Project-based learning has become a familiar part of our experience at The Dewey Schools. Recently, our 6th-grade math project “Perspective on Natural Numbers” gave us the unique opportunity to transform into “financial experts” as we embarked on startup businesses, offering various products over two weeks.
After days of dynamic business activities, the project’s final day – the moment we had been eagerly awaiting – arrived. Following an intense and competitive round of presentations and debates, the top eight teams were selected to present their results at the final summary event. Not only did these teams showcase the mathematical knowledge they gained from their startup ventures, but they also confidently presented their creative business strategies. Their smart, strategic approaches to profit calculation and cost optimization impressed the panel of judges.
Hoang Ha My, team leader of Avig Outlet, excitedly shared: “Through this project, we not only practiced basic arithmetic but also gained a deeper understanding of revenue, costs, and profits. These lessons were learned through real-life experiences rather than just from textbooks.”
One of the most impressive presentations came from the YBS team. Their unique business strategy, “Shopping with Mom,” involved predicting customer needs, leading to sales of over 5 million VND in just a few days.
By the end of the project, our 6th-grade cohort had collectively earned more than 32 million VND. All of this money will be donated to a charitable fund, helping support those affected by Typhoon Yagi. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts not only benefited our learning but also created a positive impact in the community.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Duong Hong Phuc, Academic Director of the Secondary and High School Vietnamese Program, praised our efforts and emphasized that this math project exemplifies the school’s approach to differentiated instruction and experiential education. It allowed us to maximize our strengths while retaining knowledge effectively, applying it easily to real-life situations. Financial expert Mr. Le Huy, a parent representative and member of the judging panel, also shared that developing financial knowledge and thinking from an early age equips us with essential skills for the future, especially in the business world.
The “Perspective on Natural Numbers” math project has made us appreciate math even more. Stay tuned for more exciting projects from us this school year!
