Overview - HANDS-ON MATH PROJECTS
Product Type: Book
Authors: Gary Robert Muschla and Judith A. Muschla
Number of Pages: 324 pages
Reproducible: Yes
Reading Level: 6.0-12.0 level
Age Appropriate Level: Grades 6+
Copyright: 1996
This 324-page practical resource recognizes the increasing need for students
to master mathematical problems and skills in order to compete in today''s information-based
world economy. The book helps teachers create a classroom environment where
students are challenged to collaborate and share ideas, express their thoughts
in writing, use calculators and computers, and learn that mathematics is connected
to other disciplines. Using 60 “hands-on” math projects, this valuable
resource emphasizes “real-life” problems and solutions. The program
follows NCTM standards.
CONTENTS
Part I-Implementing Projects in the Math Class.
The first chapter provides an overview of how to incorporate math projects into
the class. Chapter 2 offers a variety of specific classroom management techniques
and suggestions. Chapter 3 shares several methods for evaluating the work that
students do on projects. Each of the chapters includes several lists for teachers.
The lists summarize information for various topics, making it easy to find the
needed information. For example, "The Teacher''s Role During Math Projects" outlines
the many tasks teachers may assume when students are engaged in project work.
Each chapter in Part I also includes several reproducibles for students, which
can be helpful in establishing the routines necessary for successful project
work.
Part II-The Projects.
This contains 60 projects divided into the following sections. Sample projects are listed.
Section I-Math and Science.
The Benefits of Recycling, Charting Your Calories, Designing a Flowerbed, Buying a Class Aquarium
Section 2-Math and Social Studies.
An Election Poll, Creating a Scale Map, Rating Consumer Products, Back to the Past
Section 3-Math and Language.
Great Debates, The Mathematics Publishing Company, A Mathematical Autobiography, Sharing the Math Word, Math Portfolios
Section 4-Math and Art and Music.
Making a Math Poster, Creating a Logo, The Plus and Minus Comic Strip, The Math in Music, Designing a Quilt Pattern
Section 5-Math and Sports and Recreation.
Comparing Sports Superstars, The Big Dance, Planning a Sundae Party, Going on Vacation
Section 6-Math and Life Skills.
Making a Budget, A Floor Plan of My Room, The Costs of Pets, Shopping by Mail, Buying a Car, Checks and Balances
SPECIAL FEATURES
The large, spiral-bound format allows for easy photocopying. The book also includes a Skills List, where teachers can cross-reference a particular skill to locate the corresponding projects. Examples include: Collecting or researching data, Drawing conclusions, Using statistics, Estimating, and Using measurements.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Gary Robert Muschla received his B.A. and M.A.T. from Trenton State College and has more than 21 years of experience as an elementary mathematics teacher. A member of the Authors Guild and the National Writers Association, he has conducted writing workshops for teachers and students.
Judith Muschla received her B.A. in Mathematics from Douglass College at Rutgers University. She also has more than 21 years experience teaching mathematics at the middle and high school level. She was the recipient of the 1990-91 Governor''s Teacher Recognition Program award in New Jersey.