How to Do a Math Trail: Planning

• Watch the video, "The Math Trail," included in The National Math Trail Resource kit.

• Look at several examples of math trail problems. Here are two links that will help: 1) Sample Submissions 2) Institute Math Trails.
  

• Evaluate your local circumstances. What are possible locations for your math trail activity? Are there locations nearby that have any historical significance? Is there anything that is unique or noteworthy about your local area (or community) that could provide a context or theme for a math trail? Are you convinced that you will have to remain on your school grounds for this activity?
  

• Decide where you want to take your students. Once you have done this, determine what (if any) special arrangements will need to be made. If you have chosen a location that has historical or other significance, ensure that you have reference materials available.
  

• Review the sample problems provided on this CD-ROM. (You can find additional examples at www.nationalmathtrail.org.) Satisfy yourself that you understand how the activity works.
  

• Go to your intended sites, and spend some time looking for potential math problems. Make notes of several, for use with your students.
  

• If technology tools such as digital cameras, calculators, etc. are available at your school, and you would like to incorporate them, ensure that they will be available on the day that you intend to use them.

Back to "Using the National Math Trail as a Classroom Project"