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Mathematics: Grades 6 to 9

Note: The list of learning resources in this section provides an update to Mathematics 6-9: A Bibliography for the Middle Level (1996).

This section of the annual update is also available as a printable PDF version.

Continuum (Print-Non-Fiction). Belanger, Carla, et al. Rogue Media Inc. (RMI), 2002. 432 p. ISBN 0-9688975-3-3 ($59.60 hdc.). Teacher's Resource Manual - ISBN 0-9688975-2-5 ($192.90 binder).

(CAN) This interdisciplinary resource connects mathematics to the real world using a thematic approach. Each unit is designed to review and introduce mathematical concepts around a particular theme, and culminate in a theme-based project. Some of the other mathematical concepts reviewed in the units are from previous grade level content. The student text includes a table of contents, a glossary, an answer section, and an index.

The teacher’s manual provides instructional notes for each tutorial, reproducible pages, extra practise, sample post-tests, as well as holistic generic rubrics.

Note: There is an emphasis on comparing and converting between Imperial and Metric units of measurement.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Algebra; Data Management; Geometry; Measurement; Numbers and Operations; Ratio and Proportion


Developing Data-Graph Comprehension in Grades K-8. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Curcio, Frances R. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), 2001. 136 p. ISBN 0-87353-505-7 ($23.95 U.S. pbk.).

This revised and expanded resource provides practical ideas for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. It places emphasis on predicting, formulating questions, and constructing and interpreting graphs using constructivist-based explorations. The appendix includes blackline masters for use with activities. This is an essential resource for strengthening students’ quantitative literacy.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Data Management and Analysis
Other Use: Mathematics: Elementary Level


Fractals, Googols and Other Mathematical Tales (Print-Fiction). Pappas, Theoni. WideWorld Publishing/Tetra (RAI), 1993. 55 p. ISBN 0-933174-89-6 ($16.50 pbk.).

This resource offers a creative exploration of mathematical ideas through storytelling and historical explanation. It contains interesting anecdotes that may serve as motivational sets or starting points for exploration of concepts related to the strands, but extending beyond curriculum expectations. Suggested activities encourage active investigation using logic, reasoning, and visualization. Examples of topics include, “Penrose Discovers the Möbius Strip,” “The Planet Dodeka,” “Watch Out for the Googols,” “The Story of ?,” and “The Story of Zero.” Sidebars display information related to each concept.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Problem Solving


Fundamentals: Games for Developing and Practicing Mental Computation Strategies Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Burnett, James and Tickle, Brian. The Wright Group/ McGraw-Hill (MHR), 2003. 64 p. Order numbers follow.

Titles recommended for the Middle Level in this series include the following:

Fundamentals: Games for Developing and Practicing Mental Computation Strategies: 4-5

 

ISBN 1-876842-61-X

($37.34 pbk.)

Fundamentals: Games for Developing and Practicing Mental Computation Strategies: 5-6

 

ISBN 1-876842-02-4

($37.34 pbk.)

Set of 6 books

 

ISBN 1-4045-1775-8

($200.83 pbk.).

This mathematics series outlines in detail, games for developing mental computation strategies. Focus is on developing the thinking process, as opposed to the quick recall of answers. Each game outlines the intended purpose of the activity, the required materials, and the playing instructions. A brief rationale based on research findings is also included. Ideas for introducing the game; for observing, directing, and assisting students during the playing period; and for follow-up and extension activities are provided. Problem solving and communication are necessary in each game, as students are encouraged to verbalize their calculation strategies and to learn from each other. Many of the games require the use of manipulatives. Blackline masters are included.

Note: Cover-to-cover use of the books in the Fundamentals Series is not recommended. Many of the activities in each title extend beyond grade level objectives.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics: Elementary Level


Making Money With Major Munchy: Explorations in Probability (Multimedia). Human Relations Media/HRM Video (MCI), 1997. Order no. 600165-21 ($299.00).

This multimedia kit includes a video, seven program guides, 15 die, a teacher's resource book, a CD-ROM, a set of worksheets, a set of overhead transparencies, and a technical requirements book.

The video presents students with a real-world scenario involving chance. Four students try to determine their odds of winning a $50 prize for collecting all six letters of the Major Munchy cereal contest - M U N C H Y. Only one letter may be found in each specially marked cereal box. Together, the students determine ways to predict the probable outcomes, without having to purchase boxes of the cereal first. They consider how certain they want to be about the odds of winning before playing the game and if there is a way to increase their odds of winning using co-operation. The video contains four segments, each presenting the next problem-solving step used by the students. Viewers are challenged to work on the problem before proceeding.

The CD-ROM includes excerpts from the videotape, as well as activities for further exploration of the story problems. Instructional tips and background notes related to the mathematical concepts being used are provided in the teacher’s guide along with blackline masters and ideas for further exploration. Concepts covered include collecting data through experimenting, and organizing and interpreting data.

Note: The computer equipment depicted in the video looks outdated.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Data Management


Math and Science Across Cultures: Activities and Investigations From the Exploratorium (Print-Non-Fiction). Bazin, Maurice, Tamez, Modesto and The Exploratorium Teacher Institute. The New Press (UTP), 2002. 176 p. ISBN 1-56584-541-2 ($32.95 pbk.).

This resource makes a variety of cross-curricular connections using games, and real-world activities from different cultures. Each chapter begins with a world map highlighting a particular country or countries. Lessons include cultural and content-specific information. The activities encourage hands-on exploration of concepts using critical and creative thinking. Three to four activities from diverse locations around the world are organized under each of the following broad categories: “Patterns and Play,” “Counting and Calendars,” “Social and Cultural Traditions,” and “Subsistence and Survival.” This resource offers an integrated approach to teaching mathematics and science as well as other subject areas.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; General Reference
Other Use: Arts Education: Middle Level; Science: Middle Level; Social Studies: Grades 7-9


Math 09 (Print-Non-Fiction). Thiessen, Burt. Globe Printers Ltd. (GBE), 2004. 456 p. ISBN 0-9689314-2-1 ($36.00 spiral-bound).

(SK) Primarily designed for direct instruction, this traditional type resource provides worked examples and questions for many of the concepts addressed in mathematics at the Grade 9 level. Focus is placed on mathematical procedures as opposed to developing conceptual understanding. Some topics, such as factoring polynomials, extend beyond those covered in the curriculum. The geometry section does not address all of the Grade 9 objectives. Included in the text are a table of contents, an index, and an answers section.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; General Reference


Multiplication the Algebra Way (Print-Non-Fiction). Wiebe, Arthur, et al. AIMS Education Foundation (SES), 2001. 159 p. ISBN 1-881431-93-2 ($38.30 pbk.).

This resource begins with the concept of how to understand two-digit multiplication. Numerous activities have the students explore compound areas created by base 10 blocks to determine the component areas, total areas, and dimensions of both. Over a series of activities, these three ideas are related to two-digit multiplication and the distributive property. Later activities expand these ideas into decimal fractions, fractions, and algebraic situations including the factoring of quadratic expressions. Each activity promotes a deeper understanding of multiplication without placing emphasis on drill, memorization, or formulas.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20


Navigating Through Data Analysis in Grades 9-12 (Print-Non-Fiction). Burrill, Gail, et al. (Principles and Standards for School Mathematics Navigations Series). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), 2003. 136 p. ISBN 0-87353-524-3 ($38.95 U.S. pbk.).

Part of the Navigation Series, this resource focuses on developing skills in data analysis. Using activity-based investigations, students develop their ability to formulate questions that can be addressed with data. Other skills addressed include methods of selecting and implementing appropriate statistical methods, analyzing data, evaluating inferences, and predicting and applying probability concepts.

Along with each student activity is information for the teacher regarding the mathematical content being targeted, its relationships to previous and future activities, as well as surprises, ideas, and questions that may arise for the students.

The supplemental CD-ROM features interactive applets, blackline masters, and additional professional development readings.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Data Management
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20; Mathematics: A30, B30, C30


Navigating Through Geometry in Grades 6-8 (Print-Non-Fiction). Pugalee, David K., et al. (Principles and Standards for School Mathematics Navigations Series). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SES), 2002. 128 p. ISBN 0-87353-513-8 ($47.95 pbk.).

Written to develop geometric understanding in Grades 6 to 8, this resource contains background information and activities to involve students in the exploration and development of geometric concepts. Lessons include the characteristics and properties of shapes, coordinate geometry, transformation explorations, symmetry, and geometric modelling.

The supplemental CD-ROM features interactive electronic activities and blackline masters.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Geometry/Measurement; Teacher Reference


Navigating Through Probability in Grades 9-12 (Print-Non-Fiction). Shaughnessy, J. Michael, et al. (Principles and Standards for School Mathematics Navigations Series). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), 2004. 131 p. ISBN 0-87353-525-1 ($38.95 U.S. pbk.).

Through an engaging problem-solving approach, this resource develops students' probabilistic thinking. Activity-based lessons immerse students in constructing concepts of probability models and distribution. Students have the opportunity to predict and interpret outcomes based on actual or simulated data from experiments and to verify their predictions. Real-world examples demonstrate the relevance and usefulness of probability to students. Part of the Navigation Series, this resource complements the title on data analysis.

Along with each student activity is information for the teacher regarding the mathematical content being targeted, its relationships to previous and future activities, as well as surprises, ideas, and questions that may arise for the students.

An accompanying CD-ROM supplies blackline masters, additional activities, and professional articles related to probability.
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Data Management
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20; Mathematics: A30, B30, C30


Niktu: A Game of Algebraic Thinking: Level V (Game). Greenes, Carole and Findell, Carol. Creative Publications (MHR), 2004. ISBN 1-4045-1365-5 ($29.35).

This game offers a review of algebraic concepts within a small group setting. Each playing card contains an algebraic equation with a missing numeral. Players take turns rolling a die and substituting the rolled number for the missing variable. They attempt to solve the equation before the timer runs out. Concepts addressed include order of operations, inverse operations, fractional values, and integers. Directions for a variation of the game are included.
Suggested Use: Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Algebra; Review of Algebraic Skills
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20


101 Great Ideas for Introducing Key Concepts in Mathematics: A Resource for Secondary School Teachers (Print-Non-Fiction). Posamentier, Alfred S. and Hauptman, Herbert A. Corwin Press, Inc. (MRI), 2001. 225 p. ISBN 0-7619-7513-6 ($46.95 pbk.).

Arranged by topics, this resource presents activity-based investigations that support various strands in the mathematics curriculum. It contains excellent ideas for teachers wishing to introduce concepts in new or varied ways that promote critical and creative thinking, as well as other Common Essential Learnings.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20; Mathematics: A30, B30, C30


Perspectives on Indigenous People of North America (Print-Non-Fiction). Hankes, Judith Elaine and Fast, Gerald R., eds. (Changing the Faces of Mathematics Series). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), 2002. 283 p. ISBN 0-87353-506-5 ($25.95 U.S. pbk.).

This resource is a collection of essays related to teaching mathematics in a culturally relevant way to Indigenous people of North America. It is devoted to discussing ways of helping Indigenous students make meaningful connections between school mathematics and their culture. The authors stress the need to present mathematical concepts within the context of daily life scenarios, and they illustrate ways to involve students in culturally related mathematical activities. Examples include suggestions for teaching numbers and operations concepts using traditional games, and introducing students to a variety of number systems specific to North American Indigenous people. Many geometrical concepts and patterns are immersed in arts and crafts associated with the culture. Some activities lend themselves to co-operative group or partner work, while others are better structured as independent study. An excellent section on portfolios and the paradigm shift in mathematics assessment is included.
Suggested Use: Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Grade 9; General Reference
Other Use: Mathematics: Elementary Level; Mathematics 10, 20; Mathematics: A30, B30, C30
Initiative: Indian, Inuit, and Métis Content and Perspectives


Quantum (Print-Non-Fiction). Belanger, Carla, et al. Rogue Media Inc. (RMI), 2003. 455 p. ISBN 0-9688975-4-1 ($59.60 hdc.). Teacher's Resource Manual - ISBN 0-9688975-5-X ($192.90 binder).

(CAN) This interdisciplinary resource provides students with real-world projects centred on mathematical concepts. The units are thematically organized, each one beginning with a project that carries on throughout the unit. Tutorials provide students with guided practice to develop understanding of concepts related to project work. The student text includes a table of contents, an answer section, a tune-up centre for concept review, a glossary, and an index.

The teacher’s manual contains instructional notes for each lesson, blackline masters, and sample post-tests.
Suggested Use: Grade 8; Data Management; Grade 9; Consumer Mathematics; Geometry/Measurement; Ratio and Proportion
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20


Real-Life Math: Everyday Use of Mathematical Concepts (Print-Non-Fiction). Glazer, Evan M. and McConnell, John W. Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. (VLI), 2002. 165 p. ISBN 0-313-31998-7 ($72.95 hdc.).

This book is a reference guide promoting real-world connections to over 40 mathematical concepts. It provides concise background explanations and many examples of concept applications, although descriptions of how to perform the calculations are not included. Additional online sources are suggested for further exploration. This resource may be useful for answering questions such as, “When are we ever going to use this?”
Suggested Use: Grade 9; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Mathematics 10, 20; Mathematics: A30, B30, C30

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