This work seeks to contribute to the national dialogue regarding best practices in teaching middle school mathematics. The authors are committed to improving mathematics achievement and opportunities for students whose inherited circumstances place them at a perceptible disadvantage. Most refer to said students as "risks." We hold the position that these students, irrespective of their backgrounds, possess Hidden or Unmet Potential and the unveiling of their potential can be accelerated when they are exposed to high-quality mathematics teaching. This book is a practitioner's guide to creative mathematics activities centered on algebraic, proportional, and geometric reasoning aligned with mathematics standards. This approach has the potential to accelerate the mathematical confidence and accentuate the mathematical proficiencies of students.
Preface: The Louisiana Mathematics Master's in the Middle Project Section I: Positioning Mathematics Teachers for Instructional Success Chapter 1: A Practical Framework for Strengthening Mathematics Teaching Practice Chapter 2: Teaching Master Teachers the Mathematics They Need: Perspectives from a Mathematician Chapter 3: Planning for Engaging Instruction Section II: Strengthening Proportional Reasoning Chapter 4: Shrinky Dinks (R): A Lesson on Scale Drawings Chapter 5: Super-Size It Chapter 6: Trail Mix Portions: Right Sized Section III: Strengthening Algebraic Reasoning Chapter 7: The Sky's the Limit Chapter 8: Meaningful Modeling of Mathematics Using Monopoly Chapter 9: The Great Systems Caper Section IV: Strengthening Geometric Reasoning Chapter 10: Building a Superhero Boat Chapter 11: Pinball Geometry Chapter 12: The Geometry City Project Section V: Appendices Appendix A: Shrinky Dinks: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix B: Super-Size It: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix C: Trail Mix Proportions: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix D: The Sky's the Limit: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix E: Meaningful Modeling of Mathematics Using Monopoly: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix F: The Great Systems Caper: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix G: Building a Superhero Boat: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix H: Pinball Geometry: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets Appendix I: The Geometry City Project: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets
