Computer Lab Activities
Natural Disasters: A Math Hunt Activity
Our true problem-crunching powers are put to the test in this volcano-blasting, earth-quaking, ocean-crashing hunt. Stay alert as we search for solutions to math questions.
- Grades: 3–5, 6–8
In “Natural Disasters” (grades 5–8), students go on an online fact-finding mission to answer five multiple-choice, math-related questions about volcanoes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and more.
Sample question:
In a period of 3 years, what percentage of Atlantic hurricanes strikes the coastline of the United States?
- 50%
- 28%
- 83%
In addition to challenging students’ reading comprehension skills, “Natural Disasters” tests these “math hunting” skills:
- Addition and Subtraction
- Converting Units of Measurement: Rate of Travel
- Decimals and Percentages
- Reading a Map Scale
Learning Objectives
By participating in Math Hunt, students will:
- Practice problem-solving skills from the grade 5–8 math curriculum
- Explore topics from the grades 5–8 science and social studies curriculum
- Learn basic Internet research skills
- Develop an understanding of the construction of standardized test questions and multiple-choice answers
Related Resources
Students set out on fact-finding missions that test math skills, provide practice researching on the Web, and boost reading comprehension.
- Subjects:Addition and Subtraction, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanoes, Hurricanes, Content Area Reading, Reading Comprehension, Research Skills, Fractions and Decimals, Logic and Problem Solving, Number Sense, Real-World Math, Measurement, Time, Word Problems, Natural Disasters, Real-World Science, Tornadoes, Communication and the Internet, Computers, Teaching with Technology
