Proms, trips, and test days—here’s how to keep math going even when class time is chaotic.

Desmos Classroom Activities That Run Themselves

Desmos Activities are a great way for students to explore math concepts interactively. These activities are self-paced and allow you to check for understanding in real time, whether you're in the room or not.

• Exploring State & Local Tax Rates: Students analyze national data, compare it to their own state, and explore how different tax structures affect income groups.
• Explore More Desmos Classroom Activities »

Application Problems That Fit Any Time

These tiered, real-world challenges are perfect for review days, sub plans, or when you need a solid lesson without much setup.

• Application: Analyze Investments for Exponential Change: Students model investment growth, compare different options, and even use spreadsheets in the most advanced tier.
• Explore More Math Activities »

Participate in Finance in 40

Finance in 40 is an initiative designed to help students explore financial literacy skills in a standard 40-minute class period during Financial Literacy Month. Choose a lesson from a curated list, deliver your chosen lesson by April 30, and be entered to win $500 in Donors Choose credit!

• Register for Finance in 40

Arcade Games and Quick Projects That Deliver Math Practice

If your students are itching for something different, check out NGPF Arcade games or try a short-term project. These activities offer real math practice in a format that feels fun and fresh.

• PROJECT: Plan a Spring Break Trip: Students work in a group to plan a spring break college vacation, complete a budget and slideshow, and present their vacation in competition with the other groups in the class for best trip.
• Play STAX and Graph Your Portfolio: After the game, students calculate returns and discuss investment growth.
• Explore the Arcade »

Professional Development That Works for You

Looking to brush up on your content knowledge? Our top picks for math educators:

• Beginner Series: Diving into NGPF’s Math Resources
• Practical Tips for Implementing Financial Algebra
• Explore More On-Demand PD »

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson

Kathryn (she/her) is excited to join the NGPF team after 9 years of experience in education as a mentor, tutor, and special education teacher. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in policy analysis and management and has a master's degree in education from Brooklyn College. Kathryn is looking forward to bringing her passion for accessibility and educational justice into curriculum design at NGPF. During her free time, Kathryn loves embarking on cooking projects, walking around her Seattle neighborhood with her dog, or lounging in a hammock with a book.

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