Wild for Western-Themed Math Carnival

Although it was a day of mathematical problem-solving, having fun at the “Wild West” themed Math Carnival was no mathematical problem for Cherry Avenue’s K-5 students. Disguised as fun-filled physical activities that challenged the body and the mind, the students engaged in competitive games that also helped them practice NYS standards for measurement.

Using their Horse Shoe data-collection sheets, the students compiled statistic of their progress throughout the Carnival stations that had them herding cattle (balloons) into the corral, scooting to Mailboxes with packages for the Pony Express, and testing their throwing skills in Cow Chip Toss. Extra time was spent estimating the quantity of assorted goodies in the Estimation Jars.

The following activities, coordinated by Math Facilitator Mrs. Debra Abrams and Physical Education teacher Jen Fee, in conjunction with teachers and PTA volunteers, lassoed the most enjoyment for every class. 

Wild West Pony Express

Description: The player starts with the mail bag on a scooter they scooter to a designated area, pick up 1 letter, and put it in the mail bag then scooters to the mailbox. When they reach the mailbox the take the letter and place it in the mailbox. Then repeat.  They have 1 minute to see how many letters they can get into the mailbox.

WHERE’S THE MATH? Extension Activity

Kindergarten: Use ten frames or tally charts to figure out how many letters your class mailed. Send the results to Mrs. Abrams by Thursday, 3/27.

Horse Shoe Target

Description:  Students will get 3 tries to toss and aim at a designated target. Once a player has thrown the horse shoes, they have to retrieve the horse shoes and give to the next player. 

WHERE’S THE MATH? Extension Activity

First grade: Make a graph of your class. Show how many students earned 5 points, 2 points, or 1 point.   Send the results to Mrs. Abrams by Thursday, 3/27.

Cattle Round Up

Timed Event and Points

Description: Students need to drive the "cow" balloons out of one designated space into another designated space. They will have 1 minute to see how many that they can get through. If a balloon goes out of the corral area that cow is lost.

WHERE’S THE MATH? Extension Activity

 2nd Grade : Compare the scores in your class. What was the total number of points that your class scored. Send the results to Mrs. Abrams by Thursday, 3/27.

Tin Can Shoot

(Accuracy and points totaled)

Description: Students will get 3 tries to knock down the cans. Record the # point value for the cans that were knocked off. Students reset them up on the marks after their turn.

WHERE’S THE MATH? Extension Activity

 3rd Grade: Find the total number of cans that your class knocked down.  Complete this strategy sentence to help others knock down cans, “The best strategy for getting the most points is…..” Send the results and strategies to Mrs. Abrams by Thursday, 3/27.

Pony Ride Obstacle Course

Description: The student is timed while going through the obstacle course while riding a stick with a pony head on it.

WHERE’S THE MATH? Extension Activity

 4th Grade: Compare your scores. List your times in order from least to greatest. Send the results to Mrs. Abrams by Thursday, 3/27.

  Cow Chip Toss

Measurement

Description: The students will get 3 chances to throw the cow chip from a designated line for distance. Record the score of the student’s best throw. Once a player has thrown they retrieve their cow chips and give it to the next student in line. 

WHERE’S THE MATH? Extension Activity

 5th Grade: Compare your scores. Graph your scores on a number line. Send the results to Mrs. Abrams by Thursday, 3/27.

Ladder Ball Lasso

For fun!

Description: The student will have tries to fling the ladder ball lasso to the ladder. If the lasso wraps on a ladder rung then award the points of that rung.