Low Tech Math Means Big Fun for Students

You may think that in order to reach today's teens and middle schoolers, technology must be part of the equation.

Here's an example of a teacher in York, Pennsylvania who has developed a math activity using NASCAR racing.

Tom Baughman's students work in teams, using rulers, tape measures, calculators and protractors to complete a packet of questions. They then measure parts of the car. Calculating aspects of car travel such as distance is also part of the game.

Although I am not a fan of NASCAR (apologies to those of you who are), but I think Mr. Baughman's math activities contains two key components of engaging students in education.

1. Hands-on learning beats textbook learning. The stickiness of hands-on learning brings a higher degree of retention. I'm sure these are lessons that the students will remember as they advance to higher levels of learning.
   
2. The learning context, NASCAR racing, is relevant to students. Best of all, NASCAR racing should engage male students, who seem prone to disengage themselves from the learning process.

Now let's go back to my first point in this post? You don't have to have technology to successfully engage students in learning. A checkered flag to Mr. Baughman for making math come alive for his students.