Grade 6 Performance Task: GCF & LCM — Synchronized Traffic Lights

Grade 6 Performance Task: GCF & LCM — Synchronized Traffic Lights Math Project MYP Year 1 Mathematics • Criteria C & D • Real-World Math Application

Bring math to life with this engaging Grade 6 Performance Task where students apply Greatest Common Factor (GCF) and Least Common Multiple (LCM) concepts to design synchronized traffic light patterns for a city grid! This highly visual, real-world math investigation combines problem-solving, engineering, number theory, collaboration, and mathematical communication into one complete performance-based learning experience.

Perfect for:
- MYP Year 1 Mathematics
- IB MYP Math
- Grade 6 Math
- Number Theory Units
- GCF & LCM Review
- STEM + Math Integration
- Performance Tasks
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- Math Centers
- Extension & Enrichment
- Real-World Math Applications

Students become “traffic engineers” as they:
✔ Design a city grid
✔ Assign traffic light cycle times
✔ Find GCFs and LCMs
✔ Build synchronized timing charts
✔ Analyze traffic efficiency
✔ Apply mathematics to a real engineering problem

What’s Included
✅ Student Research & Overview Worksheet
✅ Group Activity Directions Page
✅ Online Resources & Reflection Page
✅ Student Planning / Work Page
✅ Mini Anchor Chart: Finding GCF & LCM
✅ MYP Year 1 Mathematics Rubric — Criteria C & D
✅ Teacher Direction / Facilitation Page
✅ Printable Color + Ink-Friendly Versions

Skills & Concepts Covered
- Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
- Least Common Multiple (LCM)
- Factors & Multiples
- Prime Factorization
- Factor Trees
- Mathematical Communication
- Real-World Problem Solving
- Mathematical Modeling
- Traffic Engineering Concepts
- Data Organization
- Collaboration & Discussion
- Critical Thinking

Why Teachers Love This Resource
⭐ Strong real-world math connection
⭐ Highly engaging STEM theme
⭐ Easy-to-follow project structure
⭐ Works for group work or independent learning
⭐ Supports inquiry and mathematical discussion
⭐ Includes both color and black-and-white versions
⭐ Excellent for MYP performance assessment
⭐ Visually engaging and classroom-ready
⭐ Encourages higher-order thinking and application

MYP Connections
Criterion C — Communicating
Students explain mathematical thinking using correct mathematical language, calculations, diagrams, charts, and organized reasoning.
Criterion D — Applying Mathematics in Real-Life Contexts
Students apply GCF and LCM concepts to solve an authentic engineering-based problem involving synchronized traffic systems.

Make number theory meaningful with this exciting traffic engineering math performance task that helps students see how GCF and LCM are used in the real world every day!