Project Driven Montessori Middle School Math Unit Integer Operations

This is a Montessori based, project-drive unit created for students to practice their math skills while performing meaningful, practical work. It covers the Common Core Objective 7.N.S.All Projects for each unit are integrated with cross-curricular subjects such as business, charity, art, music, science, cooking, woodworking, sewing, and mathematical exploration. Given a choice of four objectives, students can choose the work that is most engaging and teachers can guide students towards developmentally appropriate tasks. Projects included are:

Budget Maker

Students set a personal goal for themselves and use integers in a budget to finance this goal.

It’s All About that Base, no Acid!

Students learn the pH scale and the idea of neutralization to use integers in a number line.

Charity Fundraiser

Students hold a fundraiser and contribute the profits to a local charity, using integers in a budget.

Color Gradients

Students create their own double primary color wheel and double primary palette while studying color theory and gradients.

Each step of the project drives the need for mathematical learning and skills are presented in three-period lesson format. Adolescent and elementary materials are presented to the students and they are given many different options for second period practice. This unit uses materials such as Checkerboard Bead Bars, Chinese Number Rods, and Fraction Cutouts.

The unit includes every resource a teacher would need to implement in the classroom including:

• Four project choices based on art, chemistry, business, and charity work.

• Colorful student map and project graphics so students can be as independent as possible

• Video lessons using Montessori Checkerboard Bead Bars

• Practice sheets, matching cards, enrichment activities, and vocabulary work

• Readings and writing assignments for self-assessment

• Pre and Post Tests

• And answer keys to everything!

Concepts and Skills Covered by this Unit

1. Number Lines

2. Absolute Values

3. Zero Sums

4. Adding, Subtracting Integers

5. Multiplying, Dividing Integers

6. Vector Addition

7. Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Properties

8. Numerical Distribution, Factoring, and Exponents

9. Budgeting, Finance, Fundraising, and Business

10. Color Theory, Paint Mixtures, Color Palettes

11. pH Scale, Acids, Bases, and Basic Neutralization