Real Math in the Garden
Making math stick takes some effort, and making it make sense means using it in the real world. In this example we will be using math to build a raised garden bed. Our garden beds will be eight inches deep with a length of six feet and a width of four feet. The student must determine how many boards need to be purchased, and the cubic yardage of dirt using the following recipe 1/3 part vermiculite, 1/3 part chicken manure, 1/3 part compost. Variations on this problem could include using cinder blocks for the edge, which would be 12" long, or using bricks. To solve the problem you will be using perimeter and area, which means knowing when to add and when to multiply. For more advanced students have them use the internet and search the local Lowe's or Home Depot for the parts they would need and make a budget and shopping list.