Cooking with Kids, by Lynn Walters and

Jane Stacey, was prompted by a desire to reconnect children with food and its origins. Developers created professional development classes and a fully integrated curriculum in several volumes, grades K–1, 2–3, and 4–6. Social studies, math, science, language arts, and wellness are some of the topics addressed. New Mexico state standards are included as well as a glossary of cooking terms, reproduc- ible masters, resources, and a list of children’s books dealing with food. There are many, many recipes included that represent differ- ent ethic groups. On the publisher’s website you can find a video of their tasting classes. While some content is specific to New Mexico, it is usable in any state. This is a great set of resources. Cooking with

Kids. Cooking with Kids, 2008. 255 pages each. $55.00. 505-438-0098.

Number Talks, by Sherry Parrish, is a

book and DVD set for math educators of kindergarten through fifth grade. This is an excellent guide to facilitate working with clarity and confidence to help students express mathematical ideas and deepen understanding. The book includes reference tables for skill groups and NCTM stan- dards, an introduction to number talks, lots of examples of number talks through the grades, and discussion questions and guide for using the DVD, with nineteen exemplary number talks and interviews with teach- ers, as a professional development guide. Appendices provide reproducible masters, and common ques- tions. This is another stunning example of the fine work from people at Math Solu- tions. Number Talks.

Math Solutions, 2010. 390 pages and DVD. $65.95. 800-868-9092.

Websites The Futures Channel has a vast collection of short online videos focusing on math, science,

and technology in the real world. Biographies of scientists and others who use STEM skills in their careers are featured.

“12 Ways to Use the [New York] Times to Develop Math Literacy” is an article that lists

many ways to use current events and online tools to help gain a better understanding of math in our everyday lives. Investigate data from movie box offices, calculate duration of a car loan, see which careers depend on math and science.

Planning a Trip is a good site to visit before taking an eager group into the field, as it helps you

walk your students through some very big trips, for instance Washington, DC or Florida. Also visit websites of museums, historic sites, etc., to see their information on pre- and post-trip activities. It is a great way to extend your students’ experiences of visiting those places.

Vi Hart is a young “mathemusician” as she calls herself, interested in recreational and community

math. Her site includes pages such as “Doodling in Math Class,” “Paper Instruments,” and “Mathe- matical Food.” She does give workshops (she is located on Long Island, New York), but her site does a wonderful job of conveying her excitement, passion, and sense of play regarding mathematics. Pla- tonic solid balloon twisting and the hyperbolic planes of drying fruit are other areas of fascination.

©synergy learning • 800-769-6199 • May/June 2011

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