Modern Math Tasks to Provoke Transformational Thinking, Grades 6-8

Students develop advanced problem-solving skills through tasks blending math with real-world challenges. They analyze environmental trends, fair wages, wellness data, and artistic geometry using proportional reasoning, modeling, and data analysis, fostering a cross-disciplinary approach to tackle complex, global issues.

Students in Grades 6–8 are developing greater capacity for problem solving, and are beginning to develop as proportional reasoners. They seek more independence and their relationships with peers mature. Modern Math Tasks to Provoke Transformational Thinking presents carefully crafted tasks that nurture multi-disciplinary literacies including environmental, financial, and civic.

From climate change to systemic injustices, the need for multidisciplinary problem-solving skills has never been greater. These innovative tasks bridge the gap between traditional siloed education and the real-world problems we encounter daily. By emphasizing mathematical modeling, data analysis, and cross-disciplinary thinking, they empower students to tackle complex issues and become global citizens ready to shape a brighter future.

Topics and Tasks include:

Investigating Trends in the World Around Us: Using Data and Statistics to Examine the Environment

What Makes Wages Fair? Understanding Fair Compensation Through Expressions and Equations

How Can We Use Time to Support Wellness? Examining Time Data Using Number Systems

How Can We Effect Change? Learning About Advocacy With Ratios and Proportions

Through the Ages: A Historical Look at Art With Geometric Shapes