Growing Problem Solvers provides four original, related, classroom-ready mathematical tasks, one for each grade band. Together, these tasks illustrate the trajectory of learners’ growth as problem solvers across their years of school mathematics.
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GPS: Teaching Shapes Inclusively
Samuel Otten, Tiffany J. LaCroix, Faustina Baah, and Rebekah Hanak
GPS: Triangle Explorations and Constructions Using Robots
Hyejin Park, Tuğba Boz, Amanda Sawyer, and James C. Willingham
Growing Problem Solvers provides four original, related, classroom-ready mathematical tasks, one for each grade band. Together, these tasks illustrate the trajectory of learners’ growth as problem solvers across their years of school mathematics.
Puddle Play!
Deanna Pecaski McLennan
Mathematical Explorations: Find the Distance: No Formula Necessary
classroom-ready activities
Ryota Matsuura and Yu Yan Xu
This activity involves finding the distance between two points in a coordinate plane and emphasizes reasoning from repeated calculations, which is one of the mathematical practices specified by the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
If Only Clairaut Had Dynamic Geometry Tools
Hyewon Chang and Barbara J. Reys
Using Clairaut's historic-dynamic approach and dynamic geometry tools in middle school can develop students' conceptual understanding before they encounter formal proof in geometry.
Bird Boxes Build Content Area Knowledge
Sherri Ann Cianca
Communicating reasoning and constructing models fold nicely into a geometry activity involving the building of nesting boxes.
Capturing Thinking on the Talk Frame
Tutita M. Casa
This instructional tool helps students engage in discussions that foster student reasoning, then settle on correct mathematics.
Using Tiered Explorations to Promote Reasoning
Cory A. Bennett
Address the needs of diverse learners with a class structure that is designed around a crime scene theme and based on student choice and perceptions of the math being studied.
Pattern-block frenzy
Katie L. Anderson
Teachers share success stories and ideas that stimulate thinking about the effective use of technology in K–grade 6 classrooms. This article describes a set of lessons where sixth graders use virtual pattern blocks to develop proportional reasoning. Students' work with the virtual manipulatives reveals a variety of creative solutions and promotes active engagement. The author suggests that technology is most effective when coupled with worthwhile mathematical tasks and rich classroom discussions.
Informing Practice: Examples as Tools for Constructing Justifications
research matters for teachers
Kristen N. Bieda and Jerilynn Lepak
Research explores how to help students build from, instead of building with, examples when justifying mathematical ideas.