A Complete Review of the Connected Mathematics Project for Students in Grades 6-8

In this article, we’ll take a look at the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP), including it’s pros and cons and recommended alternatives.

What is the Connected Mathematics Project?

The Connected Mathematics Project (CMP) is a full mathematics curriculum designed for students in grades 6 through 8. Each grade is a full math curriculum and aligns with the Common Core State Standards. They cover numbers, algebra, geometry/measurement, probability, and statistics. The goal of the project is to make connections between mathematics and other subjects and the non-academic world. Each unit contains four to seven lessons, each with one to five problems. These are intended to be reviewed and explored in class (or the home) with the teacher and student actively involved. The program contains additional problem sets. These are called Applications, Connections, and Extensions and are intended to help each child practice, apply, connect, and extend their understanding and skills. At the end of each lesson, there is a “Mathematical Reflections” activity. The CMP addresses the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards.

How the Connected Mathematics Project Works

The Connected Mathematics Project (CMP3) is a project designed to help students learn mathematics in a more interactive way. The project, which was funded by the National Science Foundation, is hosted by Stanford University and has been in use since 2010.

Students can use CMP3 on their mobile devices to explore and experiment with mathematical concepts. They can also use the platform to collaborate with other students and teachers around the world. This math-only curriculum is available in both print and digital forms.

Pricing and Availability: This curriculum is published by Savvas (formerly Pearson) but has been phased out and replaced with their enVision Math program for grades 6-8. Current customers are still being supported but will need to get in touch with Savvas directly.

The Good and the Not-so-Good of the Connected Mathematics Project (CMP3)?

Here’s a quick run-down of how CMP excels and some areas that require improvement.

The Good

• Encourages critical thinking approaches to math problem solving
• Attempts to take unique approaches to teaching topics (e.g. fraction strips)
• Full curriculum (for grades 6-8)
• Potentially a good supplement to other math texts or approaches

The Not-so-Good

• Lacking in teaching material (focus is on testing)
• Assumes a strong foundation in math skills exists already with students
• No examples that students can use to review and improve their understanding
• Could be better organized (based on feedback from teachers)

Conclusion

Given that the program appears to have been shelved by the publisher Savvas, is not free and that some teachers have found the curriculum incomplete, we recommend looking at another solution for your students or children when it comes to learning math skills.

If you’re looking for a completely free option that provides age-appropriate learning videos for each topic, across Math, English, Science, Health and Social Studies, you may want to consider 2cool4school.org. Their curriculum is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and easy to navigate. Each topic in every subject links to a YouTube learning video that teaches the topic in a fun, age-appropriate way. Given the huge variety of approaches in the videos, your child will never get bored of learning. All videos have been vetted by real humans.