Curriculum Overview

National experts in the fields of math education, mathematics, early childhood education, and gifted education for Grades K, 1, and 2 will write units in Years 1-3. The Project M² units will focus on in-depth mathematics using research-based practices and national standards in mathematics education and early childhood education. One unit at each grade 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. These geometry and measurement units will replace similar units from the regular curriculum for the intervention group during field testing.

Overview of Objectives of the K-2 Curriculum Units

Geometry

K-2 Mathematics (NCTM, 2006)

Interpret and describe the physical world with geometric ideas using corresponding vocabulary
Use basic shapes and spatial reasoning to model objects in the physical environment
Recognize, name, build, draw, and describe a variety of 2- and 3-dimensional shapes
Compare and sort 2- and 3-D shapes
Compose and decompose 2- and 3-dimensional shapes from different perspectives and orientations
Describe, name, and interpret direction and distance in navigating space
Relate geometry ideas to number and measurement

Measurement

K-2 Mathematics (NCTM, 2006)

Recognize and use attributes of length, area, volume, and weight
Compare and order objects using these attributes
Understand linear measure as an iteration of units
Understand the need for equal length units
Measure using a variety of nonstandard and standard (inch and centimeter) units
Select an appropriate unit and tool to measure
Develop inverse relationship between the size of the unit and the number of units used
Represent measurements and discrete data in pictures and bar graphs

Curriculum Implementation Schedule

	Curriculum	Curriculum Support
2007-2008	Develop grade 2 Revise grade 2 based on qualitative analyses of pilot	Design website Develop communication model
2008-2009	Develop grade 1 Revise grade 1 based on qualitative analyses of pilot	Maintain website Use, gather evidence on, and refine communication model in grade 2
2009-2010	Develop grade K Revise grade K based on qualitative analyses of pilot Refine grade 2 based on qualitative analyses of field test	Maintain website Use, gather evidence on, and refine communication model in grade 1
2010-2011	Refine grade 1 based on qualitative analyses of field test	Maintain website Use, gather evidence on, and refine communication model in grade K
2011-2012	Refine grade K based on qualitative analyses of field test Finalize K-2 units for publication	Maintain website Prepare communication model for publication

Special features of the Project M² units:

Each lesson is differentiated to accommodate individual learning styles, prior experiences, and levels of understanding. “Think Deeply” questions focus on critical and creative thinking skills and ask students to extend and/or synthesize their learning. “Hint Cards” are provided to help students who need more support. “Think Beyond Cards” are included for students who are ready for increased challenges.
Employing a hallmark of enrichment teaching and learning, experiments and/or projects are included in each unit. These activities enable students to review concepts, synthesize their learning, and put to use the information in real-world, practical ways.