Buncombe
County Schools has utilized the Investigations Math Program in
elementary school for numerous years. This program uses a hands-on
approach that helps to provide concrete understanding of mathematical
concepts. With the adoption of the Common Core Math standards, the
county has continued to provide mathematics instruction using this
program as well as incorporating other resources to provide opportunity
for students to master all math standards. Please read about the
Investigations math program below.
Investigations is a complete mathematics program for grades K-5. Students using Investigations in Number, Data, and Space are
expected to learn arithmetic, basic facts and much more. The focus of
instruction is on mathematical thinking and reasoning. Students using
the complete Investigations curriculum develop an understanding of:
- number, operations, and early algebraic ideas
- geometry and measurement
- data analysis and probability
- patterns, functions, and the math of change, which provide foundations for algebra
Investigations is based on our goals and guiding principles, years of work with real teachers and students, and research about what we now know about how children learn mathematics.
It is carefully designed to invite all students into mathematics and to
help them develop a deep understanding of fundamental mathematical
ideas.
"Understanding
refers to a student's grasp of fundamental mathematical ideas. Students
with understanding know more than isolated facts and procedures. They
know why a mathematical idea is important and the contexts in which it
is useful. Furthermore, they are aware of many connections between
mathematical ideas. In fact, the degree of students' understanding is
related to the richness and extent of the connections they have made."
(2002, Helping Children Learn Mathematics, p. 10.)
As a natural part of their everyday mathematics work, Investigations students:
- explore problems in depth.
- find more than one way to solve many of the problems they encounter.
- reason mathematically and develop problem-solving strategies.
- examine and explain mathematical thinking and reasoning.
- communicate their ideas orally and on paper, using "clear and concise" notation.
- represent their thinking using models, diagrams, and graphs.
- make connections between mathematical ideas.
- prove their ideas to others.
- develop computational fluency - efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility.
- choose from a variety of tools and appropriate technology.
- work in a variety of groupings - whole class, individually, in pairs, and in small groups.
Visit
our "Math Resources for Parents" page to find links to more information
about how we teach math and even watch sample videos of what your child
is learning in class.