Discover the Alternative to the Modern-Day Textbook
Thinking About Math is a carefully developed resource for students in Grades 6–8 that blends real-world challenges, cross-curricular connections, and problem-based story tasks. Each task is designed to spark student engagement while strengthening their understanding of how math is used in daily life. Centered around compelling narratives, the activities invite students to step into a role, think critically, and find solutions through meaningful problem-solving.
Over the last several years we have witnessed a change in all aspects of our lives. A monumental shift in the way we communicate, conduct business, access information, and use technology has created a very different world for our students. Today, our students must be prepared to be problem solvers, and the problems that these future professionals will be expected to solve will be more complex than ever. We must not only prepare our students to be problem solvers, but we must convert them into critical thinkers. Our students need to be able to think critically and be able to analyze and solve complex problems in real world contexts. They need to learn to work cooperatively in teams and small groups and find out how to demonstrate both written and verbal communication skills. Our students need to learn to not only become conceptual learners and problem solvers, but they must portray a certain level of resiliency and perseverance along the way. Thinking About Math will help students become persevering problem solvers, critical thinkers, and most importantly teach them the importance of reflection as a part of the ever evolving learning process.
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Thinking About Math set out to reimagine the traditional curriculum map by attempting to move away from static documents stored in binders or buried on shared drives, where they are unlikely to be seen again. Instead, an Instructional Design Unit Mind Map was developed. The map is dynamic, visual, and user friendly approach to curriculum planning
This particular map was designed for a Grade 6 Statistics unit aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. At the heart of the map is the Core Performance Assessment. Every element on the map connects back to this Core Performance Assessment, ensuring cohesion and clarity throughout the unit.
The map includes all the essential components of a traditional curriculum map. The map includes the standards, skills, big ideas, understandings, learning targets, but presents them in an engaging and accessible format.
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Print it as a large, laminated poster and display it in your classroom. Use a dry-erase marker to check off each skill or standard as you teach it.
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This keeps your curriculum visible, interactive, and easy to manage in real time making planning and instruction more effective and student-centered.
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Thinking About Math set out to reimagine the traditional curriculum map by attempting to move away from static documents stored in binders or buried on shared drives, where they are unlikely to be seen again. Instead, an Instructional Design Unit Mind Map was developed. The map is dynamic, visual, and user friendly approach to curriculum planning
This particular map was designed for a Grade 6 Statistics unit aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. At the heart of the map is the Core Performance Assessment. Every element on the map connects back to this Core Performance Assessment, ensuring cohesion and clarity throughout the unit.
The map includes all the essential components of a traditional curriculum map. The map includes the standards, skills, big ideas, understandings, learning targets, but presents them in an engaging and accessible format.
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The Quick Assessments are designed to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used to improve instructional practices and improve student learning. Plain and simple, the assessments are a means to check for understanding. It also allows for students to focus and understand the goal of ascertaining a performance level of “Meeting” or “Exceeding”. The Quick Assessments are developed to align with the identified learning targets in each instructional unit.
The quick assessments help make more accurate inferences about whether students are learning due to repeatedly returning to prior concepts from the instructional unit. It is crucial to be thoughtful about the data collected and how it is interpreted.
Putting for Glory
Statistics
Robbery in Skullzton
Counting Principles
Who's the GOAT?
Analyzing Data
It's in the
Paint
Composite Figures
All featured Core Performance Tasks are unlocked for viewing and use.
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction. Double click to edit and add your own text.
Thinking About Math also is thankful for the support of the following:
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Jaime Doldan, Township of Franklin School District- Franklinville, NJ
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Maryann Klaus, The Center for Designing Learning- Coopersburg, PA
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Kristen Stewart, Pitman Middle School Principal- Pitman, NJ
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Pitman Public School District- Pitman, NJ
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David Lindenmuth, Educational Resources of New Jersey- Mullica Hill, NJ
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Kelly Brown, Mathematics Teacher (Grade 6), Township of Franklin School District- Franklinville, NJ
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Stefanie Collum, Pitman Middle School ELA Teacher- Pitman, NJ
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Patrice Rowan, Pitman Middle School ELA Teacher- Pitman, NJ
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Township of Franklin School District, Franklinville, NJ
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Swedesboro-Woolwich School District- Woolwich Township, NJ
All of our Thinking About Math friends and support family
Township of Franklin
School District
Franklinville, NJ
"Thinking About Math is the only resource I have seen encompassing true real-world application of mathematical skills. All tasks are of high-interest and relatable for students. Tasks are cross-curricular and incorporate higher level vocabulary along with critical thinking components designed to empower students to become mathematicians that truly must problem solve to correctly complete each task. "
Pitman Boro School District
Pitman, NJ
"Thinking About Math supports digital learners by aligning math standards with engaging, web-based activities. It offers students the chance to develop their skills, work at their own pace, and solve real-world problems that are relevant to their lives. The program also encourages creativity by allowing each student to express their understanding in a personalized and meaningful way."
Matt Miller
Award Winning Author
Ditch that Textbook
"This resource offers a wealth of performance-based math tasks grounded in real-world contexts. It's highly engaging—and best of all, it's completely free!"
Author and Instructional Designer
I am a passionate advocate for problem-based learning with over two decades of experience as a middle school mathematics educator. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to continuous professional growth, earning three Master’s Degrees from Wilmington University in Curriculum & Instruction, School Leadership, and Educational Technology. My teaching philosophy centers on fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills through innovative, engaging instruction. I develop Core Performance Tasks that blend real-world story-driven tasks with mathematical concepts to help students see the relevance of math in their everyday lives.
No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including, but not limited to, photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission of Thinking About Math unless such copying is expressly permitted by copyright law.
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All visual content featured in Thinking About Math, including photographs, vector graphics, and drawings, is used with proper licensing and full attribution to original creators.
