Real Life Projects with a Focus on the Principles of Realistic Mathematics Education

Abstract

Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) is an instructional approach that emphasizes connecting concepts to real-world contexts, problem-centered learning, authentic assessment, and reflection. RME engages students in contexts instead of teaching a concept and then asking students to apply it. This curriculum project incorporates RME into real-life projects to engage students in learning mathematics and encourage more problem-solving and student reflection in 7th grade and Algebra 1 mathematics. This curriculum project includes four non-sequential lessons focusing on the 7th-grade topics of percent and statistics and the Algebra one topics of systems of linear equations and equations of quadratic functions. The purpose is to create projects with real-world contexts that are accessible to all students. When students see that the mathematics they learn can apply to their lives, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and interested in the learning. Keys for all student materials are in the appendix.