Math Lab II: Design, Discovery, and Real-World Application
- Description
- Curriculum
- Reviews
- Grade
Math Lab II invites students to step further into the world of applied mathematics through creative, real-world problem solving.
This lab-style course blends geometry, probability, data analysis, and mathematical modeling to help students connect numbers to meaning.
Each month focuses on a different real-world theme, design, chance, data, and structure. This gives students opportunities to build, test, and explain their mathematical reasoning in ways that are both visual and interactive.
Students explore the “why” behind math by working like engineers, designers, and analysts while, measuring, graphing, predicting, and experimenting to see how math works in action.
Course Goals
Students will:
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Deepen their understanding of key math concepts through hands-on projects.
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Apply mathematical reasoning to real-world contexts.
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Strengthen skills in data analysis, probability, and proportional reasoning.
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Collaborate and communicate mathematical ideas using design thinking and visual storytelling.
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Build confidence in connecting creative and analytical thought.
Course Structure
Each week follows a 3-part rhythm that keeps learning active and reflective:
Pre-Lab (Online)
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Short video lessons introduce vocabulary and concepts.
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Quick interactive activities or quizzes build readiness for the live session.
In-Person Lab (Tuesday)
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High-impact, hands-on experiences where students apply what they learned through design, experimentation, and collaboration.
Post-Lab (Online)
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Reflections, practice problems, and digital uploads to extend and solidify understanding.
📅 Semester Themes
| Month | Theme | Core Focus |
| September | The Math of Design & Measurement | Geometry, perimeter, area, and scale drawings |
| October | The Science of Data & Probability | Probability, chance, mean, median, mode |
| November | The Engineering of Shapes & Structures | Volume, surface area, ratios, and motion |
| December | Holiday Math & Problem-Solving | Ratios, proportions, and creative review projects |
Learning Philosophy
Math Lab II follows the Sow N Grow approach: learn by doing, reflect with purpose, and connect knowledge to the world around you.
Students will leave this course not just knowing how to do math, but understanding why it matters.
Assessment
This lab uses a portfolio-based approach that values growth, creativity, and applied understanding rather than memorization.
Students are assessed on:
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Pre-lab preparation
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Participation and collaboration during labs
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Post-lab reflections and data analysis
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Demonstrated mastery in their Math Maker’s Notebook
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1
Welcome to Week 1: The Geometry of DesignBrief overview of this week’s theme and goals. Introduces how geometry is used in design, architecture, and spatial reasoning.
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2
Mini-Lesson Video: The Geometry of DesignA short video introducing perimeter, area, and scale using real-world examples (floor plans, maps, models).
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3
Vocabulary Builder: Geometry in DesignInteractive vocabulary review covering perimeter, area, scale, and dimensions. -
4
Pre-Lab Task: Measure It!
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5
Lab Overview: Dream Room BlueprintSummary of the in-person lab project including setup instructions, required materials, and main objectives. With the printable worksheet for drawing and calculating room design
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6
Classroom Activity: Build Your BlueprintOptional stream/recording link for recap or make-up session.
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7
Mini Assessment: Scale ChallengeShort post-lab check for understanding (determine the scale of a model vs. real-life dimensions).
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12
Welcome to Week 2: The Art of Symmetry & Tessellations
A short overview lesson that introduces symmetry, transformations, and tessellations with real-world examples (architecture, art, nature).
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13
Mini-Lesson Video: The Math of Patterns
5–7 minute video showing how reflection, rotation, and translation create symmetry and tessellations.
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14
Vocabulary Builder: Symmetry in MotionQuiz covering key terms (symmetry, reflection, rotation, translation, tessellation).
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15
Pre-Lab Assignment: Pattern Hunt
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16
Lab Overview: Symmetry in Motion
Text-based guide for instructors/students outlining the 2-part lab activities.
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17
Symmetry & Origami Activity Sheet
Printable worksheet used in class.
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18
Tessellation Tile Project
Main creative design challenge (paper cutting and tiling).
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19
Mini Assessment: Transformation Check6-question quiz checking comprehension of reflection, rotation, and tessellation.
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20
Reflection Journal: The Art of Balance
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21
Practice Problems: Transformations in Action6-question geometry quiz identifying symmetry and transformations.
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22
Upload Your Tessellation Art
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23
Week 2 Wrap-Up & Preview
Short text lesson closing out the week and previewing next module: “The Math of Chance.”
Course Title: Math Lab II
Instructor: Mrs. Leonard
Category: Enrichment Lab / Applied Mathematics
Format: Hybrid (In-person + Online Access)
Grade Levels: K–5 (Multi-level Instruction)
Duration: 1 Semester (September–December)
In-Person Class Schedule: Tuesdays | 12:10 PM – 1:10 PM
Session Length: 1 hour per week (+ pre-lab and post-lab activities)
Location: Sow N Grow Foundation, Conyers, GA 30013
Online Access: Available anytime via learn.sowngrow.org
Enrollment Type: Enrichment Pathway Course / A La Carte Option
Instructor Contact: Click to Message | l.leonard@sowngrow.org
Students are expected to complete the Pre-Lab activities on the LMS before each class session.
These short lessons introduce key vocabulary and concepts that prepare students for the hands-on lab work.
Completing these steps ensures students can confidently participate and collaborate during the in-person session.
Materials Needed
To get the most out of this course, students should have:
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Math Maker’s Notebook or a 1-inch binder section dedicated to Math Lab
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Ruler and pencil
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Eraser and colored pencils
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Graph paper (or printed lab worksheets)
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Access to a computer or tablet for online activities
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Access to Canva Whiteboards (for digital design projects)
All in-class supplies for collaborative labs will be provided by Sow N Grow.
Technology & Online Access
Students and parents will have access to all pre-lab videos, vocabulary guides, reflection prompts, and printable worksheets through the Sow N Grow online portal at:
👉 learn.sowngrow.org
Assignments can be viewed, completed, and submitted directly through the platform at any time.
Participation & Attendance
Active participation is essential to success in Math Lab.
Students are expected to:
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Attend in-person labs on time each week
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Contribute to group work and discussions
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Complete their pre- and post-lab activities within the week
If a student will miss class, please notify the instructor at least 24 hours before the scheduled session.
Student Expectations
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Come ready to explore, build, and think critically
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Treat classmates and materials with respect
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Keep all completed work, notes, and reflections in your Math Maker’s Notebook
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Bring curiosity, creativity, and focus each week!
Math Lab II is designed for middle school students (grades 6–8) and advanced upper elementary learners who are ready to go beyond basic computation and explore how math operates in the real world.
This course is ideal for:
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Analytical thinkers who enjoy investigating, questioning, and reasoning through real problems.
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Hands-on learners who thrive when math connects to physical projects and design-based challenges.
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STEM-minded students who like building, experimenting, and applying math to engineering, science, and data analysis.
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Creative problem-solvers who enjoy exploring multiple ways to reach a solution.
Through projects involving geometry, probability, data, and applied modeling, students will deepen their understanding of how math explains patterns, informs decisions, and drives innovation.
Each lab includes differentiated instruction and multi-level activities so that both upper elementary and middle-grade students can engage meaningfully at their own pace and depth of reasoning.
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