Thinking Through Mathematics book 2 (ages 8-10)

Mathematical inquiry challenges students to ask questions, create definitions and think very carefully about how they are going to solve a problem.

With the emphasis on mathematical reasoning, judgement and problem-solving skills, the Thinking through Mathematics series requires students to investigate questions that are open-ended. The process of reasoning is reinforced as students consider the parameters of their inquiry, formulate, trial and enact a plan, and share their thinking process alongside the results.

Each book provides ten mathematical inquiry units, each posing a real-life question for inquiry, such as:

How many television advertisements will a typical Year Four student watch in a year?

Is a daily goal of 10 000 steps achievable?

Each of the ten units follows five phases of inquiry:

• Discover (engage with the problem)

→ Devise (create a plan)

→ Develop (implement the plan)

→ Defend (justify and communicate solutions and the decisions made)

→ Diverge (optional: explore alternative pathways)

Notes for the teacher make the process of mathematical inquiry transparent. 'In Action' sections share the authors' extensive experience trialling and testing these mathematical inquiries, and how they develop mathematical understanding in their own students.

Thinking through Mathematics provides a practical entry into inquiry-based mathematics learning which immerses students in solving authentic, complex problems.