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Mad Math for Middle School Students Book 3

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Book Description

Mad Math is a problem solving based set ofmath activities for primary students. The basic aim of the series is to cloakthe cognitive processes involved in problem solving in an attractive, enjoyableexterior.The activities are often fun ... mad even, but the basic underlyingprinciples are sound.Ordering these activities according todifficulty is extremely hard to do because student readiness for problem solvingrelies greatly upon their previous experiences and how the material is presentedin the classroom. Similarly, it is hard to classify these books according toyear level. Basically, Book 1 is framed for Primary (Grades 1 - 3), Book 2 forIntermediate (Grades 3 - 5), and Book 3 for Middle School students working atGrade 6 - 7 levels. These levels are not prescriptive, thus materials should beselected to suit the student, group or class.The aim of Mad Math is to develop problemsolving skills rather than other, more mechanical number skills. Any aid whichassists in getting the problem solved is to be encouraged as the process is muchmore worthwhile than the answer in this case.Calculators, blocks, counters, squaredpaper, pieces of paper to draw on, and indeed anything that helps the process ofproblem solving should be encouraged and made available.

To get the best out of Mad Math

Each Mad Math page has three parts to it:

1. The ProblemRead through the problem with thestudent, group, or class you are using it with.Whilst reading for meaning is a veryimportant skill major emphasis here is problem solving skills
not reading. So, ensure that all students understand and are fully aware of theproblem presented.Discuss the problem before progressing tothe questions, perhaps developing your own questions
before moving on.

2. The QuestionsEnsure that all the students understandthe question and its context before they tackle the
answer. The benefits flow from the process not the answer. In fact many studentswill have
difficulty in framing a form of attacking the problem. Discussing the questionshelps overcome this.

Independence will develop with experience.

3. Madness ... The ExtensionThe final task adds a further fundimension to those on the page. These activities may not be
totally math orientated but they lend an enjoyable end to a math session.The ‘Madness’ boxes are intended to beoptional.

AssessmentIn assessing these activities it isessential to consider more than just the answers."Did the student understand theproblem?" is probably the most important question to be asked andevaluated. Questions about computational accuracy are of secondary importance... but important nevertheless.Do not forget to evaluate your ownpresentation of the material ... using materials such as this as ‘busy work’may indeed cause more work than was intended.

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