Math

There was a time when the ability to merely make quick and precise mathematical calculations was of paramount importance. But as Daniel Pink points out in his book A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future, a more advanced conceptual understanding of problems will be required to best serve the social and economic needs of our society. For example, it is one thing when a student can summon a mnemonic device to expand a product such as (a + b)(x + y) and quite another when a student can explain where the mnemonic comes from.

The math curriculum at The Bridge Way School combines the processes set forth in the Common Core State Curriculum Initiative and the content areas to be covered as listed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in order to best create instructional goals for math proficiency in our students according to what is needed in 21st century thinkers.


The processes highlighted in our math curriculum are as follows:

  • Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

  • Reason abstractly and quantitatively

  • Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

  • Model with mathematics

  • Use appropriate tools strategically

  • Attend to precision

  • Look for and make use of structure

  • Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

The NCTM lists the following areas core content areas within the study of mathematics:

Number Properties and Operations

There are four basic properties of real numbers: commutative, associative, distributive and identity. These properties only apply to the operations of addition and multiplication. This enables students to understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems. By understanding meanings of operations and how they relate to one another, they are able to compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.


Measurement

Measurement is important because it helps us to quantify the world around us. An understanding of the processes of measurement, the concept of a unit, and a familiarity with the tools and common units of measurement, are all critical for students to develop an understanding of the world around them.


Geometry

Studying geometry provides many foundational skills and helps to build the thinking skills of logic, deductive reasoning, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving. At a basic level, geometry is important to learn because it creates a foundation for more advanced mathematical learning. It helps us in deciding what materials to use, what design to make and also plays a vital role in the construction process itself. Geometrical tools like the protractor, ruler, measuring tape, and much more are used in construction work, astronomy, for measurements, drawing etc.


Data Analysis and Probability

This study enables students to formulate questions that can be addressed with data and collect, organize, and display relevant data to answer them. It allows us to select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data, develop and evaluate inferences and predictions that are based on data, and understand and apply basic concepts of probability.


Algebraic Thinking

Algebraic Thinking is the ability to generalize, represent, justify, and reason with abstract mathematical structures and relationships. It is important for developing a deep understanding of arithmetic and helps students make connections between many components of their early math studies.