So, I decided to try my hand at rewriting the Standards for Mathematical Practice into student-friendly language.
Here’s the fourth installment…
Math Tip #4: Look Beneath the Surface.
- Notice the math behind everyday life.
- Examine a complex situation. Ignore the parts that aren’t relevant.
- Pay attention to the big picture, but don’t lose track of the details.
- Make assumptions that simplify the problem.
- Express the essential truth using numbers, shapes, or equations.
- Test how well your model reflects the real world.
- Draw conclusions. Explain how your solution relates to the original situation.
Download the poster, if you like:
What do you think? Would this resonate with your students?
What changes do you suggest?
You can find the whole SMP series (eventually) under the tag: Posters.
Want the Whole Set?
I had so much fun making these posters that I decided to put them into a printable activity guide. It includes the full-color poster shown above and a text-only version, with both also in black-and-white if you need to conserve printer ink.
I hope it helps inspire your students to deeper mathematical thinking.
Here’s the product description…
Join the Math Rebellion: Creative Problem-Solving Tips for Adventurous Students
Take your stand against boring, routine homework.
Fight for truth, justice, and the unexpected answer.
Join the Math Rebellion will show you how to turn any math worksheet into a celebration of intellectual freedom and creative problem-solving.
This 42-page printable activity guide features a series of Math Tips Posters (in color or ink-saving black-and-white) that transform the Standards for Mathematical Practice to resonate with upper-elementary and older students.
Available with 8 1/2 x 11 (letter size) or A4 pages.
Denise Gaskins' Let's Play Math 