Modeling With Mathematics in the Classroom: Elementary School

This module is for ElementaryExploration

This module focuses on what math modeling is and how to incorporate math modeling into your elementary classroom. Mathematical modeling is a part of our Maryland College and Career Ready Standards (MCCRS) content as well as a standard of mathematical practice for mathematically proficient students. As teachers, you need to encourage your students to connect knowledge they already have to new situations and extend their thinking rather than lead them through rote processes. In this section, you will explore what modeling means in your elementary classroom by engaging in several types of activities that will help you learn the content of this module and practice your new knowledge.

Let’s review the strategies for modeling with mathematics in accordance with MCCRS Standards for Math Practice 4.

MCCRS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 Model with mathematics (Source: Common Core)

Mathematically proficient students can apply the mathematics they know to solve problems arising in everyday life, society and the workplace. In early grades, this might be as simple as writing an addition equation to describe a situation. In middle grades, a student might apply proportional reasoning to plan a school event or analyze a problem in the community. By high school, a student might use geometry to solve a design problem or use a function to describe how one quantity of interest depends on another.

Mathematically proficient students who can apply what they know are comfortable making assumptions and approximations to simplify a complicated situation, realizing that these may need revision later. They are able to identify important quantities in a practical situation and map their relationships using such tools as diagrams, two-way tables, graphs, flowcharts and formulas. They can analyze those relationships mathematically to draw conclusions. They routinely interpret their mathematical results in the context of the situation and reflect on whether the results make sense, possibly improving the model if it has not served its purpose.