Scientific investigations embedded in many units use the TIMS Laboratory Method, an organized method of investigation appropriate for elementary school children to use. Students explore a situation by drawing a picture, gathering and organizing data, graphing the data, and analyzing their results. The science content in Math Trailblazers is intended to supplement, rather than replace, a school's existing science curriculum. Math Trailblazers also makes a strong connections to language arts. As part of every lesson, students discuss and write about mathematics.
Many lessons use trade books to launch or extend mathematical investigations.
The curriculum itself contains original stories, called Adventure Books, that show applications of concepts being studied or episodes from the history of mathematics and science. Assessments include a mix of short, medium-length, and extended activities. Beginning in third grade, Math Trailblazers provides a scoring rubric for assessing students' work. An adaptation of this rubric allows students to assess their own work using the same criteria. Components of the Math Trailblazers curriculum vary across grade levels.