What Is the “Math Curse” Project?
The Math Curse Project is a classroom‑wide initiative inspired by Jon Scieszka’s popular picture book Math Curse, illustrated by Lane Smith. In the story, a student discovers that every everyday activity suddenly turns into a math problem, turning ordinary life into a “curse” of calculations. Teachers use this premise to create engaging, cross‑curricular projects that help students see math in real‑world contexts while developing problem‑solving skills.
Why the Project Works
Research shows that authentic, problem‑based learning improves retention and motivation. By framing math as a mystery to be solved—much like the narrative in Math Curse—students become active participants rather than passive recipients. The project also aligns with many state standards for elementary mathematics, including operations, measurement, data analysis, and geometry.
Getting Started: Essential Resources
Before launching the project, gather the following materials:
- Copy of Math Curse for read‑aloud or classroom library.
- Access to the full video walkthrough (available for free to DCMP members) at DCMP Media Library.
- Project guidelines from “Math Curse Mini Project Expectations with Mrs. Ullery.”
- Supplies for hands‑on activities: graph paper, calculators, measurement tools, and art supplies.
Step‑by‑Step Guide
1. Introduce the Book
Begin with a read‑aloud of Math Curse. After the story, ask students to identify moments where everyday tasks become math problems. This discussion sets the tone for the project and helps students articulate the “curse.”
2. Define the Project Goal
Each class decides on a central challenge, such as “Turn a day at school into a math‑rich adventure” or “Create a math‑themed scavenger hunt.” The goal should be measurable (e.g., number of problems solved, data collected, or creative artifacts produced).
3. Form Collaborative Teams
Divide the class into small groups of 3‑4 students. Assign roles—researcher, problem designer, data collector, and presenter—to ensure every student contributes.
4. Brainstorm Real‑World Math Problems
Encourage teams to list everyday scenarios that can be turned into math challenges. Examples include:
- Calculating the total time spent on a school day.
- Measuring the area of a classroom carpet.
- Graphing the temperature changes over a week.
5. Design and Test Problems
Students write clear problem statements, provide step‑by‑step solutions, and test them with peers. This iterative process mirrors the “curse” in the book, where each solution leads to another problem.
