What Our Children
Are Learning
You probably remember studying "arithmetic"_adding,
subtracting, multiplying, and dividing_when you were in
elementary school. Now, children are starting right away to
learn about the broad ideas associated with math, including
problem solving, communicating mathematically, reasoning,
and number sense. Listed below are a few of the key
mathematical concepts that appear in elementary school math
books and classroom instruction today.
- Algebra: Algebra is a generalization of
arithmetic in which letters of the alphabet represent
numbers or a specified set of numbers, and are related by
operations that hold for all numbers in the set. Children
use algebra when they solve problems like 4 + q = 7, with
letters replacing the box as children get older
- Arithmetic: Arithmetic is the knowledge and
the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole
numbers and fractions. For example: 5+1, 10-5, 6x2, 3.
12, and 3/4 + 1/2.
- Calculus: Calculus is about how quantities
change. By understanding calculus, people can use math to
make predictions about things that change over time.
- Estimation: Estimation is the act of
approximating or guessing the number value of something.
We use estimation regularly to determine such things as
how many, how heavy, and how full. Being a good estimator
also helps children know if answers on calculators or
other computer generated data make sense.
- Geometry and spatial sense: Geometry begins
with children recognizing shapes by their characteristics
and extends to their being able to use formulas and
algebra to determine important details about each shape.
For example, a= 1/2 (bxh) is the formula for determining
the area of a triangle.
- Measurement: Measurement is determining the
lengths, areas, volume, time, and other quantities.
Children need to know common units of measure such as
inches or kilograms and how to use measurement
tools.
- Number sense: Number sense is understanding
the relative sizes of numbers and how to use them,
whether doing arithmetic, estimation, measurement, or
classification.
- Probability: Probability is determining the
likelihood that something will happen, often expressed as
a fraction or a ratio_1 in 10, 1/10.
- Statistics: Statistics is the collection and
analysis of numerical data. Taking a census and counting
people is a statistical activity.