Strengthening Mathematical Reasoning among Middle School Students with Hidden or Unmet Potential

This work seeks to contribute to the national dialogue regarding best practices in teaching middle school mathematics. The authors are committed to improving mathematics achievement and opportunities for students whose inherited circumstances place them at a perceptible disadvantage. Most refer to said students as "risks." We hold the position that these students, irrespective of their backgrounds, possess Hidden or Unmet Potential and the unveiling of their potential can be accelerated when they are exposed to high-quality mathematics teaching. This book is a practitioner's guide to creative mathematics activities centered on algebraic, proportional, and geometric reasoning aligned with mathematics standards. This approach has the potential to accelerate the mathematical confidence and accentuate the mathematical proficiencies of students.

Preface: The Louisiana Mathematics Master's in the Middle ProjectSection I: Positioning Mathematics Teachers for Instructional SuccessChapter 1: A Practical Framework for Strengthening Mathematics Teaching PracticeChapter 2: Teaching Master Teachers the Mathematics They Need: Perspectives from a MathematicianChapter 3: Planning for Engaging InstructionSection II: Strengthening Proportional ReasoningChapter 4: Shrinky Dinks®: A Lesson on Scale DrawingsChapter 5: Super-Size ItChapter 6: Trail Mix Portions: Right SizedSection III: Strengthening Algebraic ReasoningChapter 7: The Sky's the LimitChapter 8: Meaningful Modeling of Mathematics Using MonopolyChapter 9: The Great Systems CaperSection IV: Strengthening Geometric ReasoningChapter 10: Building a Superhero BoatChapter 11: Pinball GeometryChapter 12: The Geometry City ProjectSection V: AppendicesAppendix A: Shrinky Dinks: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix B: Super-Size It: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix C: Trail Mix Proportions: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix D: The Sky's the Limit: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix E: Meaningful Modeling of Mathematics Using Monopoly: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix F: The Great Systems Caper: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix G: Building a Superhero Boat: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix H: Pinball Geometry: Lesson Plan and Student Task SheetsAppendix I: The Geometry City Project: Lesson Plan and Student Task Sheets