7 Ways to Teach Math Using Apples

You already know how wonderful apples are to eat, and how they can be so healthy for you, but did you know they can also help your child learn? You can actually help strengthen some basic math skills and concepts using apples as teaching tools, and the results can be quite fun! Take a look below at 7 Ways to Teach Math Using Apples. You might just find that apples have never been so tasty and educational!

7 Ways to Teach Math Using Apples

1. Measurement
Get your child familiar with measuring tapes and rulers by using apples as the manipulative. Give them several different apples to explore as well as various rulers and tapes. Have them discover the height, width, and circumference of their apples.

2. Weight
Have your child take various apples and get some practice with using scales. You can set the apples on the scales and weigh them in grams or ounces. You can also compare weights among the apples.

3. Making predictions
Making predictions is an important part of math. Have your child make prediction about how many seeds are inside of their apple. Write down the prediction then cut the apples open and remove and count the seeds inside.

4. Symmetry
How symmetric are apples? Take this opportunity to talk about symmetry and see how symmetrical their apples are. They can also go to the store to look for symmetrical apples. You can then cut the apples in half and compare the slices.

5. Fractions
Apples are perfect for discovering fractions. Use a knife to show how much half of an apple looks like. What about 1/3 of an apple? What about 1/4? Cut the apple into various slices to represent the various fractions.

6. Story problems
Use a basket of apples to help act out story problems. Create various story problems using apples as your manipulative. Act out the story problems as you recite them letting the children use the apples in a hands on fashion. They will help give them a visual of the problem.

7. Addition
Apples can be excellent manipulative for basic addition or subtraction problems. Use crab apples or smaller varieties of apples for children to use when figuring out story problems. You can also use apple slices or even the apple seeds to help show addition and subtraction.

As you can see, apples are not only great to eat, but they can be quite beneficial when teaching math as well. So grab a dozen and see how helpful they can be when teaching these important math skills!