Learn how to implement a real-world approach to project-based learning. Authentic learning experiences are created around genuine, outside audiences and meaningful purposes. They meet the Common Core, engage students in critical thinking and 21st Century learning, teach important skills such as research and collaboration, and improve student learning. This practical guide provides step-by-step instructions to make it easy for teachers to create their own authentic learning experiences. The book is loaded with a variety of examples from different grade levels and content areas. Bonus! Each example incorporates technology and addresses the Common Core State Standards.

"Nancy's in-depth look at mathematical modeling offers middle school teachers the kind of practical help they need for incorporating modeling into their classrooms." -Cathy Seeley, Past President of NCTM, author of Faster Isn't Smarter and Smarter Than We Think "This is the book that math teachers and parents have been waiting for. Nancy provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to modeling in mathematics at the middle school level." -David E. Drew, author of STEM the Tide: Reforming Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in America We all use math to analyze everyday situations we encounter. Whether we realize it or not, we're modeling with mathematics: taking a complex situation and figuring out what we need to make sense of it. In Modeling with Mathematics, Nancy Butler Wolf shows that math is most powerful when it means something to students. She provides clear, friendly guidance for teachers to use authentic modeling projects in their classrooms and help their students develop key problem-solving skills, including: collecting data and formulating a mathematical model interpreting results and comparing them to reality learning to communicate their solutions in meaningful ways. This kind of teaching can be challenging because it is open-ended: it asks students to make decisions about their approach to a scenario, the information they will need, and the tools they will use. But Nancy proves there is ample middle ground between doing all of the work for your students and leaving them to flail in the dark. Through detailed examples and hands-on activities, Nancy shows how to guide your students to become active participants in mathematical explorations who are able to answer the question, "What did I just figure out?" Her approach values all students as important contributors and shows how instruction focused on mathematical modeling engages every learner regardless of their prior history of success or failure in math.

Builds solid skills in algebra, geometry, number sense, probability and statistics, and more Introduces a variety of test-taking tips and strategies. Helps students beat the test jitters and attack problems confidently. Offers questions that mirror actual tests.