At the beginning of the new year, students from Grades 1 to 5 at Shanghai High School International Division returned to campus with thoughtfully completed mathematics projects. During the holiday, mathematics was no longer confined to abstract symbols or routine exercises. Instead, it became a bridge between knowledge and life, logic and creativity. Each project not only consolidated and extended prior learning, but also stood as a vivid testament to students’ ability to apply mathematics in authentic contexts while demonstrating growth and insight.

Grade 1

First graders brought math into their daily lives and embarked on a data exploration journey of New Year traditions. From their innocent perspective, they approached their families, neighbors, and elders to conduct a fun statistical survey on customs such as the New Year's Eve reunion dinner, red envelopes, setting off firecrackers, and watching the Spring Festival Gala. During their visits, the students turned the statistical knowledge they learned in the classroom into exploration. They collected data, carefully counted responses, and used the charts they had studied to illustrate the popularity of each tradition, transforming abstract numbers into vivid stories. After the survey, they created unique and creative posters based on their statistical findings. Vivid colors flowed across the paper intertwined with clear statistical charts—forming a mathematical tribute to the New Year.

This math exploration journey, full of festive spirit, not only allowed the students to develop data collection and presentation skills in real-life contexts, but also planted in their hearts a love for traditional culture, bringing ancient customs to life through the eyes of a new generation.

Grade 2

This winter vacation, second graders discovered a new role through their holiday assignment — time planners. Using colorful pencils, they recorded their daily holiday routines and learned how to arrange their time wisely through a fun, hands-on activity.

The students first thought back to a typical day during their vacation: waking up to the morning sunshine, playing happily with friends in the afternoon, and drifting off to sleep at night while listening to a story. With bright colors in hand, they drew different moments of their day on a clock face. What began as a simple clock soon turned into a lively and colorful piece of art. Every stroke of color and every little drawing carried a special memory from their own holiday. The imaginative touches made each clock even more vivid and unique. After finishing their drawings, the students also reflected on an important question: “Did I use my time wisely today?” Through this process, they began to think about their daily routines and learned how to plan their time more thoughtfully. This enjoyable winter vacation assignment allowed students to experience the joy of drawing while also helping them develop their time-management skills.

Grade 3

The winter vacation math projects from third-grade students have been unveiled, and the creative works are truly eye-catching. This holiday assignment adopted a "choose one of two" model, allowing students to freely select based on their interests.

Some students chose the "Weather Forecaster" project. They recorded the daily high and low temperatures in their city for ten consecutive days, drawing clear line graphs on A3 paper using red and blue pens, and attempted to predict the temperature range for the same period next year. The charts are neat and beautiful, with detailed data records, making the students look like real "little meteorologists." Other students took on the "Math Monopoly" challenge. They became game designers, hand-making a Monopoly board containing 40 instruction squares. From designing their own currency and establishing rules involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to playing the game with their parents and recording videos, students experienced the joy of math through gameplay. Many projects not only feature clear rules and fun mechanics but are also exquisitely decorated.

These outstanding holiday projects showcase the ingenuity and ability of third-grade students to apply mathematical knowledge to real life. Let's give a thumbs-up to the students for their creativity and effort!

Grade 4

The Grade 4 assignments skillfully integrated mathematics into real-life situations. While revisiting key concepts such as multiplication, factors, and multiples, students also took on the role of “family travel planners,” designing a five-day holiday itinerary for their families. This task required students to consider multiple factors. They applied mathematical reasoning to calculate expenses for transportation, accommodation, meals, and tickets, while also evaluating alternatives to make optimal decisions. Some students successfully reduced travel costs by comparing combinations of child and family ticket options, while others carefully mapped daily routes based on distances and opening hours to maximize the overall experience.

Through this process, mathematics emerged not as abstract computation, but as a practical tool for solving real-world problems. Students experienced its relevance firsthand, while also developing independence, critical thinking, and a level of precision and thoroughness beyond their years.

Grade 5

For Grade 5 students, the winter assignment provided an open-ended platform: the “Dream Amusement Park” project. Approaching the task from both designer and visitor perspectives, students integrated knowledge of probability, data analysis, and graphical representation into the planning of park operations. The project began with the creation of a distinctive logo that combined artistic creativity with mathematical structure. Students then moved on to more complex challenges: analyzing data to estimate waiting times for attractions and proposing improvements; using charts to present ticket sales, visitor demographics, and probabilities of game outcomes to enhance visitor satisfaction; and examining weather patterns by constructing graphs and evaluating how changing conditions might affect visitor flow, thereby informing operational strategies.

These interconnected tasks demanded not only strong mathematical foundations but also systematic thinking and creative expression. The resulting projects—well-structured, data-rich, and thoughtfully designed—clearly demonstrated students’ ability to transform knowledge into solutions for complex, real-world problems.

By embedding mathematics within contexts such as human-centered planning and business simulation, these projects deepened students’ understanding of the subject while fostering interdisciplinary learning. Each piece of work reflects sustained curiosity, creativity, and engagement. More importantly, students carried their enthusiasm for learning through the holiday, gaining both confidence and a deeper appreciation of mathematics. This growing understanding and passion will continue to guide them as they explore new challenges ahead, equipping them with the mindset and skills needed for future learning and discovery.

(Written by Teng Chen, Yu Lin, Jiahui Wen, Yuanjing Zhang

Pictures by Siying Li, G1-G3 Homeroom Teachers, G4-G5 Math Department

Reviewed by Ms. Zhang Yi, Xumei Ge, Yun Wang, Thea Chen, Lihui Zhang, Xing Ye, Shiyu Wu)