Presentation of Learning: Save the Wild Whale Water Park

For most kids, the chance to go to a water park would win over math homework any day. Thankfully, 5th grade iLEAD Exploration learner Judson Casolara didn’t have to make that choice. Instead he got to work on a multi-day learning project called “Save the Wild Whale Water Park,” which involved both water parks and math in an engaging, real-world way.

The project asks learners to imagine they’ve just been hired on an expert team to save an underperforming water park from bankruptcy. The project involves various math skills but focuses primarily on the multiplication and division of decimals.

Judson decided to take up this challenge and set out to complete the many tasks efficiently. First he calculated the daily and weekly costs to run all three sections of the water park: Sprinkler City, Wild Whale Wild Slides, and the Lazy River. Then he had to ensure the park was profitable by calculating how much the park needed to earn in ticket sales daily and weekly to not only cover the operating costs but make a healthy profit. Next, Judson created suggested half-day and full-day itineraries for his customers based on effective timing and location of the different activities. Finally, and the most fun for him, Judson designed his own original water slide as well as an advertisement promoting the new slide.

Even though Judson had not yet done much with decimals, this project effectively introduced the skill to him. As he worked through the project with some adult guidance, he learned to multiply and divide decimals with ease. Judson often prefers to make calculations in his head and so was challenged by having to show his work to convince his supervisor of the superiority of his plan. Overall, Judson enjoyed his wet and daring plunge into the world of decimals and water parks.

Save the Wild Whale Water Park