Math With Mrs. Moulton School Year

Mrs. Moulton Math… Telephone Number ext. 200 Homework Information Number ext

Project M 3 In 1980, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) made a bold statement, "The student most neglected in terms of realizing full potential, is the gifted student of mathematics." As test scores indicate, progress since that time has been slow or nonexistent in this area. Clearly our present system is failing. This is especially true for underrepresented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Project M 3 addresses this problem through a carefully designed research study that will examine mathematics achievement and attitude in students in grades 3-5.

Project M 3 Project M3, Mentoring Mathematical Minds, is a 5-year collaborative research effort of faculty at the University of Connecticut, Northern Kentucky University, and Boston University and teachers, administrators, and students in 10 schools of varying socioeconomic levels in Connecticut and Kentucky. A team of national experts in the fields of mathematics, mathematics education, and gifted education will create a total of 12 curriculum units of advanced mathematics accompanied by professional development.

Project M 3... Emphasizes mathematical discourse within the classroom Emphasizes problem solving and spirit of inquiry Differentiates among selected units for use with all students in years 4 and 5

M 3 Units of Study… Treasures From the Attic: Exploring Fractions In this unit, students are introduced to two children, Tori and Jordan, who uncover hidden treasures in their grandparents’ attic from a general store that their great grandparents used to own. These treasures lead to an interesting exploration of fraction concepts. The focus of the entire unit is on making sense of fractions rather than on learning algorithms to perform computations.

M 3 Units of Study… Funkytown Fun House: Focusing on Proportional Reasoning and Similarity In our unit, Funkytown Fun House: Focusing on Proportional Reasoning and Similarity, students are introduced to similarity and congruence. The foundational mathematics behind these concepts is proportional reasoning. Students explore ratio as a comparison of two quantities. Students also explore the relationship between congruence and similarity.

M 3 Units of Study… What Are Your Chances? In this unit, students begin their exploration of probability as a measurement of the likelihood of events. Students may have had some prior experience such as predicting which color tile would be drawn from a bag or which number would be rolled on a dice. This unit extends beyond the activities to mathematics behind the experiments.

M 3 Units of Study… Record Makers and Breakers: Using Algebra to Analyze Change In this unit, students learn about algebra as a set of concepts tied to the representation of relationships either by words, tables or graphs. They also learn about algebra as a style of mathematical thinking for formalizing patterns of change. They extend their notion of variable from a letter in an equation that represents a number to a more broad definition, that of a quantity that varies or changes.

Math in Context Books… Patterns and Symbols (algebra) Some of the Parts (fractions) Picturing Numbers (data analysis) Measure for Measure (metric system) Per Sense (percents) Take a Chance (probability)

Writing in Mathematics Deepens mathematical understanding, Allows for “time” to learn, Helps retain mathematical learning, Fosters meaningful connections between what students already know and new leaning Improves problem solving, Improves communication skills, Empowers students to view themselves as budding mathematicians, Helps assess student progress and thinking skills, Improve instruction

Math Facts… We work on accuracy and speed with the times tables Progress/growth is tracked using the Mad Minute Program Practice outside of the classroom is homework every night for every student

Homework… Homework is given almost every night Assignments are written in students’ assignment books Assignments are also posted on the homework information line A late homework slip will be given if homework is not completed on time

Homework continued.. Late homework notices will be stapled to assignment books and requires parent/guardian signatures When homework is not completed on time, X block will be used to complete homework and catch up

When students are absent we ask that… You check the homework information line for the homework assignment that was given Sign up for a classroom teacher during X block to get all missed assignments Get caught up as soon as you can

Most importantly… Students enjoy mathematics Have fun and feel safe in school

Information and Websites m3/index.htmlhttp:// m3/index.html

Questions…