Grade Six Mathematics
Students will develop an understanding of four general units: Numbers, Patterns and Relations, Shape and Space; Measurement, and 3-D/2-D objects, Statistics and Probability.
Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your math class to introduce mathematicians of colour. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new mathematician of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation.
K-6 Mathematicians of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Mathematicians of colour to introduce to your class related to the Alberta curriculum
NUMBERS
Mathematician: Elbert Frank Cox
First ever African-American man to earn a PhD in Math.
NUMBERS
Mathematician: Elbert Frank Cox
First ever African-American man to earn a PhD in Math.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Showcase the diversity that exists in the math world
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired; additional accommodations may be required
Chinese mathematics Mathematician: Sun Tzu
Website describing the development of the Chinese Remainder Theorem by Sun Tzu in the 3rd century CE. The Theorem used remainder number while doing division and long division. This theorem was used to track planetary movement for Chinese astronomers, and today is used in internet cryptography.
Website describing the development of the Chinese Remainder Theorem by Sun Tzu in the 3rd century CE. The Theorem used remainder number while doing division and long division. This theorem was used to track planetary movement for Chinese astronomers, and today is used in internet cryptography.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers
- 8a. Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication and division of decimals (1-digit whole number multipliers and 1-digit natural number divisors) - Suggested use:
- Hook for math task involving division with remainders
- Shared reading about historical contributions to math - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired; additional accommodations may be required
Math Prodigy Terence Tao, UCLA | Mathematician: Terence Tao
Mathematician Terence Tao explains the Euclid's theorem for prime numbers.
Mathematician Terence Tao explains the Euclid's theorem for prime numbers.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth
- 3a. Demonstrate an understanding of factors and multiples by: identifying prime and composite numbers - Suggested use:
- Showcase the diversity that exists in the math world
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The Murder of Ancient Alexandria's Greatest Scholar | Mathematician: Hypatia
Biography of the Egyptian mathematician and philosopher Hypatia. Hypatia contributed significantly to the development of long division.
Biography of the Egyptian mathematician and philosopher Hypatia. Hypatia contributed significantly to the development of long division.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Hook for math task involving division
- Use video to begin discussion about the historical and culturally diverse contributions made to development of math - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Meet the Black Female NASA Genius Who Helped Send the First American Into Space | Mathematician: Katherine Johnson
Short video describing the life of Katherine Johnson, the female mathematician who helped with the first mission to the moon. This video does a good job at explaining Jim Crow laws and other race-based structures that she faced throughout her life.
Short video describing the life of Katherine Johnson, the female mathematician who helped with the first mission to the moon. This video does a good job at explaining Jim Crow laws and other race-based structures that she faced throughout her life.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Watch video and discuss Johnson's contributions to math
- Word problems with details about Johnson and the mission to the moon
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly
- Use video to prompt discussion about how math is connected to many science disciplines - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Black Mathematicians
Rap video celebrating African-American pioneers in Mathematics. Mathematicians mentioned include:
Benjamin Banneker, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Elbert Cox, Martha Haynes, Dudley Woodard, David Blackwell, Annie Easley, Evelyn Granville, Emery Brown, Marjorie Brown, William Claytor, Charles Reason.
Rap video celebrating African-American pioneers in Mathematics. Mathematicians mentioned include:
Benjamin Banneker, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Elbert Cox, Martha Haynes, Dudley Woodard, David Blackwell, Annie Easley, Evelyn Granville, Emery Brown, Marjorie Brown, William Claytor, Charles Reason.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal nubmers - Suggested use:
- Introduce and discuss notable mathematicians of color
- Students choose a mathematician from the video to research about (cross-curricular with Social Studies/Science)
- Word problems with references to mathematicians from the video - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
A brief history of the numerical systems
Alessandra King explains the origins of the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 0 along with the relevance of using decimals and a 60 base system.
Alessandra King explains the origins of the numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 0 along with the relevance of using decimals and a 60 base system.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Hook for decimals
- Highlight the global contributions to math - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
History of Mathematics
An animated video on the development of numbers throughout history.
An animated video on the development of numbers throughout history.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Introduce the history of number and make connections to all contributions - Accessibility:
- Manual transcription available
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Were Women The First Mathematicians In Ancient Africa?
Brief history about some African mathematics, especially the role that women had in its development.
Brief history about some African mathematics, especially the role that women had in its development.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Hook for a task about number and number sense
- Show as a shared reading/watch to discuss the historical development of math - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Interview with Sibahle Zwane, Maths Genius
A video about the 10 year-old math genius. If anyone knows that age is just a number it’s Sibahle, a 10 year old human calculator (aka maths genius). He can work out ANY multiplication sum within seconds!
A video about the 10 year-old math genius. If anyone knows that age is just a number it’s Sibahle, a 10 year old human calculator (aka maths genius). He can work out ANY multiplication sum within seconds!
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Introduction to the importance of the diverse contributions to the world of mathematics
- Hook to begin multiplication - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning not available on video, accommodations needed
Can These Human Calculators Really Solve Any Problem?
A video about difficult questions being throw at young mathematicians.
A video about difficult questions being throw at young mathematicians.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Use as a resource for problem solving, pull apart the steps to solve a problem connected to operations, have students share their preferred strategy
- Highlight that everyone (no gender) can excel at math - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning not available on video, accommodations needed
Top of the Class: The Story of Marjorie Lee Browne | Mathematician: Marjorie Lee Browne
Marjorie Lee Browne was one of the first Black women to earn a PhD in mathematics.
Marjorie Lee Browne was one of the first Black women to earn a PhD in mathematics.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Introduction to discussion about how stereotypes in the math world can impact students (willingness to take risks, try something that they are interested in, gender stereotypes) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Kid Mathematician Amazes Judges on Sri Lanka's Got Talent
A video about math wizard Nimna Hiranya on Got Talent Sri Lanka as she wows judges with her math skills.
A video about math wizard Nimna Hiranya on Got Talent Sri Lanka as she wows judges with her math skills.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Introduction to discussion about how stereotypes in the math world can impact students (willingness to take risks, try something that they are interested in, gender stereotypes) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning not available on video, accommodations needed
The exceptional life of Benjamin Banneker | Mathematician: Benjamin Banneker
Born in 1731 to formerly enslaved parents on a farm in Baltimore, Benjamin Banneker was obsessed with math and science. And his appetite for knowledge only grew as he taught himself astronomy, mathematics, engineering, and the study of the natural world. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua details the numerous accomplishments of Benjamin Banneker.
Born in 1731 to formerly enslaved parents on a farm in Baltimore, Benjamin Banneker was obsessed with math and science. And his appetite for knowledge only grew as he taught himself astronomy, mathematics, engineering, and the study of the natural world. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua details the numerous accomplishments of Benjamin Banneker.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Use an example of resilience in the math world, noting how he overcame many barriers (including Racism) to pursue his passions - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Mathematician: Brahmagupta
Brahmagupta, the greatest of ancient Indian mathematicians, first showed how to use zero as a number and made many other important discoveries in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
Brahmagupta, the greatest of ancient Indian mathematicians, first showed how to use zero as a number and made many other important discoveries in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Introduce and discuss the history of zero and it's importance to number and number representation - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
The 11-Year-Old Math Marvel
A video about the young girl, Aarushi. At 8, she ranked second among her peers in Singapore at the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad. At 11, she's solving puzzles taught at university, and playing chess blindfolded. But Aarushi is finding out that with such gifts comes the pressure of expectations.
A video about the young girl, Aarushi. At 8, she ranked second among her peers in Singapore at the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad. At 11, she's solving puzzles taught at university, and playing chess blindfolded. But Aarushi is finding out that with such gifts comes the pressure of expectations.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Use as a resource for problem solving, pull apart the steps to solve a problem connected to operations, have students share their preferred strategy
- Highlight that everyone (no gender) can excel at math
- Introduction to discussion about how stereotypes in the math world can impact students (willingness to take risks, try something that they are interested in, gender stereotypes) - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Mathematician: Evelyn Boyd Granville
Video biography of Evelyn Boyd Granville, the second African-American woman to receive a doctoral degree in mathematics. Boyd made significant contributions to the field of space travel, working with IBM in areas of computer programming. Granville received her PhD from Yale University.
Video biography of Evelyn Boyd Granville, the second African-American woman to receive a doctoral degree in mathematics. Boyd made significant contributions to the field of space travel, working with IBM in areas of computer programming. Granville received her PhD from Yale University.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly
- Hook for math task involving equations
- Use video to discuss resilience and approaches to problem solving
- Hook for a written reflection on using problem solving techniques across the subjects
- Word problems with references to Granville and her contributions to space travel - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
PATTERNS AND RELATIONS: PATTERNS
The hidden messages in multiplication
A TED Talk by Uma Adwani, who left her small hometown, and was given the opportunity to teach elementary mathematics, which she disliked at first. Through her lesson-planning, she became fascinated with the patterns seen in simple multiplication tables.
The hidden messages in multiplication
A TED Talk by Uma Adwani, who left her small hometown, and was given the opportunity to teach elementary mathematics, which she disliked at first. Through her lesson-planning, she became fascinated with the patterns seen in simple multiplication tables.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2b. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships within tables of values to solve problems - Suggested use:
- Hook for introducing number patterns in the multiplication tables
- Resource to support a task where students find patterns in other number systems - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
PATTERNS AND RELATIONS: VARIABLES AND EQUATIONS
The Most Beautiful Equation in Math Professor: Po-Shen Loh
Professor of mathematical sciences Po-Shen Loh explains why Euler’s Equation is the most beautiful equation in math.
The Most Beautiful Equation in Math Professor: Po-Shen Loh
Professor of mathematical sciences Po-Shen Loh explains why Euler’s Equation is the most beautiful equation in math.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4c. Express a given problem as an equation in which a letter variable is used to represent an unknown number - Suggested use:
- Introduction to the history of number and make connections to all contributions - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Hidden Figures
In this illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. The book is similar to the film depiction of the historical events. This article discusses Katherine Johnson's contribution to NASA and flight paths. Students can discuss how racial and gender discrimination was prevalent while connecting to Grade 6 unit of Flight (cross-curricular Science connection).
In this illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. The book is similar to the film depiction of the historical events. This article discusses Katherine Johnson's contribution to NASA and flight paths. Students can discuss how racial and gender discrimination was prevalent while connecting to Grade 6 unit of Flight (cross-curricular Science connection).
- Curriculum connection:
- 3c. Represent generalizations arising from number relationships, using equations with letter variables - Suggested use:
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly
- Hook for math task involving equations
- Hook for a written reflection on using problem solving techniques across the subjects
- Word problems with references to the three mathematicians and their contributions to space travel - Accessibility:
- Read aloud available
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Hidden Stories: Dorothy Vaughan | Mathematician: Dorothy Vaughan
A short, biographical video detailing the life of mathematician Dorothy Vaughan. She worked for NASA, and was considered a “human computer,” and even helped to put the first man on the moon.
A short, biographical video detailing the life of mathematician Dorothy Vaughan. She worked for NASA, and was considered a “human computer,” and even helped to put the first man on the moon.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3c. Represent generalizations arising from number relationships, using equations with letter variables - Suggested use:
- Hook for a math task that involves patterns and variables
- Showcase the diversity that exists in the math world
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly - Accessibility:
- Manual transcription available
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
SHAPE AND SPACE: 2-D SHAPES AND 3-D OBJECTS
Struggle to Success | Mathematician: Maryam Mirzakhani
Biography of the Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani who contributed to the field of geometry. Mirzakhani was the first woman to ever win a Field Medal for mathematics in 2014. She grew up in Iran, and attended Harvard University in 2004.
Struggle to Success | Mathematician: Maryam Mirzakhani
Biography of the Iranian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani who contributed to the field of geometry. Mirzakhani was the first woman to ever win a Field Medal for mathematics in 2014. She grew up in Iran, and attended Harvard University in 2004.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4e. Construct and compare triangles, including: scalene, isosceles, equilateral, right, obtuse, acute in different orientations
- 5e. Describe and compare the sides and angles of regular and irregular polygons - Suggested use:
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly
- Hook for math/art task using geometric shapes such as creating a unique print or pattern
- Discuss resilience and approaches to problem solving
- Hook for a written reflection on using problem solving techniques across the subjects - Accessibility:
- Manual transcription available
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Against the Odds: The Story of Raye Montague | Mathematician: Raye Montague
Growing up in segregated Little Rock, Arkansas, Raye Montague faced the hurdles of being African American, female, and having a segregated education while pursuing her dreams of becoming a Naval engineer. Through hard work, perseverance, and refusing to take "no" for an answer, Montague became a Naval engineer, and ended up revolutionizing the way ships and submarines are designed. She ended her career as the first female Program Director of Ships for the Navy.
Growing up in segregated Little Rock, Arkansas, Raye Montague faced the hurdles of being African American, female, and having a segregated education while pursuing her dreams of becoming a Naval engineer. Through hard work, perseverance, and refusing to take "no" for an answer, Montague became a Naval engineer, and ended up revolutionizing the way ships and submarines are designed. She ended her career as the first female Program Director of Ships for the Navy.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5e. Describe and compare the sides and angles of regular and irregular polygons - Suggested use:
- Introduction to the discipline of engineering, connecting it to the curricular focus of shape and space - Accessibility:
- Manual transcription available
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
SHAPE AND SPACE: MEASUREMENT
Mathematician: Aryabhatta
Ancient Indian mathematician who made significant mathematical contributions to the field of astronomy. This resources is a short video explaining the development of math in ancient India, and what this mathematician did to contribute to this.
Mathematician: Aryabhatta
Ancient Indian mathematician who made significant mathematical contributions to the field of astronomy. This resources is a short video explaining the development of math in ancient India, and what this mathematician did to contribute to this.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3d. Develop and apply a formula for determining the: perimeter of polygons, area of rectangles, volume of right rectangular prisms - Suggested use:
- Discuss the multicultural contributions to mathematics - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Women and Minorities in Mathematics | Mathematician: Kate Okikiolu
Website that explains the contribution of a young African-American female and her award-winning method to estimate the size of a drum using sounds the music of the drum. The website also contains a string of activities for teachers to use combining some musical and mathematical principles.
Website that explains the contribution of a young African-American female and her award-winning method to estimate the size of a drum using sounds the music of the drum. The website also contains a string of activities for teachers to use combining some musical and mathematical principles.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3d. Develop and apply a formula for determining the: perimeter of polygons, area of rectangles, volume of right rectangular prisms - Suggested use:
- Introduce Kate Okikiolu
- This can be used as an exploration to see how perimeter, area, and shape of a drum affect the sound - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
SHAPE AND SPACE: TRANSFORMATIONS
Black Excellist: Gladys West | Mathematician: Gladys West
Gladys Mae West is an African-American mathematician best known for her contributions to the mathematics underpinning the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Black Excellist: Gladys West | Mathematician: Gladys West
Gladys Mae West is an African-American mathematician best known for her contributions to the mathematics underpinning the Global Positioning System (GPS).
- Curriculum connection:
- 3f. Identify and plot points in the first quadrant of a Cartesian plane using whole number ordered pairs - Suggested use:
- Introduce a notable mathematician weekly
- Introduce the concept of positioning shapes and their transformations - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Denise Carter's Smarty Bunch
Fun 1:30 song on how to remember reflection, translation, rotation with a flip, a slide and a turn!
Fun 1:30 song on how to remember reflection, translation, rotation with a flip, a slide and a turn!
- Curriculum connection:
- 6f. Perform a combination of translations, rotations and/or reflections on a single 2-D shape, with and without technology, and draw and describe the image - Suggested use:
- Hook to introduce/review transformations - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Aboriginal Perspective on Math: Grade Six Math Workshop
Website that includes Aboriginal math games and activities for the Grade 6 Alberta curriculum.
Website that includes Aboriginal math games and activities for the Grade 6 Alberta curriculum.
- Curriculum connection:
- Covers various outcomes across all four units - Suggested use:
- Lessons can be used to incorporate Indigenous perspectives with mathematical concepts - Accessibility:
- Additional accommodations required for all nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students
NUMBERS
Learn 2 to 9 Times Multiplication Tricks
This video is a compilation of videos covering the tricks for the 2 to 9 times tables.
Learn 2 to 9 Times Multiplication Tricks
This video is a compilation of videos covering the tricks for the 2 to 9 times tables.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3a. Demonstrate an understanding of factors and multiples by: determining multiples and factors of numbers less than 100 - Suggested use:
- Hook for reviewing multiplication and strategies to remember times tables - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Mathematics of the Americas: Activity Booklet
PDF of various mathematics activities that incorporate lessons about mathematics developed in various South American civilizations (Aztec and Inca). The activities span across all grades, with specific pages relating to 4-6 math curriculum.
PDF of various mathematics activities that incorporate lessons about mathematics developed in various South American civilizations (Aztec and Inca). The activities span across all grades, with specific pages relating to 4-6 math curriculum.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Math of the Maya - Place Value and Number Operations (p.11)
- Math of the Inca - Data Analysis, Numbers and Number Sense (p. 17)
- Math of the Aztec - Algebra (p. 23)
- Math of the Navajo - Geometry and Measurement (p. 29) - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
The Magic of Vedic Math
Ted-ED video on the principles of Vedic Math. The video outlines methods used for the multiplication of large numbers using Vedic mathematics, a branch of math that first started in India and was derived from ancient Hindu texts.
Ted-ED video on the principles of Vedic Math. The video outlines methods used for the multiplication of large numbers using Vedic mathematics, a branch of math that first started in India and was derived from ancient Hindu texts.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Students can do the math together to see how to multiply in different methods
- This can also be used for students who need more of a challenge in math - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Vedic Mathematics
PDF of traditional Hindu mathematics tricks that were outlined in the ancient Hindu vedas. Part of the PDF shows tricks for multiplication and division.
PDF of traditional Hindu mathematics tricks that were outlined in the ancient Hindu vedas. Part of the PDF shows tricks for multiplication and division.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Read the full document to get a full understanding of vedic mathematics
- This can be used to show another method of multiplying, and it can also be used for students who need more of a challenge in math - Accessibility:
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
Pi
Rap song explaining Pi and what it's used for.
Rap song explaining Pi and what it's used for.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Hook for decimal task while also showcasing the diverse representation in the mathematic world - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
History & Evolution of Abacus
A video which introduces the abacus and its history.
A video which introduces the abacus and its history.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Hook for task focused on number representation
- Use video to discuss historical and culturally diverse contributions to mathematics - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
Invention Of Zero - The Dr. Binocs Show
Animated history about the concept and history of zero.
Animated history about the concept and history of zero.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Hook for task focused on number representation highlighting the importance of zero
- Use video to discuss historical and culturally diverse contributions to mathematics - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
Understand the Meaning of Multiplication
Brief lesson about multiplication, with an included animation.
Brief lesson about multiplication, with an included animation.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8a. Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication and division of decimals (1-digit whole number multipliers and 1-digit natural number divisors) - Suggested use:
- Use as an review to multiplication while showcasing representation in mathematics - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
Who Invented Multiplication?
Brief video about the history of multiplication and who "invented" it.
Brief video about the history of multiplication and who "invented" it.
- Curriculum connection:
- 8a. Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication and division of decimals (1-digit whole number multipliers and 1-digit natural number divisors) - Suggested use:
- Use as a review to multiplication
- Prompt discussion about how many inventions were credited to white inventors over inventors of colour - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
Decimal System of India
History and explanation of the Indian numeric system, including exponents and decimals.
History and explanation of the Indian numeric system, including exponents and decimals.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Use video to make connection between Indian Numeric system and current number system
- Students can compare decimal representation in both systems - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
History of Mathematics: Who Invented Decimals?
Short history of decimals and who might have invented them.
Short history of decimals and who might have invented them.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth - Suggested use:
- Introduction to decimals
- Prompt discussion about how many inventions were credited to white inventors over inventors of colour - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Auto-captioned - dependent on reading ability. Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students as descriptive captioning is not available
Distance Rate Time
Rap song explaining how to calculate distance, rate, and time.
Rap song explaining how to calculate distance, rate, and time.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Hook for measurement task while also showcasing the diverse representation in the mathematic world - Accessibility:
- No captions available, accommodations needed
SHAPE AND SPACE: 2D SHAPES, 3D OBJECTS
Islamic Art and Geometric Design: Activities for Learning
Document compiled by the MET that discusses the geometry of Islamic design. The document gives example of artifacts from the MET that exhibit Islamic design. It also includes many activities for students that help them recreate the art while analyzing the geometry of the design.
Islamic Art and Geometric Design: Activities for Learning
Document compiled by the MET that discusses the geometry of Islamic design. The document gives example of artifacts from the MET that exhibit Islamic design. It also includes many activities for students that help them recreate the art while analyzing the geometry of the design.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4e. Construct and compare triangles, including: scalene, isosceles, equilateral, right, obtuse, acute in different orientations
- 5e. Describe and compare the sides and angles of regular and irregular polygons - Suggested use:
- Can use to see how shapes intermingle to form patterns
- Students can follow the lessons to create patterns and explore symmetry - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Area of a Triangle
Short rap song about the area of a triangle.
Short rap song about the area of a triangle.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4e. Construct and compare triangles, including: scalene, isosceles, equilateral, right, obtuse, acute in different orientations - Suggested use:
- Hook for measurement/identifying triangle task while also showcasing the diverse representation in the mathematic world - Accessibility:
- No captions available, accommodations needed
SHAPE AND SPACE: MEASUREMENT
Birch Bark Biting
Website with lesson plans to teach student about the art of Birch Bark Biting in Aboriginal culture. These projects make a cross-curricular connection to art, allowing teachers to integrate math with art projects. The main math link in these projects relates to geometry of the birch biting design.
Birch Bark Biting
Website with lesson plans to teach student about the art of Birch Bark Biting in Aboriginal culture. These projects make a cross-curricular connection to art, allowing teachers to integrate math with art projects. The main math link in these projects relates to geometry of the birch biting design.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1d. Demonstrate an understanding of angles by: identifying examples of angles in the environment, classifying angles according to their measure, estimating the measure of angles, using 45°, 90° and 180° as reference angles, determining angle measures in degrees, drawing and labelling angles when the measure is specified - Suggested use:
- Cross curricular connections (between Social, Science and Math)
- Inquiry based project to explore geometry and angles - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY
First Nations Games of Chance
List of traditional First Nations games of chance including instructions to these games. These games deal with lessons on statistics and probability for grades 4-6.
First Nations Games of Chance
List of traditional First Nations games of chance including instructions to these games. These games deal with lessons on statistics and probability for grades 4-6.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1h. Demonstrate an understanding of probability by: identifying all possible outcomes of a probability experiment, differentiating between experimental and theoretical probability, determining the theoretical probability of outcomes in a probability experiment, determining the experimental probability of outcomes in a probability experiment and comparing experimental results with the theoretical probability for an experiment - Suggested use:
- Students can play these games to gain their understanding of probability - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired; additional accommodations may be required
Indigenous Math Games
Rules and instructions of various First Nations math games. These games pan across various different units, allowing teachers to pick and choose which games fit in their classrooms. Each games also contains a list of math links to each game, making it easier for teachers to link the games to the curriculum.
Rules and instructions of various First Nations math games. These games pan across various different units, allowing teachers to pick and choose which games fit in their classrooms. Each games also contains a list of math links to each game, making it easier for teachers to link the games to the curriculum.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1h. Demonstrate an understanding of probability by: identifying all possible outcomes of a probability experiment, differentiating between experimental and theoretical probability, determining the theoretical probability of outcomes in a probability experiment, determining the experimental probability of outcomes in a probability experiment and comparing experimental results with the theoretical probability for an experiment - Suggested use:
- Games can be used to teach and strengthen different concepts in math
- Once students know these games, they can be used when students are completed math work or in small math groups - Accessibility:
- Additional accommodations required for all nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students
STEM by the Numbers
In this lesson, students use data to analyze the participation of white, black, Asian and Hispanic men and women in STEM careers as compared with their participation in the general workforce. They then discuss the possible reasons identity groups are unequally represented in STEM careers.
In this lesson, students use data to analyze the participation of white, black, Asian and Hispanic men and women in STEM careers as compared with their participation in the general workforce. They then discuss the possible reasons identity groups are unequally represented in STEM careers.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3g. Graph collected data, and analyze the graph to solve problems - Suggested use:
- Follow lesson as laid out or adapt for specific needs - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Why Math Matters for Kids
A video explaining the importance of math and how it can be used it various scenarios.
A video explaining the importance of math and how it can be used it various scenarios.
- Suggested use:
- Use as a hook at the beginning of the year or a specific unit to relate curriculum to real-life scenarios - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Teaching Mathematics for Social Justice: Conversations with Educators
Book that discusses the challenges and strengths of incorporating anti-racism and social justice into mathematics education. The book describes ways to do this and the nuances and sensitivities needs to do this properly in a classroom setting. Note: This book is $36.95.
Book that discusses the challenges and strengths of incorporating anti-racism and social justice into mathematics education. The book describes ways to do this and the nuances and sensitivities needs to do this properly in a classroom setting. Note: This book is $36.95.
- Suggested use:
- Use to inform your teaching practice to relate math and social justice issues
NUMBERS
The History of the Abacus
This document shares a brief history of the abacus and its development in ancient China. The abacus can be used for counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. Based on the curriculum, abacus math is appropriate for K-3 and 4-6 math.
The History of the Abacus
This document shares a brief history of the abacus and its development in ancient China. The abacus can be used for counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, etc. Based on the curriculum, abacus math is appropriate for K-3 and 4-6 math.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1a. Demonstrate an understanding of place value including numbers that are: greater than one million and less than one thousandth
- 2a. Solve problems involving whole numbers and decimal numbers - Suggested use:
- Use to introduce or review ways to represent number and discuss the multi-cultural contributions to mathematics
SHAPE AND SPACE
Common Core and Islamic Art
Document that lays out a lesson plan that educates students about the mathematics involved in Islamic design. The document makes a good connection to math. Originally, the document is linked to US math curriculum, but does intersect with lessons on geometry and pattern design in the Alberta curriculum.
Common Core and Islamic Art
Document that lays out a lesson plan that educates students about the mathematics involved in Islamic design. The document makes a good connection to math. Originally, the document is linked to US math curriculum, but does intersect with lessons on geometry and pattern design in the Alberta curriculum.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2f. Perform a combination of successive transformations of 2-D shapes to create a design and identify and describe the transformations - Suggested use:
- Math to art curricular connection: use a resource to have students incorporate Islamic design into a design project, such as creating a tile design
The complex geometry of Islamic design
Video explaining the geometric principles behind the Islamic designs seen around the world.
Video explaining the geometric principles behind the Islamic designs seen around the world.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2f. Perform a combination of successive transformations of 2-D shapes to create a design and identify and describe the transformations - Suggested use:
- Use to identify how each pattern can be translated, reflected and rotated to create different patterns - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY
First Nations and Stereotypes in Math
Website that provides six lesson plans for math teachers to teach math with a social justice perspective. The lesson plans all discuss stereotypes and biases within mathematics that work against Aboriginal communities. All of the lesson plans are geared towards Grade 6 math, and many of them have cross-curricular links with Language Arts.
First Nations and Stereotypes in Math
Website that provides six lesson plans for math teachers to teach math with a social justice perspective. The lesson plans all discuss stereotypes and biases within mathematics that work against Aboriginal communities. All of the lesson plans are geared towards Grade 6 math, and many of them have cross-curricular links with Language Arts.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3g. Graph collected data and analyze the graph to solve problems - Suggested use:
- Follow along with lesson plans or adapt to suit classroom
