Incorporating Math Into Your School Fundraisers
This is a guest post by Evan Appleby of ForOurSchool.org
Math can be a divisive subject. While some students embrace it with enthusiasm, others cringe at the thought of formulas and equations and do their best to avoid it. One way to help foster a love for math among kids is to integrate it into everyday activities. For instance, when baking cookies, try asking your child which size baking spoons can be used to scoop three-quarters of a cup of sugar. Not only does this provide an opportunity to practice math skills, but it also cultivates a positive association with the subject.
The same can be accomplished with fundraisers. By incorporating math, you not only engage students but also give them another chance to discover their appreciation for the topic.
Consider these educational fundraising ideas that bring math into the mix for an engaging learning experience:
Math-A-Thon
Math-A-Thons are a great blend of fun and learning. During these events, students challenge themselves to solve as many math problems as they can within a specified time frame. They then seek sponsorships from friends and family to support their efforts.
How Can Schools Implement Math-A-Thons?
There are two approaches schools can take:
- Traditional Worksheets: Schools can send students home with math worksheets. Students complete these worksheets and exchange them for prizes based on their performance.
- Digital Platforms: Schools can leverage platforms like ForOurSchool.org. These platforms generate math problems tailored to each student’s grade level and ability. Participants solve problems online, instantly tracking their progress and ranking, and see visual guides and explanations when they get stuck. The platform also facilitates donation collections and offers a practice area where students can review over 200 types of math problems.
Math Art Auction
Art auctions are a popular fundraising method for schools. They allow parents to show their appreciation and support for their child’s creative endeavors. By infusing math into art auctions, we create a unique experience that benefits both students and the school.
How Does It Work?
- Art Creation: Students create artwork - paintings, sculptures, or crafts - during art class or as part of special projects.
- Math Integration: The artwork incorporates various mathematical patterns, such as fractals, tessellations, and Fibonacci spirals, which teaches students about these fascinating designs as well as proportions, symmetry, and spatial relationships.
- Auction Event: The school hosts a live or silent auction, showcasing the students’ creations. Parents bid on the artwork, knowing that their contributions directly support the school. The auction can be managed by a platform like SchoolAuction.net which can handle registration and mobile bidding.
Pi(e) Sale
March 14th (3/14) is Pi Day, but that doesn’t mean that pie sales aren’t a great idea every other day of the year. To add a touch of math to your event, try connecting the price of a pie to the pie’s circumference or area. For instance:
Lower Cost Option: Circumference
- The circumference of a pie is Pi multiplied by its diameter
- If the diameter of the pie is 10 inches, multiply 3.14 by 10
- You can sell the whole pie for $31.40
Higher Cost Option: Area
- The area of a pie is Pi multiplied by the square of its radius
- If the radius of the pie is 4 inches, multiply 3.14 by 42
- You can sell the whole pie for $50.24
Math is a challenging topic for some students, so the more ways that we incorporate math into their everyday lives, such as through creative school fundraisers that leverage math for more impactful experiences, the more they will feel drawn to study it.
Evan Appleby is the CEO of ForOurSchool.org, a Math-A-Thon and Read-A-Thon platform focused on enhancing math skills, promoting literacy, and fostering community spirit.
