Student units also include homework, mathematical reflections, and a unit review to help students develop understanding of concepts and skills. The format of the student books is very different from traditional mathematics texts. The student pages are uncluttered and have few non-essential features. Because students develop strategies and understanding by solving problems, the books contain no worked-out examples demonstrating solution methods. Since it is also important that students develop understanding of definitions and rules, the books contain no boxed definitions or rules.
Students record their growing understanding of definitions and rules in their notebooks.
A set of Focusing Questions piques student curiosity about what will be learned in the unit. Mathematical Highlights of the unit are goals for students. Some units have a Project . The investigation is summarized with a Mathematical Reflections section. Looking Back and Looking Ahead allows students to show what they can do.