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Math Lab |
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The math lab was implemented in 1990 as a result of our review process. It was created for several reasons: to provide a place where small group investigations could take place, as a support to classroom teachers in their execution of the hands-on math curriculum and to provide a connection between grade levels throughout the school.
During their time in the math lab, students investigate a variety of mathematical topics and experience laboratory activities that compliment the classroom curriculum and study. Problems posed, cover a wide variety of mathematical ideas and may require
the collection of data, the need for an analysis of information, or a cooperative
approach using several manipulatives or a building, thereby crossing several
strands of mathematical thinking. It is important that students see the holistic
nature of mathematical study; In the math lab, as in the classroom, students are encouraged to take risks and discover for themselves solutions to mathematical investigations. Students share ideas and discoveries with each other and in this way develop their strategies to support their hypothesis. From each other, students learn different approaches with which to solve future problems. Finally, the philosophy of the math lab follows the philosophy of the school in its endeavor to help students connect mathematical ideas to the real world and to help them see that mathematics is an enjoyable, as well as necessary, component to their lives. Math on the Internet:
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Each
class is divided into two groups; one group visits the math lab while the other
stays in the classroom. In this way, each student in kindergarten through fifth
grade visits the math lab biweekly for one hour. 
the math lab endeavors to create investigations that connect several mathematical
strands or ideas.
