Students working individually and in flexible group situations, which include paired work and cooperative groups. We believe that the shared reality of doing mathematics in cooperation with others develops a richer set of experiences than students working in isolation. The MathScape curriculum builds upon the central theme of mathematics in the human experience. Throughout the curriculum, students experience mathematics as it is used for planning, predicting, designing, exploring, explaining, coordinating, comparing, deciding and for other activities fundamental to human endeavors throughout the world and throughout history. The pedagogy of the curriculum reflects a view of learning as a process of constructing one's own knowledge and emphasizes the importance of the social context of learning for middle school students.
Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum.
In addition to working with calculators, students use a set of general-purpose software tools such as spreadsheet software and dynamic geometry software. The materials are designed to integrate communication into mathematics by providing opportunities for students to use reading, writing, and speaking as tools for learning mathematics. MathThematics materials are problem-centered, application based, and use technology where appropriate. Many lessons are designed to be project oriented and have students work cooperatively. New assessment techniques are used throughout the materials.