Math on the Menu: Real Life Problem Solving for Grades 3-5 interweaves mathematics with an imaginary Mexican restaurant in a series of activities in which basic skills are practiced and key math concepts are placed in a real-world context. Students help the Rosada family start a restaurant by planning the menu, determining different combinations of ingredients, analyzing costs, setting prices, expanding into combination plates, and figuring out the best ways to arrange the kitchen, bathroom and tables in their newest venture.
The activities build on one another, and children have the opportunity to use a wide variety of problem-solving and mathematical-reasoning skills. Students communicate mathematically as they work collaboratively, have class discussions and write in their journals. The book includes literature connections, assessment suggestions and ideas for further mathematical explorations.
The book by Jaine Kopp with Denise Davila costs $16. It is available from GEMS, Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Berkeley, CA 94720-5200, (510) 642-771.
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