Mathematics

Mathematics is about the patterned and ordered relationships that we see in the world.

It is about the form and pattern found in nature and art, poetry and architecture, science and music.  It is about exploration, intuition, and strategy.   It is about symbol, imagination, and language.  Finally, mathematics is about beauty.  It is about the beauty that is found in creation and the beauty that is found in an ordered and skilled mind and life. 

Finding patterns and solving problems is the central task of mathematics. Mathematical understanding and discernment, when applied to resolving a perplexing dilemma or situation, is fulfilling its purpose.  When students utilize number sense, perceive patterns, pose problems, and find solutions, they strengthen their minds and see their own potential.

Communication, through mathematical symbols, graphs, and language, is essential for mastery.  The challenge of writing and speaking mathematically encourages deliberation, the clarification of thoughts, and the sharing of ideas.  As students write mathematical statements in words, numbers, and symbols, they learn to think, learn, and reason effectively. It is for this reason that the math teacher is also a teacher of writing.

Mathematical Dimensions

Mathematics is composed of four main content areas: Number Concepts; Patterns, Relations, & Functions; Geometry & Measurement; and Statistics and Probability.  In each of these content areas, students develop skill in:

• Problem Solving.  Using appropriate algorithms and strategies, as well as utilizing appropriate tools, such as computers and calculators.

• Communication.  Sharing strategies, justifying solutions orally and in writing, making and argument, and using graphs.

• Reasoning.  Drawing logical conclusions, applying inductive, deductive, and proportional reasoning, posing questions, analyzing graphs, and evaluating arguments.

• Connections.  Applying mathematical thinking to solve problems that arise in other disciplines and making connections between the different content areas of mathematics.

Mathematical Habits of Mind

At Mustard Seed, student work in mathematics encourages the practice of important habits of mind. Students, through the study of mathematics, will:
•    consistently work to stretch their competence.
•    deepen their understanding of mathematics, as well as memorize important facts and theories.
•    develop confidence and an attitude of persistence.
•    take on difficult problems and persevere in their attempt to reach solutions.
•    respond to with a sense of wonder at the order of creation
•    understand how mathematics prepares us to act reasonably, fairly, and justly in the world.

Our Commitments

At Mustard Seed, students explore mathematical ideas in ways that maintain their curiosity, appreciation, and understanding of mathematics.  Throughout the grades, students use manipulative materials and games as integral parts of math classes. 

At Mustard Seed, students work together in groups to build students’ ability to use mathematical symbols, relationships, and theories to communicate truth about the world.  Students learn from each other now, just as they will in high school and beyond.

At Mustard Seed, students problem solve, reason in logical ways, interpret statistics and probability, determine patterns and functions, and calculate geometric shape and measurement. In class and at home, experience with word problems and mental math exercises develop students’ thinking skills and independence.

At Mustard Seed students connect math with other disciplines.  As students organize data, analyze statistics, measure quantities, and create graphs, they do so in the context of relevant scientific, economic, social, and geographic studies.

The Coleman Fung Chair for Mathematics

In 2007, Long Island entrepreneur and philanthropist Coleman Fung established the Coleman Fung Chair for Mathematics.  This gift recognizes and supports the scholarly pursuits and teaching excellence of faculty members in leadership at Mustard Seed School.  Money from the endowed chair is used for enrichment programming, guest speakers, curriculum materials and technology.

I LOVE Math Day

Mustard Seed School takes a new angle on Valentine's Day. To honor St. Valentine, the school celebrates an 'I (Heart) Math' Day.  The day includes school-wide math activities, a panel of speakers who use math daily at work and for enjoyment, and the revealing of the answer to a math puzzle that school families are invited to solve together.