Figure It Out
Proportional Reasoning
Three new books have been developed in response to requests from teachers for resources that they can use with students who are at the early or advanced proportional stages of the number framework. Imaginative activities explore ways of interpreting and comparing fractions and ratios and introduce students to a variety of ways in which they can model situations involving proportional reasoning.
The three books are 'plus' books, designed to challenge. The level 3+ book can be used with year 5 students. The two plus books at level 3–4 can be used with year 6 students and should also be a valuable resource for those in years 7–8.
Teachers will find that the Answers and Teachers' Notes provide the mathematical background for each activity and a variety of approaches. At the teacher's discretion, students could be given the teachers' notes to use as a self-help resource.
Distribution
Copies of this book were distributed to schools on the basis of roll size at the beginning of March.
Proportional Reasoning (Level 3+) – item 31338. Teachers Notes – item 31339.
Proportional Reasoning Book One (Level 3–4+) – item 31340. Teachers Notes – item 31341.
Proportional Reasoning Book Two (Level 3–4+) – item 31342. Teachers Notes – item 31343.
Measurement and Geometry
The Measurement and Geometry link book has been developed in response to requests for resources that teachers can use with year 7–8 students who are struggling with measurement skills and concepts, and with spatial thinking. The emphasis is on understanding what measurement is about, developing estimation skills, and exploring ways of visualising and describing objects in 2- and 3-dimensional space. The largely practical activities are set in a variety of contexts.
Distribution
Copies of these books were distributed to schools on the basis of roll size at the beginning of March.
Measurement and Geometry (years 7–8 link) – item 31344.
Answers and Teachers Notes – item 31345.
The Numeracy Project books
As in previous years, the Numeracy Project books (BSM and Books 1–9) have been reprinted to ensure adequate supply in 2006. Most have minimal changes and do not need to be reordered by teachers who already have them.
Book 3, Getting Started, has been substantially modified but needs to be reordered only for teachers new to the Numeracy Development Project. The Numeracy section of New Zealand Maths website hosts these books. The 2006 corrections (which you can mark up on your existing copies) are listed, together with changed pages to download and paste into your existing copies.