Number Sense Blog

School provides a myriad of opportunities to think critically and apply math skills in the most unusual ways. Whether it’s while making a collage in art class or splitting into groups for music class, one just never knows when they’re going to pop up.

Life is so diverse, you never know what might come your way as you go through each day. This week, we have a mixed bag of word problems to help children apply mathematical knowledge to a variety of situations.

If you’ve ever watched the Weather Channel or the weather segment of the evening news, you’ve seen meteorologists in action. They are scientists who use mathematical models and knowledge to understand and predict weather and climate. Some meteorologists work on daily weather forecasting, some conduct atmospheric research and some even teach.

While healthy eating may not always seem fun, getting into the habit of fueling our bodies with nutritious foods is super important. It keeps us from getting sick and gives us the energy for all kinds of things like doing those never-ending household chores and hiking our favorite mountain trails.

The world’s greatest sculptors, painters, and photographers depend on math to create their art. Not only do artists use elements of composition — such as geometry and proportions — to perfect their work, they also use math behind the scenes in the studio! This week’s word problems show a practical application of math in sketching, sculpting, photography and painting — exactly the kind of thing that every budding artist should learn and understand.

People have been infatuated with the wizarding world depicted in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, from famous sites such as Hogwarts and Diagon Alley to household charms, magical creatures, and the international sport played on flying broomsticks — Quidditch!