Math is a broad topic area that includes many strands, or types, of math. Statistics is one of those strands. In middle school, students are introduced to many of the topics that will drive them crazy in high school, such as algebra and geometry. They also must learn to use all the skills they learned in elementary school to solve real-world problems.
Instructions
Middle School Math
1. Know the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. Make sure that as you teach each topic, you have the students
*design and analyze multiple representations to learn, make connections among and communicate about mathematical ideas.
*learn and apply logical reasoning to support procedures and solutions.
*use mathematics to solve real-world problems.
2. Teach and make connections between all strands of mathematics:
*algebra (solving equations)
*geometry and measurement
*data analysis (formerly statistics)
*number and operations (such as exponents and scientific notation)
3. Use an NCTM-approved curriculum. School districts and tutoring centers usually provide one, but if you are not given one, you can try "Connected Mathematics" by Dale Seymour or "Mathematics in Context" by the Educational Corporation.
4. Focus on the real world. Middle school students are so distracted by their newfound independence and their changing bodies that you must engage them through relating to their lives. Make geometry relevant by having them plan an addition to their homes or make shelves for their rooms; have them do data analysis on sports stats or correlate movie star salaries to appearances in the newspaper. Have them use number operations and algebra to figure out the taxes on lottery winnings or savings accounts.
Tags: data analysis, make connections, Middle School Math, number operations, real-world problems, School Math