Upper Elementary Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice

Tonya Bartell - Michigan State University, USA
Cathery Yeh - The University of Texas at Austin, USA
Mathew D. Felton-Koestler - Ohio University, Ohio, USA
Robert Q Berry - University of Virginia, United States
Upper Elementary Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice
July 2022 | 304 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9781071883655
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ISBN: 9781071845516
Available from January 0001

Description

“A very compelling set of fresh ideas are offered that prepare educators to turn the corner on advocating for social justice in the mathematics classroom. Each book is full of engaging activities, frameworks and standards that centers instruction on community, worldview, and the developmental needs of all students, a must needed resource to reboot our commitment to the next generation.”

Linda M. Fulmore
TODOS: Mathematics For ALL
Cave Creek, AZ

Empower students to be the change—join the teaching mathematics for social justice movement!

We live in an era in which students of all ages have—through media and their lived experiences— a more visceral experience of social injustices. However, when people think of social justice, mathematics rarely comes to mind. With a teacher-friendly design, this book brings upper elementary mathematics content to life by connecting it to student curiosity, empathy, and issues students see or experience.

Tested in Grades 3-5 classrooms, the model lessons in this book walk teachers through the process of applying critical frameworks to instruction, using standards-based mathematics to explore, understand, and respond to social justice issues. Learn to plan instruction that engages students in mathematics explorations through age-appropriate, culturally relevant topics, such as valuing differences, health and pay inequality, bullying, voting rights, and environmental justice. Features include:

  • Content cross-referenced by mathematical concept and social issues
  • Connection to Learning for Justice’s social justice standards
  • Downloadable instructional materials and lesson resources
  • Guidance for lessons driven by students’ unique passions and challenges
  • Connections between research and practice

Written for teachers committed to developing equitable and just practices through the lens of mathematics content and practice standards as well as social justice standards, this book will help connect content to students’ daily lives, fortify their mathematical understanding, and expose them to issues that will support them in becoming active citizens and leaders.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Introduction

Introduction

Chapter 1: What Is Social Justice, and Why Does it Matter in Teaching Mathematics?

Chapter 1: What Is Social Justice, and Why Does it Matter in Teaching Mathematics?

Chapter 2: Fostering a Classroom Community for Social Justice

Chapter 2: Fostering a Classroom Community for Social Justice

Chapter 3: Instructional Tools for a Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 3: Instructional Tools for a Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 4: Teaching the Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 4: Teaching the Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 5: Mathematics Lessons for Building and Examining Identities

Chapter 5: Mathematics Lessons for Building and Examining Identities

Lesson 5.1 Families Matter

Lesson 5.1 Families Matter

Lesson 5.2 Playground Prejudice

Lesson 5.2 Playground Prejudice

Lesson 5.3 Who Appears in Billboards?

Lesson 5.3 Who Appears in Billboards?

Lesson 5.4 Family Story Problems

Lesson 5.4 Family Story Problems

Lesson 5.5 Exploring Maskmatics! Socio-cultural and Environmental Concerns in Disposable Masks during COVID-19

Lesson 5.5 Exploring Maskmatics! Socio-cultural and Environmental Concerns in Disposable Masks during COVID-19

Lesson 5.6 Challenging Ableist Assumptions in Math Problems

Lesson 5.6 Challenging Ableist Assumptions in Math Problems

Chapter 6: Mathematics Lessons on Society and Social Movements

Chapter 6: Mathematics Lessons on Society and Social Movements

Lesson 6.1 Tu Lucha es mi Lucha: Mathematics for Movement Building

Lesson 6.1 Tu Lucha es mi Lucha: Mathematics for Movement Building

Lesson 6.2 Exploring Equitable Pay for Work

Lesson 6.2 Exploring Equitable Pay for Work

Lesson 6.3 Modeling Library Funding

Lesson 6.3 Modeling Library Funding

Lesson 6.4 Value of a School Lunch

Lesson 6.4 Value of a School Lunch

Lesson 6.5 More Than an Athlete

Lesson 6.5 More Than an Athlete

Lesson 6.6 Your Action Saves Lives: COVID-19 and Systems Thinking

Lesson 6.6 Your Action Saves Lives: COVID-19 and Systems Thinking

Chapter 7: Mathematics Lessons to Understand Our World

Chapter 7: Mathematics Lessons to Understand Our World

Lesson 7.1 Water is Our Right, Water is Our Responsibility

Lesson 7.1 Water is Our Right, Water is Our Responsibility

Lesson 7.2 Upper Elementary Math to Explore People Represented in Our World and Community

Lesson 7.2 Upper Elementary Math to Explore People Represented in Our World and Community

Lesson 7.3 Single Use Plastics

Lesson 7.3 Single Use Plastics

Chapter 8: Advice From the Field

Chapter 8: Advice From the Field

Chapter 9: Creating Social Justice Mathematics Lessons for Your Own Classroom

Chapter 9: Creating Social Justice Mathematics Lessons for Your Own Classroom

Appendix A: Additional Resources

Appendix A: Additional Resources

Appendix B: Lesson Resources

Appendix B: Lesson Resources

Appendix C: Catalyzing Change: Five Mathematical Content Domains in Grades 3–5

Appendix C: Catalyzing Change: Five Mathematical Content Domains in Grades 3–5

Appendix D: Social Justice Standards and Topics

Appendix D: Social Justice Standards and Topics

Appendix E: Lessons by Catalyzing Change Mathematical Content Domains, Social Justice Outcomes, and Social Justice Topics

Appendix E: Lessons by Catalyzing Change Mathematical Content Domains, Social Justice Outcomes, and Social Justice Topics

Appendix F: Social Justice Mathematics Lesson Planner

Appendix F: Social Justice Mathematics Lesson Planner

References

References

Description

“A very compelling set of fresh ideas are offered that prepare educators to turn the corner on advocating for social justice in the mathematics classroom. Each book is full of engaging activities, frameworks and standards that centers instruction on community, worldview, and the developmental needs of all students, a must needed resource to reboot our commitment to the next generation.”

Linda M. Fulmore
TODOS: Mathematics For ALL
Cave Creek, AZ

Empower students to be the change—join the teaching mathematics for social justice movement!

We live in an era in which students of all ages have—through media and their lived experiences— a more visceral experience of social injustices. However, when people think of social justice, mathematics rarely comes to mind. With a teacher-friendly design, this book brings upper elementary mathematics content to life by connecting it to student curiosity, empathy, and issues students see or experience.

Tested in Grades 3-5 classrooms, the model lessons in this book walk teachers through the process of applying critical frameworks to instruction, using standards-based mathematics to explore, understand, and respond to social justice issues. Learn to plan instruction that engages students in mathematics explorations through age-appropriate, culturally relevant topics, such as valuing differences, health and pay inequality, bullying, voting rights, and environmental justice. Features include:

  • Content cross-referenced by mathematical concept and social issues
  • Connection to Learning for Justice’s social justice standards
  • Downloadable instructional materials and lesson resources
  • Guidance for lessons driven by students’ unique passions and challenges
  • Connections between research and practice

Written for teachers committed to developing equitable and just practices through the lens of mathematics content and practice standards as well as social justice standards, this book will help connect content to students’ daily lives, fortify their mathematical understanding, and expose them to issues that will support them in becoming active citizens and leaders.

Contents

Preface

Preface

Introduction

Introduction

Chapter 1: What Is Social Justice, and Why Does it Matter in Teaching Mathematics?

Chapter 1: What Is Social Justice, and Why Does it Matter in Teaching Mathematics?

Chapter 2: Fostering a Classroom Community for Social Justice

Chapter 2: Fostering a Classroom Community for Social Justice

Chapter 3: Instructional Tools for a Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 3: Instructional Tools for a Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 4: Teaching the Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 4: Teaching the Social Justice Mathematics Lesson

Chapter 5: Mathematics Lessons for Building and Examining Identities

Chapter 5: Mathematics Lessons for Building and Examining Identities

Lesson 5.1 Families Matter

Lesson 5.1 Families Matter

Lesson 5.2 Playground Prejudice

Lesson 5.2 Playground Prejudice

Lesson 5.3 Who Appears in Billboards?

Lesson 5.3 Who Appears in Billboards?

Lesson 5.4 Family Story Problems

Lesson 5.4 Family Story Problems

Lesson 5.5 Exploring Maskmatics! Socio-cultural and Environmental Concerns in Disposable Masks during COVID-19

Lesson 5.5 Exploring Maskmatics! Socio-cultural and Environmental Concerns in Disposable Masks during COVID-19

Lesson 5.6 Challenging Ableist Assumptions in Math Problems

Lesson 5.6 Challenging Ableist Assumptions in Math Problems

Chapter 6: Mathematics Lessons on Society and Social Movements

Chapter 6: Mathematics Lessons on Society and Social Movements

Lesson 6.1 Tu Lucha es mi Lucha: Mathematics for Movement Building

Lesson 6.1 Tu Lucha es mi Lucha: Mathematics for Movement Building

Lesson 6.2 Exploring Equitable Pay for Work

Lesson 6.2 Exploring Equitable Pay for Work

Lesson 6.3 Modeling Library Funding

Lesson 6.3 Modeling Library Funding

Lesson 6.4 Value of a School Lunch

Lesson 6.4 Value of a School Lunch

Lesson 6.5 More Than an Athlete

Lesson 6.5 More Than an Athlete

Lesson 6.6 Your Action Saves Lives: COVID-19 and Systems Thinking

Lesson 6.6 Your Action Saves Lives: COVID-19 and Systems Thinking

Chapter 7: Mathematics Lessons to Understand Our World

Chapter 7: Mathematics Lessons to Understand Our World

Lesson 7.1 Water is Our Right, Water is Our Responsibility

Lesson 7.1 Water is Our Right, Water is Our Responsibility

Lesson 7.2 Upper Elementary Math to Explore People Represented in Our World and Community

Lesson 7.2 Upper Elementary Math to Explore People Represented in Our World and Community

Lesson 7.3 Single Use Plastics

Lesson 7.3 Single Use Plastics

Chapter 8: Advice From the Field

Chapter 8: Advice From the Field

Chapter 9: Creating Social Justice Mathematics Lessons for Your Own Classroom

Chapter 9: Creating Social Justice Mathematics Lessons for Your Own Classroom

Appendix A: Additional Resources

Appendix A: Additional Resources

Appendix B: Lesson Resources

Appendix B: Lesson Resources

Appendix C: Catalyzing Change: Five Mathematical Content Domains in Grades 3–5

Appendix C: Catalyzing Change: Five Mathematical Content Domains in Grades 3–5

Appendix D: Social Justice Standards and Topics

Appendix D: Social Justice Standards and Topics

Appendix E: Lessons by Catalyzing Change Mathematical Content Domains, Social Justice Outcomes, and Social Justice Topics

Appendix E: Lessons by Catalyzing Change Mathematical Content Domains, Social Justice Outcomes, and Social Justice Topics

Appendix F: Social Justice Mathematics Lesson Planner

Appendix F: Social Justice Mathematics Lesson Planner

References

References

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Upper Elementary Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice


July 2022 | 304 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781071845516 $40.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781071883655 $37.00

“A very compelling set of fresh ideas are offered that prepare educators to turn the corner on advocating for social justice in the mathematics classroom. Each book is full of engaging activities, frameworks and standards that centers instruction on community, worldview, and the developmental needs of all students, a must needed resource to reboot our commitment to the next generation.”

Linda M. Fulmore
TODOS: Mathematics For ALL
Cave Creek, AZ

Empower students to be the change—join the teaching mathematics for social justice movement!

We live in an era in which students of all ages have—through media and their lived experiences— a more visceral experience of social injustices. However, when people think of social justice, mathematics rarely comes to mind. With a teacher-friendly design, this book brings upper elementary mathematics content to life by connecting it to student curiosity, empathy, and issues students see or experience.

Tested in Grades 3-5 classrooms, the model lessons in this book walk teachers through the process of applying critical frameworks to instruction, using standards-based mathematics to explore, understand, and respond to social justice issues. Learn to plan instruction that engages students in mathematics explorations through age-appropriate, culturally relevant topics, such as valuing differences, health and pay inequality, bullying, voting rights, and environmental justice. Features include:

  • Content cross-referenced by mathematical concept and social issues
  • Connection to Learning for Justice’s social justice standards
  • Downloadable instructional materials and lesson resources
  • Guidance for lessons driven by students’ unique passions and challenges
  • Connections between research and practice

Written for teachers committed to developing equitable and just practices through the lens of mathematics content and practice standards as well as social justice standards, this book will help connect content to students’ daily lives, fortify their mathematical understanding, and expose them to issues that will support them in becoming active citizens and leaders.


Table Of Contents:

  • Preface
  • Introduction
  • Chapter 1: What Is Social Justice, and Why Does it Matter in Teaching Mathematics?
  • Chapter 2: Fostering a Classroom Community for Social Justice
  • Chapter 3: Instructional Tools for a Social Justice Mathematics Lesson
  • Chapter 4: Teaching the Social Justice Mathematics Lesson
  • Chapter 5: Mathematics Lessons for Building and Examining Identities
  • Lesson 5.1 Families Matter
  • Lesson 5.2 Playground Prejudice
  • Lesson 5.3 Who Appears in Billboards?
  • Lesson 5.4 Family Story Problems
  • Lesson 5.5 Exploring Maskmatics! Socio-cultural and Environmental Concerns in Disposable Masks during COVID-19
  • Lesson 5.6 Challenging Ableist Assumptions in Math Problems
  • Chapter 6: Mathematics Lessons on Society and Social Movements
  • Lesson 6.1 Tu Lucha es mi Lucha: Mathematics for Movement Building
  • Lesson 6.2 Exploring Equitable Pay for Work
  • Lesson 6.3 Modeling Library Funding
  • Lesson 6.4 Value of a School Lunch
  • Lesson 6.5 More Than an Athlete
  • Lesson 6.6 Your Action Saves Lives: COVID-19 and Systems Thinking
  • Chapter 7: Mathematics Lessons to Understand Our World
  • Lesson 7.1 Water is Our Right, Water is Our Responsibility
  • Lesson 7.2 Upper Elementary Math to Explore People Represented in Our World and Community
  • Lesson 7.3 Single Use Plastics
  • Chapter 8: Advice From the Field
  • Chapter 9: Creating Social Justice Mathematics Lessons for Your Own Classroom
  • Appendix A: Additional Resources
  • Appendix B: Lesson Resources
  • Appendix C: Catalyzing Change: Five Mathematical Content Domains in Grades 3–5
  • Appendix D: Social Justice Standards and Topics
  • Appendix E: Lessons by Catalyzing Change Mathematical Content Domains, Social Justice Outcomes, and Social Justice Topics
  • Appendix F: Social Justice Mathematics Lesson Planner
  • References

Recent Product Reviews:

A wonderful collection of lessons, submitted by teachers, to help students of all ages see topics they care about, and use mathematics as a tool for progress in the world.
Jo Boaler, Stanford University
A very compelling set of fresh ideas are offered that prepare educators to turn the corner on advocating for social justice in the mathematics classroom. Each book is full of engaging activities, frameworks, and standards that center instruction on community, worldview, and the developmental needs of all students—a much-needed resource to reboot our commitment to the next generation.
Linda M. Fulmore, TODOS: Mathematics For ALL
Upper Elementary Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice is an outstanding addition to the growing number of texts and projects that weave the teaching of mathematics and social justice together. The authors go deep and broad to show how, why, and when this combination of curricular topics improves our students’ mathematical understandings while honing their abilities and dispositions to promote social and environmental justice in their own lives and communities.
Bob Peterson
Teaching mathematics for social justice affirms the relevance of mathematics instruction to the “real world” and equips educators and students to turn their engagement with mathematics concepts into positive social action. Equal parts approachable and challenging, the lessons get students thinking critically about how mathematics helps them to understand, identify injustice, and develop the skills and confidence to right it.
Jonathan Tobin, Learning for Justice
This is the book so many of us in upper elementary mathematics have been waiting for. It’s practical, justice oriented, and student-centered. For elementary school teachers looking to integrate social justice lessons with a relevant and timely lens, this book will be instantly applicable to your practice. For everyone else, this book demonstrates that social justice mathematics is critical to the work we must do for our students, our communities, and our profession as mathematics teachers!
José Luis Vilson, EduColor

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