Mathematics Mathematics Apply Math to Real Problems Mathematics tasks often represent problems, and mathematics can be used to represent and analyze conflicts. See the list of mathematics and science teaching resources. Apply mathematical tools to real local, national, and global problems: Summarize and assess the persuasiveness of data, note correlations, graphs, express relative quantities in ratios and proportions, examine probabilities, consider policies in relation to diversities in the community and the world such as correlations and reasons for distributions and (im)balances of wealth, disease, natural resources, or trade. Students survey peers in various grade levels in their school, to find out how they experienced conflicts and violence inside and outside the school. Then the class works together, guided by their teacher, to analyze this information, represent it graphically, make sense of it, and consider alternatives. They later apply their skills to conduct independent inquiry projects on larger-scale violent conflicts in the contemporary world (Canada). Using a lesson from a Canadian teaching resource called Math that Matters, students quantify and analyze questions such as resource access, locations, and relationships among different social groups, such as applying notions of proportion and percentage to statistics showing that Chinese workers were assigned the most dangerous jobs in building the trans-Canada railroad, such that they suffered a disproportionate number of deaths, compared to the Canadian population as a whole. Apply concepts of area, density and scale to municipal planning issues, such as the placing of subway or bus transit routes. For instance, another Math that Matters lesson practices key math concepts and skills such as density and Mathematical Reasoning Use arithmetic and mathematical reasoning to evaluate and debate the reliability and bias of statistics and graphic representations presented in texts and media reports. Use graphs, charts, and other visual representations to illuminate ‘tough choices’ for addressing contemporary problems such as violent crime or environmental damage. Groups of students each figure out how to graphically represent and persuade viewers toward a different point of view, using the same initial set of statistical information. Using geometry, examine the meaning of perspective, optical illusions; logical ‘proofs’ concerning geometric rules or relationships. Practice Estimation and Measurement Use recipes from various cultures for different numbers of people eating, such as a single person, a family, and a big party.