My Math Museum

Elizabeth Grillo

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

My Math Museum Lesson Plan

Students will design and curate a Math Museum exhibit by choosing a mastered 4th-grade concept, planning their display using a worksheet, creating a visual poster, and reflecting on peers’ work to showcase mastery.

This end-of-year project reinforces New York State 4th-grade standards by having students teach key concepts, deepens understanding through creation, fosters creativity and collaboration, and allows reflection on growth.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on planning and poster creation with peer gallery walk.

Materials

Exhibit Planning Worksheet, - Exhibit Poster Template, - Exhibit Evaluation Rubric, - Poster Boards And Art Supplies, and - Computers Or Tablets For Research

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Print copies of the Exhibit Planning Worksheet and the Exhibit Evaluation Rubric.
Print or display the Exhibit Poster Template for student reference.
Gather poster boards, markers, colored pencils, and rulers.
Set up computers or tablets with internet access for quick concept review if needed.
Review the Exhibit Evaluation Rubric to familiarize yourself with assessment criteria.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

Explain the purpose and process of the My Math Museum project.
Project an example of a completed exhibit and highlight key features (definition, visuals, real-world tie-in).
Introduce the Exhibit Poster Template.

Step 2

Planning the Exhibit

8 minutes

Distribute the Exhibit Planning Worksheet.
Students select a math concept (e.g., fractions, area, multiplication) and complete the worksheet: definition, example problem, real-world application.
Teacher circulates to support concept choices and worksheet completion.

Step 3

Creating the Exhibit

12 minutes

Students transfer planning details onto a poster board or the Exhibit Poster Template.
Encourage clear visuals, step-by-step examples, diagrams, and labels.
Teacher provides formative feedback using the Exhibit Evaluation Rubric.

Step 4

Gallery Walk and Reflection

5 minutes

Students display their exhibits around the room.
Conduct a gallery walk: each student views at least three exhibits and leaves a positive sticky-note comment.
Facilitate a quick whole-class reflection: “What new insight did you gain from a peer’s exhibit?”

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Slide Deck

My Math Museum

An end-of-year project where you design and curate your own Math Museum exhibit showcasing a math concept you’ve mastered.

Welcome students! Introduce yourself and explain that today they will become curators of their own Math Museum exhibit.

Objectives

Choose a mastered 4th-grade math concept
Plan your exhibit using the Exhibit Planning Worksheet
Create a visual poster
Reflect on your learning and peers’ exhibits

Read through the objectives so students know the goals. Ensure they understand each step.

Example Exhibit

Concept: Fractions
Definition, example problem, and real-world application
Clear visuals, step-by-step labels, and diagrams
Museum-style display that teaches viewers

Show the example exhibit slide on the projector. Highlight the definition, visuals, and real-world tie-in.

Planning Your Exhibit

Open the Exhibit Planning Worksheet
Write your chosen concept and its definition
Create an example problem and solve it step by step
Describe a real-world application and sketch visuals

Distribute the planning worksheet. Circulate to support concept selection and worksheet completion.

Creating Your Poster

Use the Exhibit Poster Template or poster board
Transfer your planning details neatly
Add diagrams, labels, and color
Use rulers for straight lines and readable text

Provide poster boards or templates. Use the rubric to give formative feedback as students work.

Gallery Walk

Display your exhibit around the room
Walk and view at least three exhibits
Leave one positive sticky-note comment on each

Explain the gallery walk procedure. Model leaving a sticky-note comment.

Reflection

What new insight did you gain from a peer’s exhibit?

Facilitate sharing. Invite 2–3 volunteers to answer the reflection question.

Thank You & Next Steps

Pack up your materials
Prepare to present your exhibit to families or another class
Keep your poster for future reference

Wrap up the session by reminding students to clean up and prepare for any upcoming presentations.

Worksheet

Math Museum Exhibit Planning Worksheet

1. Math Concept

What math concept will you showcase in your exhibit?

2. Definition

Write the definition of this concept in your own words.

3. Example Problem

Create an example problem that uses this concept. Then solve it step-by-step.

Problem: _________________________________

Solution Steps:

2. ______________________________________
3. ______________________________________

Answer: __________________________________

4. Real-World Application

Describe a real-world scenario where this math concept is used.

5. Visual Sketch

Draw a diagram, picture, or model that explains or illustrates your concept. Label important parts.

Rubric

Exhibit Evaluation Rubric

Criteria	4 – Exemplary	3 – Proficient	2 – Developing	1 – Beginning
Content Accuracy	All information is accurate. Definition is clear and precise. Example problem is correct and thoroughly explained.	Information is mostly accurate with only minor errors. Definition clear. Example problem correct with slight omissions.	Some inaccuracies or misunderstandings are present. Example problem partially correct or explanation incomplete.	Significant errors or misconceptions. Example problem incorrect or missing major steps.
Visual Clarity & Organization	Layout is exceptionally clear and logical. Labels, diagrams, and text are well-organized and easy to follow.	Layout is clear. Most labels and diagrams are organized, with only minor areas needing improvement.	Layout is somewhat cluttered or confusing. Some labels or diagrams unclear or misplaced.	Layout is disorganized. Labels and visuals lack clarity and hinder understanding.
Creativity & Engagement	Exhibit demonstrates outstanding creativity. Unique visuals or interactive elements deeply engage viewers.	Exhibit shows creativity; visuals are engaging and enhance understanding.	Exhibit shows some creativity but relies on basic visuals. Engagement elements are minimal.	Exhibit lacks creativity; visuals are generic and do not engage the audience.
Presentation Neatness & Craftsmanship	Work is very neat and professional. Writing is legible, colors are used effectively, and materials are cleanly presented.	Work is neat with only minor issues. Writing is legible, colors mostly effective, materials presented cleanly.	Work is somewhat messy. Writing difficult to read in places; colors or materials lack cohesion.	Work is untidy. Writing illegible, colors distracting, and presentation appears sloppy.

Scoring Guide:

4 points = Exemplary
3 points = Proficient
2 points = Developing
1 point = Beginning

Total Possible Points: 16