Overview

Do you need new ideas for teaching mathematical modeling? Or are you ready to incorporate mathematical modeling into your daily classroom lessons but aren't quite sure where to start? This comprehensive resource will get you started and expand your repertoire. Through authentic scenarios and practical ideas that engage students' imaginations, authors Michelle Cirillo and John A. Pelesko equip secondary teachers with tools needed to be comfortable with mathematical modeling and explore the topic in a way that's both inspiring and prepares students for STEM careers. Learn the nuts and bolts of effective mathematical modeling instruction and how to use mathematical modeling to answer real-world questions in this invaluable resource and important contribution to mathematics education.

Full Product Details

9781935099819

Table of Contents

Reviews

In Unlocking the Mystery: Mathematical Modeling in Secondary Classrooms, the authors artfully demonstrate ways to engage students in modeling experiences that bring about enthusiasm, curiosity, and enjoyment through exploration and analysis of authentic situations in our world. Modeling opportunities including video-integrated cases that enable educators to value and build on students' brilliance while showcasing the interdependence of teachers' knowledge of mathematics, pedagogy, and relevant contexts. --Farshid Safi, PhD, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, School of Teacher Education, University of Central Florida Unlocking the Mystery brilliantly captures the habits of mind, the thought tools, and the creative mindset that teaching and learning mathematical modeling demands. By combining the finding of current research with decades of professional experience modeling and developing student modelers, Unlocking the Mystery offers one-stop shopping for instruction in mathematical modeling at the secondary and post-secondary level. When asked for resources for teaching mathematical modeling, I have often given a variety of webpages, texts, and articles from which the information could be gathered. Unlocking the Mystery pulls all that information into a readable, well-researched, and resourced text built upon decades of research and experience. Unlocking the Mystery is now first on my list. As an instructor of Mathematical Modeling since 1986, I've thought a lot about the modeling process and the mindset that mathematical modeling requires. Unlocking the Mystery has given me new ways of thinking about my practice and presents principles of modeling that I have always valued but didn't have a good way to express to my students. --Daniel J. Teague, Instructor of Mathematics, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics Unlocking the Mystery does exactly what the title says--it truly unlocks this powerful tool in an intensely readable, accessible, and enjoyable book. From understanding what mathematical modeling is all about to offering real strategies and practical ideas adaptable to any classroom, this book is an invaluable resource for all mathematics teachers interested in incorporating mathematical modeling into their day-to-day teaching, for every leader supporting those teachers, and for anyone interested in learning more about all the mysteries that mathematical modeling can unlock. Enjoy the journey! --Cathy Seeley, Past President National Council of Teachers of Mathematics If you're involved in secondary mathematics education, you know that mathematical modeling matters. In Unlocking the Mystery: Mathematical Modeling in Secondary Classrooms, Drs. Cirillo and Pelesko, both experienced teachers and modelers, move beyond sharing a collection of math modeling activities by providing relatable (and readable) perspective on the learning and teaching of the math modeling process. --Benjamin Galluzzo, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Associate Director, Institute of STEM Education, Clarkson University In this book, Cirillo and Pelesko demystify mental models and thinking processes--'unlocking the mystery' will help teachers and their students effectively engage in mathematical modeling. --Dr. Rachel Levy, Executive Director of the NC State University Data Science Academy and Professor of Mathematics Provides in-depth examples of authentic real-world problems that engage students. Clearly explains essential 'thought tools' for modeling, connecting each tool to the math modeling cycle. --Maria Hernandez, Faculty Emerita The NC School of Science and Mathematics

Author Information

Michelle Cirillo is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Delaware. She received her PhD from Iowa State University after working as a high school mathematics teacher in New York. Cirillo's primary research interests include the teaching of disciplinary practices (e.g., mathematical proof and modeling), classroom discourse, and teachers' use of curriculum materials. She is especially interested in the space where these three areas intersect. John A. Pelesko is a professor of the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Delaware. He earned his PhD in mathematical sciences at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Pelesko's primary research interests include mathematical modeling of physical systems, especially micro and nanoscale engineered systems.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available