Our classroom will use a curriculum called Math Trailblazers: A Mathematical Journey Using Science and Language Arts. It is based on a simple philosophy: the scientific investigation of everyday situations is an ideal setting for learning mathematics and all students deserve a rich and challenging curriculum.
Throughout this year, we will create a mathematics classroom where students work together on challenging tasks and discuss ideas with their peers, teacher, and family. At times, I will ask you to participate by sending small items to school, playing a math game, or helping with homework assignments.
We begin the year by taking samples of populations. These samples will help us make predictions about the population. Throughout this investigation, your child will collect and organize data and make and interpret bar graphs. Other activities involve writing and understanding number sentences, estimating, practicing basic addition and subtraction facts, and learning to work cooperatively and productively with classmates.
You can help by providing additional mathematics opportunities at home.
• Invite your child to look for graphs in printed material such as newspapers, magazines, and books. Discuss the graphs with your child. You might ask questions like: What information does the graph show? Does anything surprise you about the graph? What else would you like to know based on what you see?
• Encourage your child to talk about the Kind of Bean lab. Ask what your child was investigating, how he or she went about it, and what your child found out.
• Point out instances where people have made predictions based upon sample data such as public opinion polls or scientific studies.
