pure geometry, the use of color suggests different shapes within a shape and contributes to the beauty of the quilt design. The activities in this series develop spatial sense in students through the use of quilt pieces. Literature titles help students learn about the American tradition of quilting. Links are provided to additional internet activities that address this topic. Some new activities have been added to the Quilting Menu to round out this themed series. The new Mathematical Quilt series includes: Quilt Square Challenge, Paper Block Quilts, Freedom Quilts, Math-Literature Connections: Quilts, and Quilt Links." |
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Math Hunt
From Scholastic
"Students apply math skills and concepts within science and social studies contexts. This site links to a Math Hunt Teacher's Guide and a Math Hunt Skill." |
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Integrating Social Studies and Science
From Appalachian State University
Here you can find information about Cemetery Study, Globe Project, Stream Study, and Compass Work & Orienteering. |
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