Mathematics: Modeling Our World

Mathematics: Modeling Our World is an integrated core curriculum for high school that is based on the premise that students learn best when they are actively involved in the process. In this program students do not first learn mathematics and then apply what they've learned. Rather, important questions about the real world come first. Students analyze situations and apply the mathematical concepts needed to solve problems. Contextual questions drive the mathematics. In each unit, students build, test, and present models that describe a real-world situation or problem, such as deciding where to build a fire station. Mathematical modeling is a central focus throughout the curriculum. Each course covers the mathematical content found in the NCTM Standards. Each of the first three courses of Mathematics: Modeling Our World contains seven or eight units. Units are divided into four to seven lessons; each may take several days to complete. Each lesson contains a Lesson Opener, which provides the context for the lesson; Activities, which students work on in pairs or small groups using handson mathematical investigation; and Individual Work, items that review, reinforce, extend, practice, and foreshadow concepts developed in the lesson. Course 4 is comprised of eight chapters and is intended to be a bridge between Courses 1, 2, and 3 and collegiate mathematics. The student text contains eight chapters divided into three to six lessons. Each lesson contains an activity designed for group work, expository readings, and exercises. Each chapter ends with a set of review exercises.