Lesson 120: Math fair day

Objective

I can use what I learned this year in numbers, shapes, measurement, data, and money to make a simple math fair station. I can explain my station to others using clear math words.

Materials

• Paper for signs and instruction cards
• Crayons or markers for posters
• Small objects for counting or sorting (blocks, buttons, counters)
• Shape cards, pattern strips, or small building blocks
• Play money, number cards, or simple spinners (optional)
• Clipboard or small chart to record scores or data

Mini-lesson — What happens on math fair day?

Guided Practice — Planning your math fair station

You will choose one type of math you enjoyed this year and turn it into a math fair station. Use the steps and the tracing pad to get ready.

1. Choose your math topic: Pick one: numbers, shapes, measurement, data, or money.
2. Give your station a short name: For example, you might call it Shape fun, Coin game, or Count race.
3. Decide what visitors will do: Think of 2 or 3 steps. For example:
   • Step 1: Pick 3 shape cards. • Step 2: Make a picture. • Step 3: Tell how many of each shape you used.
4. Choose the math you will show: Will visitors count, add, compare, sort, or graph?
5. Write key words: On your paper, write 3 important math words for your station (for example, count, graph, coins).
6. Use the tracing pad: Trace your station name (in short form) and one or two math words you will put on your sign.
7. Add a simple picture: Next to your traced words, draw a small picture that matches your station (blocks, shapes, coins, or a graph).

Tracing Pad

Lines Primary lines Baseline only Grid Blank Trace (none) math fair count graph shapes tokens coins puzzle numbers survey

Pen Clear

Tip: After you trace your station name, write a short sentence such as "Play my coin game" or "Build a shape picture" and add a tiny drawing.

Practice 1 — Plan the math fair station

Use this section to finish planning your station before you set it up.

1. Topic choice: Circle one:
   numbers / shapes / measurement / data / money.
2. Station name: On your paper, write a short name for your station.
3. Materials list: Make a list of 5 things you need (for example, blocks, cards, counters, cups, coins).
4. Game or activity rules: Write or draw 2 or 3 steps to show visitors what to do at your station.

Practice 2 — Set up and test the station

Now it is time to build and test your station.

1. Arrange the table: Put your materials where visitors can see and reach them.
2. Post your sign: Place your station name and math words sign where it is easy to read.
3. Do a test run: Pretend you are a visitor. Follow your own steps and see if the game works. Change any step that feels confusing.
4. Practise explaining: Say out loud, "Welcome to my station. Here we..." and explain what to do using at least one math word.

Practice 3 — Share and visit math fair stations

In this part of math fair day, you run your station and also visit other stations.

1. Run your station: Let visitors try your game. Help them count, sort, build, measure, or use money if they need it.
2. Use math language: While they play, use words such as more, less, equal, add, take away, longer, or shorter.
3. Visit another station: Choose at least one other station to visit. Try the game and notice what kind of math it uses.
4. Talk about it: On your paper, finish the sentence: "My favourite station was... because we used..." (say what math you used).

Quick Check — Understanding math fair day

Answer each question about math stations, math words, and how to be a good math fair helper. You may look back at the mini-lesson.

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Exit ticket (student)