Instead of having students perform equations in mathematics, have them engage in some research projects. Assign students different topics or allow them to pick their own. Some examples of topics include biographies of famous mathematicians, how formulas came into existence and the ways in which different categories of math are connected.
Explain how mathematics is involved in forensics. Set up a mock murder or robbery scene in the classroom and have students use math skills to determine who committed the crime. For example, have them measure the height, weight and age of the victim and figure out how long the person has been deceased by the amount of bugs on the corpse. Instruct them to measure footprints and tire marks to determine the size of the perpetrator's foot and what type of vehicle he drove.
Online Math WebQuests require that students learn about the background of a problem, complete the steps to fix the problem and then analyze the results that they find. Let students discover the value of money with WebQuests such as Buying Your First Car, First Time Buyers and Decorating Your House! Other WebQuests include Call Me, where students compare long distance telephone call rates, and Fun with Tangrams, in which students learn about mathematical concepts with tangrams.
Assign students specific models that they must create, for example, the Empire State Building or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Or, let them pick their own, such as a local bridge, the school or their home. Have them investigate to find out what the actual dimensions of the building are. Then, instruct them to create a model out of paper, blocks or other materials, using an accurate scale.