Begin the class discussion by asking students how numbers are used in sports. Brainstorm ideas on the board. Suggestions may include, but are not limited to:
- jersey numbers
- calculating and keeping scores
- keeping data on teams and players (for example: batting averages)
- number of players permitted on the field/court at a time
- probability (tracking wins/losses)
- game attendance
- winning times (swimming or running events)
- and so on
Provide each student with a copy of the Sports Numbers Activity Sheet or share the Sports Numbers Google Slides with them. You can decide whether to have each student submit their individual responses or to collaborate as a class on a single document. If you opt for individual submissions, be sure to enable the "Make a Copy" feature so that each student can edit their own version without interfering with others.
Sports Numbers Activity Sheet
Sports Numbers Google Slides
Ask students to tell what they see in each of the scenes on the worksheet or presentation slides. Tell the students to look at the pictures and find examples of the use of numbers.
Spend enough time talking about the picture and the students' knowledge of sports so that students describe as many different ways as possible of using numbers. In each instance ask the students to describe how the number is being used.
The following observations can be made for the sporting events identified by each picture:
a. Basketball
- number of players
- position in line-up
- dimensions of the court
- height of the basket
- diameter and circumference of the ball
- time remaining in game
- fractions of play
- team's statistics
b. Indoor track
- lengths of races
- runners' times
- weights of objects thrown
- lengths of objects thrown
c. Swimming
- lengths of pool or races
- swimmers' times
- scoring of points
- height of diving board
d. Board games
- dimensions of spaces on various playing boards (Chinese checkers, etc.)
- scoring of games
After students complete the activity sheet, they can pair up with a partner and compare their responses to each of the four pictures.
Next, students should (individually) pick one number (from one of the four pictures) and write a description of how that number is used. After students have written their descriptions, they may once again share them with a partner.
Bring the class back together. Ask students to identify each of the following types of numbers in the sports pictures:
- whole numbers
- decimals
- fractions
- percents
You may wish to record these examples on chart paper and post them around the classroom.
Note: If you prefer to print in black and white, you may access a printer-friendly version of the Sports Numbers activity sheet.
Sports Numbers Activity Sheet (B&W Version)
Time permitting, have students create their own picture depicting their favorite sport or hobby. You may wish to state that the picture must include at least one whole number, decimal, fraction, and percent. Display final projects on the classroom bulletin board, or for a digital approach, have students submit their work using an online drawing tool, such as AutoDraw.
Reference
Calvin Irons and Rosemary Irons. "IDEAS: Numbers and Language." The Arithmetic Teacher. January, 1993, 40, 5. p 264 - 77.