Math Vantage
Math
Vantage cooperative learning materials are targeted for students
in their last math class before taking algebra or to review that
material. The major purposes are: to help students prepare for a
smooth transition to algebra and geometry; to help mathematics teachers
meet the goals and standards presented in the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum and Evaluation Standards; and
to form a network of teachers nationwide working toward these purposes
and goals.
The materials prepared for this series promote active student involvement;
integrate practical applications and enriching activities into the
curriculum; promote the multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural aspects
of the curriculum; develop student problem solving strategies and
reasoning skills; provide distributed, integrated practice of mathematical
concepts and skills within the context of the materials.
Episode Descriptions
Part
1 — Patterns
1 Discovering Patterns — This program introduces the
use of patterns to explain, create, and predict. Patterns in card
tricks, game strategies, music, laser light shows, woven cloth,
baskets, and weather are used to illustrate the importance of organizing
and analyzing information to find patterns and make predictions.
2 Patterns with Ten — The use of patterns in base ten
place value, exponents, scientific notation, and the metric system
is explored in this program.
3 Sequences and Ratios — The patterns of the Fibonacci
Sequence and Golden Ratio are shown in the world around us to introduce
sequences and ratios and to reinforce measuring skills.
4 Tessellations/Transformations — Tessellations are
explained and are shown in quilt patterns, architecture, and nature.
The written materials instruct students in making tessellations
and increase skill in the transformations of rotating, reflecting
and translating shapes.
5 Networks, Paths, and Knots — Mathematics is portrayed
as an evolving subject that develops through experimentation and
discovery of patterns. Euler’s earlier work with networks is
connected to recent use of network theory. Topology and knot theory
are presented as evaluations of their earlier mathematical work.
6 Patterns In Pieces (print only/no video) — The written
material presents a review of decimal fractions, common fractions,
and percents from the perspective of finding patterns.
Part 2 — Spatial Sense
7 2D Visions in a 3D World — This program investigates
the necessary spatial skills for visualizing, representing, and
interpreting object drawings and objects. These skills are explored
in various arenas such as holograms, stereoscopic vision, box-making
and computer-assisted design.
8 What’s Your Angle? — Various types of angles
and their prevalence, importance, and use in the world around us
are studied. Parallel and perpendicular lines are also explored.
9 Trusting Triangles — Triangles have two important
uses in our world: structural support and a means to indirectly
measure distance. Important proper ties of triangles are also presented.
10 A World of Quadrilaterals — Many of the things we
have constructed in this world are four-sided figures called quadrilaterals.
Perimeter and area, as well as properties of certain types of quadrilaterals,
are illustrated from examples and occupations in the world around
us.
11 Circles, Curves, and Spheres — Properties of circles,
curves, and spheres, as well as area and circumference problems,
are illustrated in the action of car races and amusement parks.
12 Containers: Surface Area and Volume — Using animals,
people, buildings, and other things which could collectively be
called "containers," surface area and volume and the relationship
between the two are explored.
Part 3 — Data Analysis Modules
13 Data: How do You Get It? — Gives examples of common
ways to collect data including surveys, observations, examining
past records, experiments, and simulations.
14 Data: How Do You Show It? — Illustrates the variety
of possible data displays and the arenas in which they may be most
appropriate.
15 Data: What Does it Mean? — Illustrates the challenges
and techniques in accurately interpreting a variety of data displays.
16 Chances Are — Illustrates data being used to make
decisions and predictions based on the theories of probability.
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