First in Math - Solving 1,000,000 Math Problems by Winter Break Challenge

This year, thanks to the HCPSS Secondary Math Office and the generous support of Suntex Corporation, Wilde Lake Middle School is piloting the use of First In Math® by all of our students. Since beginning the use of this online math resource this month (October), WLMS students have solved more than 300,000 math problems. Today, I challenged our students to solve more than 1,000,000 math problems by Winter Break.

What is First in Math? First In Math® is an online program that is aligned with National Mathematics Standards and features eight distinct skill set® groups, each of which focuses students on select objectives:

• Skill Sets One and Two are designed to help students learn to add and subtract with accuracy, speed and confidence.
• Skill Sets Three and Four are designed to help student learn to multiply and divide with accuracy, speed and confidence; as well as to develop pattern-sensing and pre-algebra problem solving skills.
• Skill Sets Five and Six are designed to promote algebra readiness, as well as proficiency with fractions and decimals.
• Skill Sets Seven and Eight are designed to continue preparation for and practice with Algebra by focusing on integers, exponents and algebra skills such as evaluating, factoring and simplifying algebraic expressions.

The program also includes the following modules which further improve numerical fluency:

• Add/Subtract Gym, where students demonstrate mastery of addition and subtraction facts.
• Multiply/Divide Gym, where students demonstrate mastery of multiplication and division facts.
• Integers Gym, where students demonstrate mastery of all four operations with positive and negative numbers.
• Know & Show, where students practice answering problems similar to those on standardized tests. K&S covers all strands of national and state mathematics standards including geometry, statistics and probability, graphs and charts, mathematical reasoning, pre-trigonometry, and measurement.

Problem solving is an integral part of all mathematical learning and is emphasized throughout the National standards. Therefore, each activity in First in Math® is designed to strengthen problem-solving, as well as reasoning and communication skills.

Barbara Asteak, Vice President of Suntex Corporation (First in Math), visits with students at our school

Here at WLMS, each math class has become a team that is competing against the other math classes here in our school. They are competing to see which class/team earns the most electronic stickers each week (on average, solving three math problems correctly earns one electronic sticker). Our math team is using this program as a supplement to our regular curriculum and encouraging students to play at home during their free time.

In addition to our in-school competition, our students are competing against all of the other schools in the state and across the country who have First in Math. Our students are reporting that they really love the "computer game" format and the competition.

Source: First in Math http://www.firstinmath.com/