Exploring Mathematical Modeling with Young Learners

Section 1 Exploring the nature of mathematical modeling in the early grades.- 1 Perspective of models and modeling in early grades.- 2 Mathematical modeling as an innovative teaching approach with unique affordances.- 3 Meeting curricular standards through mathematical modeling in early grades.- 4 The child's perspective of modeling.- Section 2 Identifying the knowledge of content and pedagogy needed for mathematical modeling in the elementary grades.- 5 Early MM teaching practices and competencies.- 6 Connecting beliefs about mathematics teaching to mathematical modeling.- 7 Modeling contexts and problems for elementary students.- 8 Multiple learning pathways in MM.- 9 Connecting standards for mathematical practices during the modeling cycle.- Section 3 Finding the synergy between mathematical modeling and the 21st century skills framework and PBLs in STEm.- 10 STEM design thinking meets mathematical modeling.- 11 Promoting 21st century skills through mathematical modeling.- 12 Mathematical modeling through community-based service learning projects.- 13 Future directions to provide access to rigorous math through modeling.- 14 mathematical modeling lesson stories shared by teacher designers.

Jennifer Suh is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education, College of Education and Human Development, George Mason University. Dr. Suh teaches mathematics methods courses in the Elementary Education Program and mathematics leadership courses for the Mathematics Specialist Masters and Ph.D Programs.  She directs the Center for Outreach in Mathematics Professional Learning and Educational Technology, COMPLETE, a joint center between the College of Education and the College of Science. Her research focuses on: Implementing Lesson Study to develop pedagogical mathematics knowledge across the continuum from pre-service teachers to mathematics teacher leaders; Building children's development of mathematical meaning through math modeling and representational fluency; Promoting equitable access to 21st century skills through problem-based learning encouraging creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration for diverse student populations. Through formal andinformal educational outreach, Dr. Suh enjoys working with schools, communities teachers and parents to show how math can be useful in solving real world problems and be enjoyable to teach and learn.

Megan H. Wickstrom is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Letters and Science, Montana State University. Dr. Wickstrom teaches mathematics content and methods courses for pre-service and in-service K-12 teachers across undergraduate, masters, and Ph.D. programs. Her research focuses on: the teaching and learning of mathematical modeling in K-16 classrooms; the teaching and learning of geometry and measurement in K-16 classrooms; pre-service teacher preparation; and integration of research into practice. Dr. Wickstrom enjoys working alongside teachers to develop tasks that engage students in rich mathematical thinking and discussion.


Lyn English is a Professor of STEM Education at the Queensland University of

"This book is an invaluable resource ... . recommended for both those conducting research in mathematical modeling pedagogy as well as elementary teachers who would like to incorporate mathematical modeling in their classroom. This could also be used as a supplemental textbook for a graduate level mathematics education student studying elementary mathematics education. ... provides the reader with a broad overview of the major issues and challenges facing the field of teaching and learning mathematical modeling to young learners." (Blain Patterson, MAA Reviews, September 20, 2021)
"This book makes an excellent contribution to the mathematical modeling literature. The chapters in this book are focused on areas of interest for research on mathematical modeling. ... Exploring Mathematical Modeling with Young Learners is a great resource for those interested in mathematical modeling and rich mathematics education experiences for young learners. ... Research and implementation of mathematical modeling with young learners will continue to grow, and this book provides direction and guidance for this work." (Micah Stohlmann, Educational Studies in Mathematics, August 18, 2021)