The Olympics: Math Puzzles and a Game

Creator: Lets Play Math! | visit site

Grade Range: K - 7

Find a collection of wonderful math resources for elementary students related to the Olympic games. Although the blog was originally created in 2008, many of the activities and sites have been updated. Find word games sorted by event and grade level (such as Summer Olympic Swimming for grades 1 and 2). Many of the lesson plans include national math standards. Some great research ideas are also offered, such as exploring the Olympics through time. Explore previous medal counts before predicting this year’s medals through the Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger link.

In the Classroom

Explore previous medal counts with your students and ask them to predict this year’s counts and graph as the games occur. Compare all three sets of data to find trends and abnormalities. Have students create online posters on paper or do it together as a class using a tool such as Web Poster Wizard, <a href="/single.cfm?id=7332">reviewed here</a>, or PicLits, <a href="/single.cfm?id=9822">reviewed here</a>. Create posters of favorite Olympic athletes, sports, or competing nations. Create a link on classroom computers to the Math Playground Olympics game and challenge students to find out how much they know about the Olympics.

At Home

Share this site with your child as you anticipate and watch the Summer Olympic Games. Have fun predicting winners of events and viewing medal counts. Create a chart to hang in your home to update medal counts and discuss surprises as well as expected wins.

Tags

sports, mode, median, mean, estimation, operations, olympics, logic, charts and graphs, data,

Subjects

Algebra, Geography (US/World), Math, Physical Education & Coaching,