As September arrived with the golden hues of early autumn, students from Grades 1 to 5 returned to campus filled with anticipation for the new school year. Alongside their school supplies and new goals, they also brought with them the fruits of a summer filled with mathematical exploration. From the distinctive perspectives they chose for their projects to the diverse ways in which they presented their ideas, and from carefully structured calculations to thoughtfully designed layouts, every detail reflected the students’ dedication and enthusiasm. Their summer mathematics projects provided a strong and purposeful beginning to the new academic year.

Across all grade levels, students transformed their summer mathematics assignments into works filled with color, shape, and story, revealing remarkable creativity and mathematical thinking. Teachers and students paused to admire the displays lining the hallways, while classrooms came alive as students excitedly introduced their work to their peers. Abstract formulas and mathematical concepts were transformed into vivid artistic creations and practical projects. Each piece represented a meaningful fusion of mathematical thinking, creativity, and individual talent.

Grade 2

At the start of the new semester, Grade 2 students brought back a unique and creative mathematics summer project — the "Money Around the World" poster exhibition. During the holiday, each student chose a country or region that sparked their curiosity, delved into the design and stories behind its currency, and presented their findings on beautifully crafted posters using both illustrations and written descriptions.

Wandering through the display felt like embarking on a miniature "world currency tour." From the British pound and the euro of France, to the Australian dollar, the Vietnamese dong, and the Philippine peso — the currency designs from different countries and regions each told their own story. The children carefully examined the intricate details on banknotes and coins, and went on to research the representative plants, animals, historical figures, and national symbols featured on them.

Beyond appreciating the beauty of currency design, the students also explored the monetary units and relative values of different nations. During the sharing session, they enthusiastically exchanged their discoveries: "500 Argentine pesos can only buy one piece of candy!" "One Australian dollar is about 4.5 yuan!" Through reading and discussion, abstract concepts of exchange rates became tangible, and mathematical knowledge came alive through real-world connections. Through this exchange, they not only broadened their knowledge and international perspectives but also gained confidence and friendship through mutual appreciation and encouragement.

Grade 3

Grade 3 students returned to campus with their creative summer math project assignments and held wonderful in-class presentations. Titled City Arrays, this hands on task moved beyond textbook exercises. Acting as junior urban planners, students integrated their knowledge of multiplication arrays into creating city maps.

For this special summer assignment, students used multiplication products to plan a complete city. Buildings including police stations, fire stations, banks, parks, grocery stores, restaurants and apartment buildings each corresponded to a given product value. Students designed matching row and column arrays and labeled multiplication number sentences. They also created streets, named buildings, and added colors and decorations to build logically sound, well laid out cities. Beyond the required buildings, students exercised their imagination by adding personalized features such as rivers and bridges.

Transforming abstract multiplication concepts into tangible, creative artwork, the City Arrays project helped students consolidate core math knowledge including multiplication operations and factor arrays. It also built their comprehensive skills in spatial planning, aesthetic design and written notation. Furthermore, group discussions and whole class presentations enhanced their abilities to express ideas and listen respectfully to peers.

Grade 4

For Grade 4 students, the summer mathematics projects focused on expanding their mathematical horizons and developing a deeper understanding of spatial geometry. Students explored two major themes. The first centered on influential mathematicians throughout history, while the second focused on visually recreating three-dimensional space through perspective drawing. For the mathematician research project, students consulted a range of sources and organized historical information to trace the lives, achievements, and contributions of important mathematical thinkers. Many projects were enriched with carefully hand-drawn portraits and visual representations of the historical periods in which these mathematicians lived. Together, these elements demonstrated students’ strong abilities in research, information synthesis, and communication.

Other students created striking perspective drawings with a strong sense of depth. By applying principles such as relative size, converging lines, and parallel lines, they combined the extension of lines with gradual changes in color to create layered scenes featuring streets, architectural spaces, and natural landscapes. These projects not only deepened students’ understanding of geometric space and perspective, but also demonstrated how rigorous mathematical methods can be integrated into visual art. Through this process, students developed both their aesthetic awareness and their practical, hands-on skills.

Grade 5

For Grade 5 students, the summer mathematics projects placed greater emphasis on independent inquiry and the comprehensive application of mathematical knowledge. Students were encouraged to select from a variety of project options and explore topics that genuinely interested them. Some students applied key concepts such as perimeter, area, and unit conversion to practical spatial design. They created carefully structured blueprints for their “ideal spaces,” using mathematics to plan and organize real-world environments. Others took their projects a step further by designing three-dimensional “show homes.” From accurately calculating the quantity of materials needed to arranging furniture according to realistic dimensions, students transformed mathematical formulas into concrete and meaningful living spaces.

The variety of Grade 5 projects was particularly striking. Some students stepped into the role of mathematics teachers and independently designed challenging mathematics logic puzzles. Others created interactive pop-up books, board games, or mathematics-themed vocabulary guides. Still others chose to write letters reflecting on their experiences of overcoming challenges during their mathematical explorations. Together, these diverse projects demonstrated not only students’ mastery of mathematical concepts, but also their ability to think independently, communicate their ideas, and approach mathematics with curiosity and confidence.

This summer’s assignments were designed not only to reinforce and extend students' foundational knowledge, but also to thoughtfully weave mathematical thinking into everyday experiences, artistic expression, and practical applications, providing students with an inspiring platform to unleash their creativity and express their individuality. From younger students making their first connections between mathematical symbols and everyday knowledge to older students engaging in deeper explorations of spatial concepts, logical modeling, and independent innovation, the Summer Mathematics Project Showcase captured the progressive journey of mathematical learning across Grades 1 to 5. More than a display of academic achievement, it represented a journey of cultivating rational thinking, nurturing curiosity, and unlocking students' creative potential. As the new school year begins, we look forward to seeing all our students embrace each new challenge with curiosity, confidence, and a continued spirit of exploration as they move forward and grow.

(Written by Yixin Yang, Yuanjing Zhang, Qian Li

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

Reviewed by Yi Zhang, Xumei Ge, Thea Chen, Lihui Zhang, Shiyu Wu, Grace Gilmore)