Numeracy Across the Curriculum What is numeracy Mathematical

Numeracy Across the Curriculum

What is numeracy? Mathematical literacy

Specifically……. . Numeracy includes the ability to: Ø Read numerical content Ø Interpret content correctly Ø Understand patterns and trends Ø Reason in numerical, graphical and geometric situations Ø Use numerical information to predict Ø Solve real-life problems Ø Communicate effectively

This requires informed use of……. Ø Number facts Ø Fractions, decimals and percent Ø Tables, graphs and statistics Ø Basic measurement and geometry Ø Formulae

Number Facts

What number facts are illustrated here?

you might respond with • 4 x 5 = 20 • 10 x 2 = 20 • 5 + 15 = 20 • 20 divided by 4 is 5 • or many others • we need basic number facts so that we can estimate an answer to a question.

Knowledge of Number facts is necessary to solve any number of everyday problems.

While shopping I had this problem: • Powdered laundry detergent washes x loads for $y • The liquid form of the same brand washes k loads for $m. • What is the best buy?

Fractions, Decimals and Percent

A basic understanding of fractions is necessary for so many tasks. . .

Need to double the recipe?

Looking for a bargain? You better have an understanding of Percents

Income tax time is stressful enough without having to worry about how to find percent of a number

Tables, Graphs and Statistics

What was the daily maximum on December 12?

Ø How far is it from Hamilton to Grand Bend? Ø How many miles is this? Ø How long will it take you to get there?

What information does this convey?

What do these numbers say?

Basic Measurement and Geometry

Do you measure up? For many tasks around the house a knowledge of geometry is important. You may want to lay a patio or driveway with an appealing pattern.

How do we make sure the angles in a rectangular wall or deck are all 90 o ? • Measure both diagonals. • They should both be the same length. • Put in at least one diagonal brace to maintain the angles.

Using formulae

F = 9/5 C + 32 How many of these can you identify? d = vt F 85 = A + Y average = sum of all values number of values Maximum safe heart rate = 220 - age Working capital = current assets – current liabilities d = m/v I=Prt

Body Mass Index BMI = (W x 705)/ H H A BMI greater than 27 or less than 19 indicates increased risk for health problems

Mark is 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. Is his health at risk? BMI = ( 110 x 705) / 62 62 = 20. 174 He is in good shape.

So why does numeracy matter? “…. . the groups with the lowest employment among men and women were those with poor numeracy rather than poor literacy. ” “ People without numeracy skills suffered worse disadvantage in employment than those with poor literacy skills alone. They left school early, frequently without qualifications, and had more difficulty in getting and maintaining full-time employment. ” (Does Numeracy Matter? Evidence from the National Child Development Study on the Impact of Poor Numeracy on Child Life, Basic Skills Agency, 1997)

“For numeracy, Level 3 is … the minimum for persons to understand use information contained in the increasingly difficult texts and tasks that characterize the emerging knowledge society and information economy. ” (International Assessment of Literacy and Skills, 2003)

“As knowledge expands and the economy evolves, more people are working with technologies or working in settings where mathematics is a cornerstone. Problem solving, the processing of information and communication are becoming routine job requirements. Outside the workplace, mathematics arises in everyday situation after situation. Mathematical literacy is necessary both at work and in daily life. It is one of the keys to coping with a changing society. ” (Leading Math Success: Mathematical Literacy, Grades 7 – 12)