Making Math Matter: How LBMS Students Are Learning Real-World Skills Through Innovative New Course

What happens when you give students two math periods a day, but replace worksheets with

cornhole games, carnival planning, and lessons in taxes and credit? You get a course that’s not

just teaching math, it’s changing how students feel about it.

This year, Lake Bluff Middle School introduced a brand-new course: Math Practical Applications.

Designed for seventh graders as part of the district’s updated daily schedule, the course allows

students to explore real-world math through engaging, project-based learning. It’s one of several

new programs Lake Bluff District 65 is investing in to strengthen student readiness for high

school and beyond.

The course originated when the school shortened its math period due to schedule adjustments.

“We didn’t want students to lose math time,” said teacher Heather Komac. “So we got creative.”

The solution? Give seventh graders two math blocks: one traditional and one exploratory.

But instead of repeating content, Komac used this new class to focus on probability, statistics,

geometry applications, and financial literacy. “This is the fun stuff,” she said. “It’s real math with

real-world meaning.”

And the students agree.

“We’re learning how to do things like taxes and budgets,” said Ben, a student in the class.

“These are things we’ll actually need in life.”

That real-world application is central to the course. One project this fall involved designing

carnival games for the town’s annual Pumpkin Bash. Students had to calculate theoretical and

experimental probabilities, factor in fairness and fun, and consider psychology and profit

margins, all while designing hands-on activities.

“It’s math, but it’s also psychology, teamwork, and entrepreneurship,” said Lily. “There’s a lot

more to these games than you’d think.”

The classroom buzzed with excitement as students described tossing beanbags, analyzing card

decks, and constructing spinners, all while working in rotating teams. “We learn how to

collaborate,” said Penny. “Sometimes you’re randomly assigned a group, just like in real life.”

Brooks added that the hands-on activities make abstract concepts much more memorable. “We

played card games like WAR and talked about the chance of pulling different cards. It’s fun, but

it also helps you really understand how probability works.”

That connection to real life is no accident. Komac calls her students “unpaid interns” and

weaves soft skills like job readiness, communication, and decision-making into every unit. “This

class helps prepare us for actual life,” said Josie. “Not just school tests.”

From analyzing game odds to budgeting in a “money unit,” students say they feel more

confident, not only in math but in themselves. “I wasn’t confident in math before,” said Caspar.

“But Mrs. Komac has made it fun and interactive, and now I actually like it.”

As Lake Bluff District 65 continues to implement its Route 65 strategic plan and build toward its

Portrait of a Learner vision, courses like this reflect what the community values: critical thinking,

collaboration, and preparing students for success, however they define it.

“Our students are thriving because they’re engaged,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali. “This

course is one more example of how we’re investing in innovative, meaningful learning.”

For the students in Math Practical Applications, the results extend beyond the numbers.

“It’s the best class,” said Penny. “It makes you want to learn.”