Welcome to Bridging/Middle Math and Science! This year, we're learning to become scientists and mathematicians as we seek to better understand the world around us.
Math and science are all around us, and anyone can learn math and science to high levels.
Resources for Students & Families
Math practice: Check out the NRICH website for open-ended math challenges on a variety of topics, for a variety of ages. YouCubed also has a variety of math challenges that can be solved in many different ways. When working on math challenges, try to see how many ways you can solve a problem. If there are multiple solutions for a challenge, see how many solutions you can find. Often in math, there is no one right answer, and there is usually no one right way to solve a problem. A great way to practice fractions (and ratios, division, multiplication, etc.) is through cooking and baking (that's how I learned fractions!). Having kids measure ingredients, double or halve recipes, etc. brings fractions to life.
Math apps for skill-building: Refraction is wonderful for practicing fractions. Motion Math has games for practicing number sense, fractions, etc. This game isn't free, but they offer a free trial. Dragon Box has math apps for all ages and from topics ranging from basic number sense to algebra. Mathbreakers is a 3-D virtual math game that helps with addition, subtraction, and fractions.
Math Games: Many family-friendly games use math. I particularly love Mancala, Other math teachers recommend Muggins and Wuzzit Trouble. Many card and dice games, like Rummy 500 or Knock Out, help kids practice basic math skills.
Supporting mathematical mindsets: Recent research suggests that students who believe that anyone can learn math do significantly better in math. Encourage positive mathematical mindsets by showing your child that math is all around us, and let them know that math is more than simply memorizing facts and equations. Math is all about solving problems, thinking critically, and trying to better understand the world around us. Want to learn more about math mindsets? Check out this article from The Atlantic or this KQED article, or read all about mindsets with Jo Boaler's book Mathematical Mindsets (I'm more than happy to lend my copy!).