Extending the Challenge in Mathematics

Book excerpt: "The best source I have seen challenging mathematically talented students. The activities are thought provoking and enjoyable. I will recommend this book to parents as well as educators of mathematically talented students!" Sally Reis Past President of The National Association for Gifted Children Challenge, engage, and inspire your mathematically promising students! Combining theory and practice, Sheffield expertly guides the reader through the process of mathematical talent development from identifying students with mathematical potential, to finding and creating first-rate problems for exploration and strategies for assessment. The multi-level investigations in this book are designed to challenge students and inspire deeper and more original mathematical thinking in Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry and Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability. Each investigation is developed in the following easy-to-follow format: Relate—sets the stage for the investigation by connecting it to prior learning and the NCTM Principles and Standards Investigate—poses the initial problem to start students thinking about the investigation Evaluate and Communicate—provides solutions, probing assessment questions, and suggestions for teacher responses Create—offers ideas for extending and deepening the investigation, allowing even the most accomplished students to add depth and complexity to their reasoning Discussion—gives teachers hints on what to look for in student solutions, as well as ideas for encouraging students to dig more deeply into the mathematical concepts that are presented Mathematically promising students have the potential to become the leaders and problem solvers of the future. Extending the Challenge in Mathematics provides the practical tips and tools educators need to help their students develop this potential to the fullest.