Ideas

Abstract

The “IDEAS” section for this month focuses on connections between mathematics and exploration, from exploring a community to exploring space. The activities are designed to reflect and support the vision of the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards (NCTM 1989) and the Professional Teaching Standards (NCTM 1991). Although each “IDEAS” section this year focuses on mathematical connections, mathematics as communication, mathematics as reasoning, and problem solving, this issue highlights the following curriculum standards: Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense. Patterns and Relationships. Algebra, and Computation and Estimation. At each activity level, students analyze data presented on charts or maps while attempting to solve problems and draw conclusions. The reproducible sheet for the “IDEAS” section are designed to be used by multiple grade levels. Included are four classroom activities and an activity sheet that involves parents in the child's exploration. A teacher may want to reproduce and use several of the activities from this month's selection.