Hands On Math: The Construction of a Website to Support the Use of Hands On Activities and Field Trips

Abstract

Teachers are facing more and more pressure to make sure that their students perform well on standardized tests. This, in addition to other factors such as having to teach more material in less time, can lead teachers to spend more time engaging in direct teacher-centered instruction and less time on hands-on learning activities. A review of literature shows the importance of using hands-on learning and fieldtrips to help students develop a deeper understanding and generate and sustain students’ interest in the subject. I have created a website that is meant to provide math educators and parents with ideas for hands on math activities as well as suggestions for fieldtrip in and around the Rochester area. The website is intended to serve as a resource that will enable math teachers to more easily and effectively implement hands-on learning and fieldtrips into their work with students and expose parents and caregivers to ideas and community resources they might use to create learning opportunities with their children.