About
Are you looking for a way to reinforce number sense concepts in an engaging way that helps your students make connections? “Be a Superhero” is a real-life math project where students will complete ten different math-related tasks involving place value and parts and wholes.
Ideas for Use
Math projects are an ideal way to consolidate learning. I recommend using them as an engaging activity AFTER skills have been learned rather than during learning. You will likely find that engagement is very high and that your students ask to do more of these!
There are many ways to use math projects in your classroom. Some of the most popular are:
• a small-group or pairs activity
• math centers
• a guided math activity to allow you to see where your students are struggling
• a fun, rewarding way to engage your early finishers
• a low-prep, easy-to-implement activity for a substitute teacher
These activities can be used as a package, or in isolation.
This resource is included in PDF format for printing and in Google Slides format for digital learning with Google Classroom.
What's Included?
Take a look at what you’ll find inside this math project:
TASK #1: SUPERHERO OUTFIT
You’ve known for a long time that you were “special.” There was that time that you were able to lift a fallen tree up when you were building a fort. And then there was that basketball game where you jumped up to shoot and felt like you were flying. You haven’t told anyone about your superpowers yet, but it’s time to put them to good use! You’ll be a real-life superhero! Let’s get your outfit planned!
TASK#2: FLYING SPEED
You know that you can fly, but you’re going to need to practice before you can help people!
Skills: more and less, base ten blocks, problem-solving
TASK #3: LIFTING HEAVY THINGS
Lifting heavy objects is a big part of being a superhero! You’ll need to practice so that you can use this skill to save people!
Skills: number words, comparing & ordering, problem-solving
TASK#4: FIRST DAY ON THE JOB
You’ve lifted! You’ve flown! Now it’s time for your first day on the job. Use the number clues to solve each message.
Skills: addition, subtraction, solving unknowns, part/part/whole, place value, more & less
TASK#5: A BURNING BUILDING
A local apartment building is on fire and you need to rescue the people who live there!
Skills: ordering, part/part/whole, representing numbers
TASK #6: A CAT IN A TREE
You get the superhero signal saying that there’s a cat stuck in a tree. It’s time to help!
Skills: problem-solving, skip-counting
TASK #7: KNOWING YOUR SURROUNDINGS
As a superhero it is important to be familiar with your city. This will help you know how to get places fast when someone needs help.
Skills: addition, subtraction, problem-solving, base ten representations
TASK #8: FLIGHT SPEED
You just keep getting faster and faster! How fast can you fly? Let’s solve the mystery picture to see!
Skills: place value, more/less, proportion, addition, subtraction
TASK #9: FOREST FIRES
There are four forest fires burning right now! But you have the power to stop them all!
Skills: ordering, addition, problem-solving
TASK #10: FLOOD!
A huge flood is heading right for your city! You’re the only one that can possibly stop it!
Skills: addition, skip-counting, patterns, problem-solving
TASK #11: SUPERHERO NUMBERS
Life as a superhero is not easy, but it sure is worth it! Here are some numbers from the last month.
Skills: addition, subtraction, base ten representation, more/less
What Teachers Are Saying
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I had a three day conference, so I used this as sub plans, It was easy for the sub to follow, and the students remained engaged. Awesome. Thanks." Marie P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "This resource was very suitable for 3rd graders just starting the year. It was a fun reintroduction to mathematics after a summer off. Students could do the work confidently based on skills mastered in their 2nd grade year." Dale G.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "As a Resource teacher I love using these real life projects with kids that have learning difficulties. They are highly engaging and allow students to learn practical life skills." Wanda Q.
