1. Use problem-solving skills to determine a mathematical method of graphically representing the number six million
2. Students will conduct research to find an appropriate solution to their mathematical question
3. Students will create a graphic presentation to illustrate the results of their research

Directions

Day 1

1. Reinforce student's knowledge of the cause, effects, and outcomes of the Holocaust through a classroom discussion.
2. Once the students have a good picture of the Holocaust introduce the concept of the number 6,000,000 and the significance the number represents.
3. Guide student responses to the question, "How much is 6,000,000?" Answers will vary and will cover a wide variety of concepts, including time, money, distance, etc.
4. Show students a photo from the Auschwitz concentration camp that portrays shoes taken from prisoners. Explain that it is difficult to imagine 6,000,000 deaths, but the images of the shoes only represent a percentage of deaths at one concentration camp. Have the students try to visualize 12,000,000 shoes.
5. Display the list of ideas to represent 6,000,000 (PDF) either by the use of an overhead projector, or by writing the list on the board.
6. Engage the students in a brainstorming session to think of alternative methods to illustrate 6,000,000. Write additional responses on the transparency or board.
7. Tell the students that tomorrow they will begin a research project illustrating the number 6,000,000.

Day 2

1. Discuss with the students the requirements for the project. List the requirements on the board through out the project to keep students organized and on task or make each student a copy.
2. Project:
   1. Must contain a chart or graph.
   2. Math vocabulary.
   3. Use a mathematical operation, e.g. division, multiplication, etc. to determine the solution.
   4. Picture(s) (clip art, photos, or drawn).
   5. Consult at least three resources.
   6. Resources must be sited on their work.
   7. Conclusion - What you have learned?
   8. Create a presentation to display your work, e.g. poster, PowerPoint, etc.
   9. Conclusion - What you have learned?
   10. Creativity, Accuracy, and Neatness.
3. Distribute a copy of the list of ideas to represent 6,000,000. Direct students that they are to choose a way to show the number 6,000,000 mathematically. As the students have just brainstormed, there are many ways to do this. They must be able to perform research to determine the solution to their mathematical question, and they must use a mathematical operation, e.g. division, multiplication, etc. to prove their findings.
4. Once the students have selected an idea from the list or an idea of their own tell the students that tomorrow they will collect data for their representation of 6,000,000.

Day 3

1. "Research day," students will take notes, print photos, etc. that will be used to complete their presentation. Students will consult three resources to find their solution; resources must be sited on their work.

Day 4-5

1. Students are to create a presentation to display their work.  This could be a poster, or PowerPoint, etc.
2. Students gather all the data and photos taken from "research day," to work independently on their presentation.
3. Review all requirements for the project with students.
   1. Must contain a chart or graph.
   2. Math vocabulary.
   3. Use a mathematical operation, e.g. division, multiplication, etc. to  determine the solution.
   4. Picture(s) (clip art, photos, or drawn).
   5. Consult at least three resources.
   6. Resources must be sited on their work.
   7. Conclusion - What you have learned?
   8. Create a presentation to display your work, e.g. poster, PowerPoint, etc.
   9. Conclusion - What you have learned?
   10. Creativity, Validity, and Neatness.

Day 6

The students will present their finished projects to the class.

Supporting All Learners

To meet different learning styles and abilities modify lesson to their abilities by giving more time and more choices to represent 6,000,000. Allow students to work with a partner/team. Provide mathematical vocabulary to students that are having difficulty.

Lesson Extensions

Students may conduct research to determine how museums have archived collections of items from Holocaust victims. 

Helpful Resources:

• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Dachau Museum
• Auschwitz Museum
• St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center

Home Connection

Invite parents/guardians to the student presentations.

Assignments

1. Brainstorm the representation of 6,000,000.
2. Research idea to represent 6,000,000.
3. Create a presentation.
4. Presentation of project.

Evaluation

• Did the students connect and visualize the number 6,000,000 with the Holocaust?
• Did students have problems finding three sources for the project?
• Did the students have enough time to complete the project requirements?