Math Program at Vintage

Vintage Magnet  has a rigorous, well balanced math program built on the Common Core State Standards for mathematics. Mathematical understanding and procedural skills are equally important in the program. Teachers incorporate the Common Core mathematical practices in their daily lessons. Currently, Vintage uses the Envision Math program from Scott Foresman as the primary tool for math instruction. Teachers use a variety of lesson delivery methods to teach concepts including direct instruction, modeling, hands-on investigations, math journals, and cooperative problem solving. Students are taught specific problem solving strategies. Students develop their mathematical reasoning skills though real life application of math concepts. They are expected to explain their mathematical thinking both orally and in writing and examine the mathematical explanations of their peers. Vintage teachers create a learning environment that values different solutions and ways to find answers. Teachers incorporate manipulatives and technology in lessons to help students visualize concepts and build mathematical understanding. Students learn basic math facts and standard algorithms to build number sense.

When it comes to math, Vintage students say, "Sweet, bring it on!"  Here are some examples.

M&M Math

Third grade students married their love for math with their love for M&M's.  They received a bag of M&M's and recorded how many of each color M&M were in their bag.  They compared their findings to other students at their table.  Using the data they gathered, they graphed the results.   Students then wrote about the procedure, their comparisons and data results.  Their notes were then taken to the Computer Lab to produce a graph with Excel which was inserted in a report typed using MS Word.

Skittle Math

Fifth graders created a pie chart based on the colors they found in their bag of Skittles.  They converted their findings into percentages, fractions, and decimal.  They then used the Skittles to decorate their pie chart.

Project Oreo

Fifth grade students met at the lunch tables to battle it out and see who could build the highest tower of stacked OREO cookies.  This fun, science-based inquiry project encompasses multi curriculum topics such as math, language arts and science.  It also extends beyond our campus as classrooms worldwide will be submitting their data, gathered from the project, online. First students estimate how many OREOS they think they can stack up.  Students average all their individual results to come up with a final class result. Students all over the work are invited to participate and submit their data findings. Worksheets help the students document their project as they go along.  From the sounds of all the excited learning going on, this project was a success at engaging students.