The Variable – Volume 5, Issue 1

Volume 5, Issue 1 of The Variable, periodical of the Saskatchewan Mathematics Teachers’ Society, has just been released! From Kindergarten to Grade 12, there is something for everyone.

In this issue, Jared Hamilton shares “What is Thy Bidding?,” a lesson that engages students in designing a business model for a landscaping company (p. 4); Beth Baldwin explores the impact of group work on student efficacy beliefs (p. 24); Susan Milner shares two intriguing puzzles, Streamers and Kakurasu, to help develop students’ reasoning abilities in intermediate through secondary classrooms (p. 30); and Casey Hawthorne and Bridget K. Druken describe structural reasoning, its significance as a mathematical practice, and ways of supporting students in developing this practice (p. 16). You will also find our regular features, including Shawn Godin‘s “Alternate Angles,” which takes an in-depth look at intriguing problems and their solutions (p. 12); “Intersections,” which will bring you up to date on upcoming professional development opportunities (p. 40); and “Tangents,” which highlights extracurricular opportunities for K-12 students interested in mathematics (p. 43).

Last but not least, this issue features the latest installment of “Math Ed Matters by MatthewMaddux,” a column by Egan Chernoff telling “slightly bent, untold, true stories of mathematics teaching and learning.” In this issue, Chernoff describes how conversations about the teaching and learning of mathematics have changed, as well new challenges for teachers in the “new math class zeitgeist.” (p. 46).

To access this month’s issue, head to http://smts.ca/the-variable/, where you will find this and all issues of The Variable free to read and download. And if you enjoy The Variable, remember share it with your colleagues and invite them to join the conversation!