Standards Alignment
"Math in the Workplace" problems are aligned with both the National Standards for School Mathematics (http://standards.nctm.org) and the Idaho State Mathematics Achievement Standards (www.idahoachieves.com).
National Standards for School Mathematics
Alignment with the National Standards for School Mathematics is designated by the title under which the problem is categorized: Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, Data Analysis and Probability. That is, problems that exemplify the standard Numbers and Operations are listed within that grouping. Some problems align with more than one standard. Grade levels are not differentiated. The standards Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Connections and Representation are not specifically addressed but are woven into the problems or are specific to the pedagogy employed rather than the content provided.
Problem Solving.All the problems provided align with the Problem Solving Standard. These problems provide students the opportunity to formulate, grapple with, and solve complex problems from the world of work. Through exposure to real mathematical challenges people confront in their day-to-day lives, students see the complexity and the application of skills in a far richer and more varied milieu than can be accomplished by a traditional textbook. Students will examine situations in which they need to select from data provided to formulate solutions. They will need to develop equations themselves. They will need to determine which strategies to use, or adapt, or even invent!
Reasoning and Proof. The problems provide students opportunities to practice algebraic and geometric reasoning, proportional reasoning, and probabilistic reasoning as they justify the results of their mathematical conjectures.
Connections. Because the problems are taken from life, discrete skills are not practiced in isolation, but rather are intertwined, reflecting the way mathematical activity really connects to life. Viewing mathematical operations in different contexts can help students develop an appreciation for the abstraction of mathematics. The problems provide opportunities for students to use mathematics to explain complex applications in the world outside of the classroom. Students will quickly realize the interrelatedness of solving math challenges with solving work place challenges.
Idaho State Mathematics Achievement Standards
To locate the problem alignment with Idaho State Mathematics Achievement Standards, consult the separate index for each standard, available by clicking on the category icons on each page. Grade levels, topics, and reference numbers are provided for each problem. Click on the logo to link to the Idaho Standards for Excellence.
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