The Classroom Package: Related Activities and Lessons/Reading Fun

Rain Forest Puzzlers (Math)
 
After researching rain forest animals and learning key facts and statistics about the rain forest, divide your class into groups of two or three students each, then complete the following steps:

Step 1: Have each group create one math problem that uses statistics about the rain forest or rain forest animals and requires using the particular math skill(s) you have been learning. (See below for some samples.)
Step 2. Have each group make a line drawing of a rain forest animal (the animal should be different from the animal they  made up the problem about). (Alternatively, use pre-printed handouts of animal line-drawings.)
Step 3: Have each group write the answer to their math problem (with large numbers) on the animal they drew, then post the drawings on a designated area on the wall/board.
Step 4: Copy and number the math problems created by the groups, then distribute one copy to each group.
Step 5:  Have each group solve the problems matching them with the posted animals that have the corresponding answers. Step 6: Review the answers and give each group one of the animal drawings to color.

Note: Aid students as they are creating their problems and check their problems for logic and accuracy. Encourage them to make their statements/problems as scientifically accurate as possible.

Sample Problems

1. A hungry birds swoops after a tarantula and comes away with three legs. How many legs does the tarantula have left?
2. In one minute a sloth can move four feet. How far could it move in ten minutes?
3. 240 inches of rain fell in Limoncocha last year. At this rate, how much rain could Limoncocha expect to get in two months? What percentage of the total yearly rainfall would fall in one month on average?
4. A sloth is carrying 21 different species of moths and beetles in its fur. If, on average, there are 17 of each species of moth and beetle, how many total insects are making the sloth their home?
5. A group of 80,000 army ants is marching through the forest. If they are marching in 160 rows, how many ants are in each row?
6. Scientists estimate that a thimble full of rich rain forest soil contains 1,004,225,000 organisms. What digit is in the ten thousands place?
 
For more math puzzlers, try 'Otis Reedy's Rain Forest Puzzlers' in The Song of the Harpy Eagle.


 
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