Practical Mathematical Adventures: Beyond the Numbers
Tailored for late elementary to middle school students, this class combines foundational math concepts with real-world applications and interactive learning strategies. Our inclusive approach accommodates all learning styles and needs.
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Homework in the Practical Mathematical Adventures: Beyond the Numbers Course is designed to reinforce classroom learning, encourage real-world application, and foster a love for mathematics. It aims to be flexible, meaningful, and supportive of each student's learning journey. Homework assignments will be diverse to cater to the varied learning styles and goals of the course. They will include: Practice Problems: To reinforce concepts taught in class, ranging from basic arithmetic to more complex algebraic expressions. Real-World Applications: Assignments that encourage students to apply mathematical concepts to solve real-life problems, enhancing their understanding and interest in mathematics. Project-Based Assignments: Occasionally, students will engage in longer-term projects that integrate various mathematical concepts, promoting deep learning and creativity. Reflections and Research: Short written assignments or research projects on historical mathematical figures or milestones to deepen appreciation for the subject's evolution and relevance. Frequency of Assignments: Homework will be assigned weekly to ensure a consistent practice schedule without overwhelming students. Special projects or research assignments may have extended deadlines. Checking for Correctness: Instructor Review: Key assignments and projects will be reviewed by the instructor for correctness, understanding, and creativity. Detailed feedback will be provided to guide learning and improvement. Requirement and Adaptability: Core Assignments: Certain assignments will be required for all students to ensure foundational concepts are mastered. These will include practice problems and shorter reflections. Optional Assignments: To accommodate diverse learning speeds and interests, some assignments, especially extended projects or additional research, will be optional. Flexibility for Special Needs: Students with special needs will have adjustments made to their assignments to ensure accessibility and meaningful engagement with the material.Assessment
Assessments are diverse, intentionally designed, and integral to the educational process. They aim to support learning, provide feedback, and celebrate students' mathematical journeys, with flexibility and accommodations to meet the needs of all learners. Assessments in the Practical Mathematical Adventures: Beyond the Numbers Course serve multiple crucial functions: Understanding and Progress Monitoring: They gauge students' comprehension of material and track progress over time, highlighting areas of strength and those needing improvement. Feedback Mechanism: Assessments provide both students and instructors with valuable feedback, informing instructional strategies. Motivation and Engagement: Thoughtfully designed assessments can motivate students by challenging them and providing opportunities for success and recognition. Application and Integration: By incorporating real-world problems and projects, assessments encourage students to apply and integrate learned concepts beyond the classroom. Types of Assessments and Frequency: Formative Assessments: These occur regularly (weekly) and include quizzes, in-class activities, and short problem sets to provide ongoing feedback and support learning. Summative Assessments: Major tests at the end of a unit evaluate cumulative understanding. Summative projects or portfolios showcasing students' work throughout the course may also be used. Diagnostic Assessments: Administered at the beginning or during new units to assess prior knowledge and skill levels, helping tailor instruction to student needs. Performance-Based Assessments: Projects, presentations, and group work assess application of mathematical concepts in real-world or complex scenarios. These may be spaced throughout to align with unit completion. Assessment Settings: In-Class: Most formative assessments, like quizzes and some activities, will be conducted in class to allow immediate feedback. Take-Home: Summative assessments, such as projects or portfolios, and some performance-based tasks, will be take-home to afford students the time and flexibility needed for completion. Blended Approach: For some units, assessments may combine in-class and take-home components to balance immediate feedback with deeper engagement. Requirements and Adaptations: Required for All Students: Core formative and summative assessments will be required for all students to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the material and to meet learning objectives. Differentiation and Support: Assessments will be differentiated to meet diverse learning needs and styles. Accommodations and modifications will be available for students with special needs, ensuring equitable assessment opportunities. Optional Extensions: Additional, more challenging assessment opportunities may be offered for students seeking further enrichment or interested in exploring topics in greater depth.Grading
Grading Options Offered: The Practical Mathematical Adventures: Beyond the Numbers Course adopts a holistic and student-centered approach to assessment and grading, focusing on progress, understanding, and the joy of learning. The following grading options are offered: 1. Completion Certificates: Every student who successfully completes the course requirements receives a Certificate of Completion. This acknowledges their dedication, participation, and effort throughout the course. 2. Competency-Based Evaluations: Students are evaluated based on their mastery of specific mathematical concepts and skills. This method focuses on practical understanding, problem-solving abilities, and the application of knowledge rather than memorization of facts. 3. Narrative Feedback: Alongside competency-based evaluations, students receive detailed narrative feedback on their progress. This feedback highlights strengths, areas for improvement, and provides guidance and encouragement. Provision of Grades: • By Default: All learners receive a Certificate of Completion and narrative feedback by default to ensure every student is recognized for their effort and gains insight into their learning journey. • By Request: Detailed competency-based evaluations are available upon request for students or parents who desire a more granular understanding of performance in specific areas of mathematics. This option is also recommended for learners seeking to use this course as part of their broader educational records. Role of Grades in This Class: • Encouragement and Motivation: The primary role of grades in this course is to encourage students and motivate them towards their personal best. By focusing on competency and providing constructive feedback, grades become a tool for growth rather than a measure of worth. • Grades and feedback are used to tailor the learning experience to each student’s needs, helping to adjust challenges and support as necessary. • Reflection and Goal Setting: Through narrative feedback and competency evaluations, students can reflect on their learning, celebrate achievements, and set goals for future growth. • Communication: Grades and feedback serve as a communication bridge between students, educators, and parents, offering insights into the learning process and facilitating discussions about progress and support.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
What We Teach: Practical Mathematical Adventures: Beyond the Numbers: Embark on a journey where mathematics becomes an exciting exploration! Our Mathematics classes, tailored for late elementary to middle school levels, focus on foundational concepts, problem-solving strategies, and building confidence in mathematical abilities. From basic arithmetic to introductory algebra with practical applications, our curriculum accommodates diverse learning styles and ensures a comprehensive understanding of mathematical principles relevant to everyday life. Topics aligned with the standards of the State of California, Virgina and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): Week of May 1st: Place Value Explore the significance of place value in the decimal system and how each position affects the value of a digit. California (CA CCSS Math 5.NBT.1): Understand the place value system. Virginia (SOL 5.1): Understand the place value of whole numbers and decimals to the thousandths. TEKS 5.2B - Represent the value of the digit in decimals through the thousandths using expanded notation and numerals. TEKS 6.2D - Compare and order integers and positive rational numbers. Week of May 8th: Factors, Multiples, and Primes Identify factors and multiples of numbers, distinguish prime numbers from composite numbers, and comprehend the uniqueness of prime factors. California (CA CCSS Math 4.OA.4): Find all factor pairs for a whole number in the range 1-100. Virginia (SOL 5.3): Prime and composite numbers are investigated and identified. TEKS 6.7B - Identify factors and multiples including the least common multiple and the greatest common factor. Week of May 15th: Adding and Subtracting Develop fluency in adding and subtracting whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. California (CA CCSS Math 5.NBT.7): Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths. Virginia (SOL 5.4): Estimation and computation with whole numbers and decimals. TEKS 5.3K - Add and subtract positive rational numbers fluently. TEKS 6.3E - Add, subtract, multiply, and divide integers fluently. Week of May 22nd: Multiplying and Dividing Master multiplication and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, including understanding the concepts of division as making groups and multiplication as repeated addition. California (CA CCSS Math 5.NBT.5): Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm. Virginia (SOL 5.5): Create and solve single-step and multi-step practical problems involving multiplication and division of whole numbers. TEKS 5.3I - Multiply with fluency a three-digit number by a two-digit number using the standard algorithm. TEKS 6.3F - Multiply and divide integers fluently. Week of May 29th: Problem Solving Apply mathematical operations to solve real-life problems, enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills. California (CA CCSS Math 5.OA.1): Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions and evaluate expressions with these symbols. Virginia (SOL 5.17): Develop strategies for solving single-step and multistep practical problems. TEKS 5.1B - Use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution. TEKS 8.1A - Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace. Week of June 5th: Rounding and Estimating Use rounding to estimate the outcomes of calculations and judge the reasonableness of results. California (CA CCSS Math 5.NBT.4): Use place value understanding to round decimals to any place. Virginia (SOL 5.4): Estimate and determine the sum, difference, and product of whole numbers and decimals. TEKS 5.4C - Round decimals to tenths or hundredths as specified by the problem context. TEKS 6.4G - Generate equivalent forms of fractions, decimals, and percents using real-world problems, including problems that involve money. Week of June 12th: Algebra Introduce basic algebraic concepts, including solving simple equations and understanding variables. California (CA CCSS Math 6.EE.2): Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers. Virginia (SOL 6.18): Evaluate algebraic expressions for given replacement values of the variables. TEKS 7.10A - Represent solutions for one-variable, two-step equations and inequalities on number lines. TEKS 8.8A - Solve linear equations in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters. How We Teach: Our goal is to create a math journey that promotes success and confidence, specifically tailored for real-world applications. Interactive and Multisensory Approaches: We employ interactive and multisensory teaching methods, engaging students through visual aids, hands-on activities, and real-world applications. This approach caters to various learning styles, making practical mathematics accessible and enjoyable. Inclusive Classroom Environment: Our classrooms are intentionally inclusive, fostering an environment where students feel heard, supported, and valued. We celebrate individual achievements and encourage collaboration among peers, emphasizing the relevance of mathematics in practical scenarios. What Learners Should Expect: Integrating mathematical concepts within the framework of real-world applications. Our educators are committed to understanding our students needs and adapting instruction accordingly. Engaging and Accessible Content: Classes feature content that is both engaging and accessible, encouraging active participation and fostering a positive attitude towards mathematics. Confidence Building: Through fostering a supportive environment, learners can expect to build confidence in their mathematics skills. Mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, and successes are celebrated within the context of real-world challenges. Skill Development Beyond Mathematics: While our focus is on functional mathematics, our classes contribute to the holistic development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application within a real-world context. New topics will be introduced in upcoming weeks.
Learning Goals
These learning goals aim to build a strong foundation in mathematics for students, fostering a sense of curiosity, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the subject's vast applications and historical significance.
1. NUMBERS
- Place Value: Understand the significance of place value in the decimal system, recognizing how each position affects the value of a digit.
- Factors, Multiples, and Primes: Identify factors and multiples of numbers, distinguish prime numbers from composite numbers, and comprehend the uniqueness of prime factors.
2. CALCULATIONS
- Adding and Subtracting: Develop fluency in adding and subtracting whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
- Multiplying and Dividing: Master multiplication and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, including understanding the concepts of division as making groups and multiplication as repeated addition.
- Problem Solving: Apply mathematical operations to solve real-life problems, enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Rounding and Estimating: Use rounding to estimate the outcomes of calculations and judge the reasonableness of results.
- Algebra: Introduce basic algebraic concepts, including solving simple equations and understanding variables.
FRACTIONS, PERCENTAGES, AND RATIO
- Fractions: Comprehend the concept of fractions as part of a whole, equivalence, addition, subtraction, and comparison.
- Percentages: Convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages; calculate percentages of quantities.
- Ratio: Understand and use ratios to compare quantities and solve problems.
MEASUREMENT
- Length and Distance: Measure and calculate lengths and distances in various units; understand and use perimeter.
- Weight and Mass: Measure and compare weights and masses in different units.
- Area and Volume: Calculate the area of squares, rectangles, and triangles; introduce the concept of volume with basic units.
- Money: Use arithmetic operations with money, understanding budgeting and change.
- Time: Tell time to the nearest minute, calculate intervals of time, and understand timetables.
SHAPES AND MOVEMENT
- 2D Shapes: Identify and classify various two-dimensional shapes, understanding properties like sides and angles.
- 3D Shapes: Explore three-dimensional shapes, understanding properties like faces, edges, and vertices.
- Symmetry: Identify lines of symmetry in various shapes.
Lines and Angles: Understand types of lines (parallel, perpendicular) and measure and classify angles.
- Position and Direction: Understand concepts of position, direction, and movement, including basic navigation.
- Coordinates: Use coordinates to locate positions on a grid.
HANDLING DATA
- Tables, Graphs, and Charts: Interpret and create tables, bar graphs, line graphs, and simple pie charts to present data clearly.
HISTORY OF MATH
- How Old is Math?: Explore the origins of mathematics, from prehistoric counting methods to the development of arithmetic, geometry, and algebra through history.
- A Look at the History of Math: Investigate significant milestones in the history of mathematics, including key figures, discoveries, and how math has evolved with technology to impact the modern world.
Other Details
Supply List
Physical Supplies: Basic Stationery: Pencils and erasers for note-taking and solving problems. Ruled notebooks or loose-leaf paper for organizing notes and workings. A set of colored pens or pencils for highlighting and visual learning activities. Mathematical Tools: A scientific calculator for older students or those working on more complex calculations. A ruler, compass, and protractor for geometry activities. Graph paper for plotting functions and working on geometry problems. Manipulatives (Optional but Recommended): Geometric shape sets for hands-on exploration of 2D and 3D shapes. Fraction circles or bars to visualize and understand fraction concepts. A deck of cards or dice for probability and statistics exercises.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Our Practical Mathematical Adventures: Beyond the Numbers Course is led by educators with a rich and diverse background in both mathematics and special education, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Here's a closer look at our team's expertise:
Certified Math Teacher: Our lead instructors are certified mathematics teachers with extensive experience in engaging students with the beauty and complexity of math. They bring a passion for the subject and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, ranging from foundational arithmetic to advanced algebra and geometry.
Certified Special Education Teacher: Recognizing the diverse needs of our learners, our team includes certified special education teachers. They specialize in creating adaptive learning strategies and inclusive classrooms that support students with various learning differences, ensuring every student can access and thrive in our mathematics course.
Doctoral Qualifications in Statistics: To add depth to our curriculum, especially in the areas of data analysis and probability, our team includes educators with doctoral qualifications in statistics. This advanced expertise allows us to incorporate higher-level statistical concepts into the course, making it relevant and challenging for older or more advanced students.Reviews
Live Group Class
$69
weekly ($35 per class)2x per week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-3 learners per class
