About the Project

Project M² will build upon the success of Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds, a grade 3-5 advanced curriculum study. Studies investigating this curriculum found statistically significant gains on open-response, criterion-referenced, and standardized tests. The Project M² units will be focused on "in-depth" mathematics using research-based practices and standards in mathematics education and early childhood education. One unit at each grade K-2 will focus on geometry and the other on measurement, both concepts that recently were identified in the Curriculum Focal Points (NCTM, 2006) as key areas to be emphasized in these grades. As scores on national and international assessments indicate, not much attention is presently devoted to geometry or measurement in primary level curriculum.

Each geometry and measurement unit will:

Engage students in critical and creative thinking and problem solving;
Encourage students to communicate verbally and in writing like practicing mathematicians;
Be differentiated to meet the needs of all students;
Be piloted and field-tested to measure students achievement and refine the curriculum.

Students participating in Project M² will advance their mathematical understanding and achievement in geometry and measurement. In addition, they will be able to explain and justify their reasoning orally and using written representations, come up with a variety of ways to solve problems.

Teachers will have the opportunity to work together with the authors and professional development staff to implement the curriculum. They will take part in summer and school-year professional development workshops with the authors and professional development staff. In addition they will receive weekly classroom support by the professional development staff. They will keep all curriculum materials for future use.