They will find examples of math problems along a route that they choose themselves-and they will create a book that presents both the trail and the problems they have created. And, of course, they must provide solutions for each problem in the book. Next, I put students into working groups. Each group must have a manager, a recorder, a photographer and other members, and each person must know his job. I tell the students that their book must have an introduction, a map of the community, and instructions as to exactly how to follow their trail.
Students take one or two periods to go out and determine the sites and problems of their trails.
They work out how they will divide up the work of putting their book together, and do so in the next two periods. One of the results that I want to achieve with this project is a sense of achievement among the students. I emphasize that they should be very proud of the final product before they turn it in to me. Whether they type it on the computer or handwritten it, I tell them it should look very good. Before they turn their books in to me, the groups present their results to their classmates.