Connected Math Program Teaching and Learning Through Problem Solving

Agenda What is Connected Math ? How are the lessons organized? Background and History A Model Lesson Examples of Assessments How can you support your child at home?

What is CMP2? Problem-centered math curriculum Instruction focused on Inquiry and Investigation Focused on the Mathematical Strands to prepare students for the PSSA Aligned with the Pennsylvania State Standards

What is CMP2? A curriculum that is coherent Encourages the use of technology Research based- It works!

Lesson Organization Each lesson has three sections:  Launch - review old concepts and introduce new concepts  Explore - students work in groups to develop strategies, work through problems and share ideas  Summarize - students collect data, analyze data, discuss and refine strategies and apply skills for understanding

6 th Grade Level Contents Factors and Multiples Rational Numbers 2 Dimensional Geometry Fraction Operations 2-Dimentional Measurement Computing with Decimals and Percents Probability Statistics

7 th Grade Level Contents Introduction to Algebra Similarity Ratio, Proportion, and Percent Positive and Negative Numbers Linear Relationships 3-Dimentional Measurement Probability and Expected Value Variability and Comparing Groups

8 th Grade Level Contents Linear And Inverse Variation Pythagorean Theorem Exponential Relationships Quadratic Relationships Symmetry and Transformation Making Sense of Symbols Linear Systems and Inequalities Data and Statistics

Launch: Introduction to ‘The Product Game’ Lesson Goals: Students will be able to: 1.Distinguish factors from products 2.Distinguish factors from multiples 3.Use rules of multiplication to win the game

Explore: ‘The Product Game’ Game Rules Player ‘A’ places a paperclip on one of the 9 factors on the game sheet Player ‘B’ places a paperclip on another factor on the game sheet Player ‘B’ finds the product of the 2 factors and puts an ‘X’ over that product Player ‘A’ moves one of the paperclips to form a new product, looks for it on the game sheet and places an ‘O’ over that product Each player keeps moving a paperclip to get products until one player has 4 products in a row or diagonally. That player wins the game!

Summarize What strategies did you use to win? Did you notice any patterns? Does it matter who goes first? What is the best number to start with?

Examples of Assessments Informal  Homework  Student Notebooks  Journal responses  Class participation

Examples of Assessments Formal Check-ups Partner Quizzes Unit Tests Unit Projects Self assessments and notebook checks

How can parents help? Helping your child succeed handout Getting Started Working on the problem Reflecting on a solution Clarifying and extending thinking