Engineering School Mathematics

Engineering School Mathematics is a blog about writing mathematics curricula.  Find out all sorts of “behind the scenes” questions that were debated or discuss in creating the Eureka/Engage NY curriculum!

Recent Posts:

My 2018 NCTM Presentation: Story Archetypes in Mathematics Curricula (4/19/2018) - How is the Eureka Math/EngageNY math curriculum like the STAR WARS saga? Attend my 2018 NCTM presentation in Washington DC next week to find out! Continue reading →

You can use pictures to explain column addition! (3/1/2017) - In this video, Autumn shows how to add two large numbers using column addition (The Addition Algorithm). In the process, she explains how column addition works using pictures. Continue reading →

Why should a parallelogram also be a trapezoid? The answer may surprise you. (11/29/2016) - Find out the real reasons why parallelograms should also be considered trapezoids. Continue reading →

Growing up with Eureka Live: Mathematical reasons for introducing a different solution method (12/29/2015) - In this video, 7 year old Autumn answers math questions in front of a live audience! Watch her win everyone's heart. Continue reading →

The Secrets of my Teaching Success: James Tanton (8/3/2015) - I recently asked James Tanton, "What are some of the secrets for your success as a teacher?" Here's what he said. Continue reading →

A Quick Comparison of a State Assessment and Eureka Math (6/9/2015) - We compare types of problems expected on new state assessments with examples from the Eureka Math curriculum. Continue reading →

Remarks on the History of Ratios (5/14/2015) - What was the definition of ratio used 2400 years ago? Jim Madden expounds on the different definitions of ratio used throughout the centuries. Continue reading →

Ratios, ordered pairs versus points, proportional relationships, and proportions (4/22/2015) - What are ratios, proportional relationships, and proportions according to the CCSS-M progressions documents, and what is the difference between a point and an ordered pair? Continue reading →

Fluency without Equivocation (2/23/2015) - What is the difference between fluency and blind memorization, and how does the EngageNY math curriculum achieve automaticity? Read on to find out! Continue reading →

Is it okay to write, “1 inch = 13 feet?” to set up a scale factor? (5/9/2013) - Why is this statement incorrect in setting up a ratio relationship? Hint: the = symbol. Continue reading →

First grade: Is, “3 girls + 2 boys = 3 kids + 2 kids,” a number sentence? (4/10/2013) - This statement appears to be perfectly okay, but causes problems due to the precise language of mathematics. Continue reading →

Simple example of Textbook School Mathematics. (3/1/2013) - An example of Textbook School Mathematics. Continue reading →

What is a variable? Part II: Expressions. (2/9/2013) - We describe expressions in this continuation of Part I. Continue reading →

What is a proportional relationship? (2/7/2013) - The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) use the term "proportional relationship" throughout the standards. Fortunately, the standards clearly describe what is meant by that term. Continue reading →

What is a variable? Part I: Symbols. (2/7/2013) - There are three important types of symbols used in mathematics: constant symbols, placeholder symbols, and operator symbols. Which of the three types is a variable? Continue reading →

What is a quantity? (2/6/2013) - Well....it makes sense that "3 liters" is a quantity, but what is it really? Learn more by reading this post! Continue reading →

Eradicating Textbook School Mathematics (TSM) (2/6/2013) - It is apropos to begin this blog with a short discussion of Textbook School Mathematics (or TSM). Continue reading →