The goals of problem-solving activities in the elementary grades often include making sense of story problems, developing a range of strategies, and reaching accurate solutions. These are important mathematical aims, but they do not fully address the demands of modeling with mathematics as described in the fourth of the Common Core's eight…

In 2000, the "National Council of Teachers of Mathematics" recommended that Algebra Standards, "instructional programs from prekindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships." In this article, the authors suggest the "Balance"…

Presents a variety of activities in which 4th grade students investigate prisms and pyramids by building models from folded paper and drinking straws. (Author/NB)

Describes the development of mathematical thinking as children construct a mini mall. Students learn the importance of cooperation with their peers as they explore mathematical concepts such as one-to-one correspondence, classification, intersection of sets, coin identification and values, addition, subtraction, and problem solving. (Author/NB)

Suggests an elementary school activity and questions to promote five types of mathematical thinking including modeling, logical analysis, inference, optimization, and abstraction. Discusses evaluating activities for mathematical reasoning opportunities. (ASK)

Highlights an activity that focuses on learning the geometric concepts needed for students to design blueprints for a city park by mastering fifth-grade geometry concepts and applying their knowledge in a real-world context. (ASK)