What if your next math review or intro lesson didn’t feel like a worksheet… but like a real, creative challenge your students couldn’t wait to do?

Spring is the season of high energy and low attention spans—which makes it the perfect time to bring more movement and excitement into your classroom. In this episode of The Modern Math Teacher Podcast, we’re diving into hands-on math activities and projects that not only engage students but also deepen their understanding of key concepts.

Whether you’re reviewing linear equations, introducing exponential functions, or looking for a fun way to explore probability, these hands-on math ideas will help your students make real-world connections while strengthening their skills.

🎧 Listen to the Episode Here
📺 Watch on YouTube Here

Why Hands-On Learning in Math Works (Especially in the Spring)

Spring fever is real. Your students are squirmy, the weather can’t make up its mind, and traditional instruction just isn’t cutting it. That’s where hands-on learning in math comes in.

Here’s why it works:

✅ Movement boosts engagement. Students need a change of pace—these projects provide structure and freedom to explore.
✅ Hands-on math materials make abstract concepts tangible. Whether they’re creating stained glass or building probability games, students can physically see and manipulate math.
✅ Projects connect multiple concepts. This is perfect for spiral review, test prep, or synthesizing learning at the end of a unit.

And yes, it’s all still rigorous. 💪

Project Spotlight #1: Stained Glass Linear Equations

This is one of my absolute favorite hands-on math projects for Algebra 1.

🎨 Students use equations to design colorful stained-glass windows
📈 Covers graphing in slope-intercept, point-slope, and standard form
✅ Great for mixed practice or end-of-unit review

“The mixed practice with slope-intercept and standard forms was very helpful… and they were so engaged in the problem-solving aspect and artistic creation.” – Taylor, a teacher who tried this project in her class

Pro Tip: Want to level it up? Use ChatGPT to generate additional equations (like exponential or quadratic) and turn this into a full end-of-year review activity.

Read More About this Quick + Easy Project for Algebra 1

Project Spotlight #2: Going Viral – Exponential Functions Intro

This project is funny, gross, and incredibly effective.

🦠 Students simulate how germs (or trends!) spread using a Glo Germ experiment
📊 Perfect for introducing exponential growth
💡 Students analyze data and reflect on real-world applications

Let your students track how something spreads—and then connect it to exponential models they build themselves. Whether you’re referencing zombie outbreaks or TikTok trends, this one hits hard and sticks with them.

Read more about Making Exponential Functions Stick

Project Spotlight #3: Probability Games & Projects

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated units in math—probability. Why not make it actually fun?

🎲 Students design their own carnival-style games
📊 Analyze experimental vs. theoretical probabilities
🎡 Host a mini classroom game fair to test & reflect

This is one of my go-to hands-on math activities for middle schoolers and high schoolers alike. Students LOVE building and testing their games—and they truly understand the concepts by the end.

“This enhanced my students’ understanding of probability—and they had so much fun doing it!”

Read more about The Best Way to Teach Probability 

Why These Hands-On Math Projects Matter

Each of these projects checks the boxes for effective hands-on learning in math:

• Movement + creativity = increased engagement

• Multi-standard coverage makes them ideal for review or assessment

• Students make real-world connections they won’t forget

And let’s be honest—you’ll have more fun too.

Grab These Hands-On Math Projects

Ready to bring these into your classroom? You can grab them all in my TpT store:

🎨 Stained Glass Linear Equations Project
🦠 Going Viral: Exponential Functions Project
🎲 Probability Games Project

These are done-for-you, standards-aligned, and tested by teachers just like you.

Spring is the perfect time to swap worksheets for something more meaningful. Let’s ditch the repetition, get creative, and make math come alive with hands-on projects your students will actually love.

Until next time,
Keep getting messy with math, keep the hands-on learning opportunities high, and as always… keep it real.