Basketball converts to real-life math

Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes School

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Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes School

SALT LAKE CITY -"Where are our stats?" This is the first question Mrs. Jackson is asked Monday afternoon in her Advanced 5th Grade Math class at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Salt Lake City. Seven of the nine students in her class are on the 5th grade girls' basketball team. Mrs. Jackson attends almost every game (her daughter is on the team) with her clipboard and tally sheet. With the help of other parents, she keeps track of the action on the floor. She records goals attempted, goals made, free-throws attempted, free-throws made, blocked shots, rebounds, steals and fouls. Monday afternoon she hands out the raw data and a worksheet. Every student in class uses the data to determine each player's goal and free-throw averages and percentages.

"The students are using data and formulas, converting from fractions to decimals to percents," Mrs. Jackson explains. "Instead of just an activity out of a book, they are using something that is personal to them; they were either playing or know the people playing. It is more like a game than homework and they are learning valuable math skills at the same time. After games on Saturdays, they come looking for me to see how they did. I also think they are more aware of their performance on the court and they strive to make improvements each week."

"I love it," says Andrea Snow, a student. "I see how math can be used in everyday life."

Ms. Jackson intends to continue this process next year when the class is in 6th grade and in her pre-algebra class.