Brain-Compatible Activities for Mathematics, Grades 4-5

DR. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of more than twenty books that suggest ways educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the preK-12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than two hundred thousand educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Dr. Sousa has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts, a master of arts in teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science and served as a K-12 director of science, supervisor of instruction, and district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He was an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University for ten years and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University. Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France) and served for five years as a foreign service officer and science advisor at the US diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria). Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on professional development, science education, and educational research. His most popular books for educators include How the Brain Learns, now in its sixth edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read, second edition; How the Brain Influences Behavior; How the ELL Brain Learns; Differentiation and the Brain, second edition (with Carol Tomlinson); and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, second edition, which was selected by the Independent Book Publishers Association as one of the best professional development books. The Leadership Brain suggests ways for educators to lead today's schools more effectively. Dr. Sousa's books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Russian, and several other languages. His book Brainwork: The Neuroscience Behind How We Lead Others is written for business and organizational leaders. Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council (now called Learning Forward). He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Bridgewater State University and an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Gratz College in Philadelphia. Dr. Sousa has been interviewed on the NBC Today show, by other television programs, and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Introduction Links to Focal Points and Standards About the Author 1. Multiplication and Division The Mystery of the Mixed-Up Party Lists Meet the Fact Family Guess-timate Estimates Point and Play 200 Catch Game Blocks of Division Words of Division Divisibility Dash Scuba Division Show the Order 2. Fractions and Decimals Fraction Friends Fun With Fractions Decimal Days Put the Dot on the Spot Dollars and Sense A Portrait of Parts Grocery Bill Math Party Planners Fraction Cooking Calling All Construction Workers 3. Geometry and Measurement Detective Angle Tricky Triangles Silly Symmetry Trouble at the Tangram Zoo Magic Carpets for Sale Geo Puppet A Hole in the Roof From Farm to Factory Wrapping Up Math 4. Algebra Simply, Simplify Weigh to Go! What's the Score? Sunken Treasure 5. Data Analysis Terrific T's Our Favorite Things Book Bonanza Too Many Ants! Survey Study Fast Food Comparisons Parachute Drop Plot the Treasure Animal Olympics Journal Page Answer Key Resources

"A perfect resource for the standards-based mathematics classroom. Each lesson is simply designed by rich in mathematical content. The real-world connection and use of manipulatives, games, and even items from home will hook the 21st-century learner. As a teacher, I spend a considerable amount of time searching for appropriate lesson ideas. No more! This collection of lessons-across all math standards-provides me with enough resources to enhance my current teaching." -- Rachel Hull, Fifth-Grade Teacher "A very well-organized resource that will enrich any math curriculum with practical, easy-to-follow activities designed with a variety of learners in mind. I was delighted to see so many 'out of your seat' activities to keep students engaged. The best part is that the author has included quick formative assessments within each activity to check for understanding and gain perspective on each child's math ability at that moment. This is a valuable resource for developing critical thinking skills for our 21st-century learners." -- Jennifer Harper, Fourth-Grade Teacher