Brain-Compatible Activities for Mathematics, Grades 2-3 »

Dr. David A. Sousa is an international consultant in educational neuroscience and author of seven books that suggest ways that educators and parents can translate current brain research into strategies for improving learning. A member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, he has conducted workshops in hundreds of school districts on brain research, instructional skills, and science education at the Pre-K to 12 and university levels. He has made presentations to more than 100,000 educators at national conventions of educational organizations and to regional and local school districts across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Dr. Sousa has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Massachusetts State College at Bridgewater, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught senior high school science, served as a K-12 director of science, a supervisor of instruction, and a district superintendent in New Jersey schools. He has been an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University.

Prior to his career in New Jersey, Dr. Sousa taught at the American School of Paris (France), and served for five years as a Foreign Service Officer and science advisor at the USA diplomatic missions in Geneva (Switzerland) and Vienna (Austria).

Dr. Sousa has edited science books and published dozens of articles in leading journals on staff development, science education, and educational research. His seven popular books for educators, all published by Corwin Press, include: How the Brain Learns, third edition; How the Special Needs Brain Learns, second edition; How the Gifted Brain Learns; How the Brain Learns to Read; How the Brain Influences Behavior; and How the Brain Learns Mathematics, which was selected by the Independent Publishers’ Association as one of the best professional development books of 2008. The Leadership Brain, suggests ways for educators to lead today’s schools more effectively. His books have been published in French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and several other languages.

Dr. Sousa is past president of the National Staff Development Council. He has received numerous awards from professional associations, school districts, and educational foundations for his commitment to research, staff development, and science education. He recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate from Massachusetts State College (Bridgewater), and an honorary doctorate from Gratz College in Philadelphia.

Dr. Sousa has been interviewed by Matt Lauer on the NBC Today Show and by National Public Radio about his work with schools using brain research. He makes his home in south Florida.

Aligned with NCTM standards and focal points, this resource offers ready-to-use lessons that include brain-compatible math activities, step-by-step instructions for the teacher, and all the necessary reproducibles.

Introduction Links to Focal Points and Standards
1. Base-Ten and Place Value Jumping Jellybeans Hundred Board-O Order Up!
Number Neighborhood Stretching Numbers Place Value Pause Place Value Bingo
2. Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction Sum Roll Ball Toss Math Hockey Fact Family Trees
3. Multiplication and Division Tray Arrays Grape Groups Button Fact Families Opposites Attract Show Me the Money!
Draw and Divide
4. Fractions Fruity Fractions Pieces of Pizza Treasure Hunt Take a Bigger Bite!
Fraction Cookie Bars
5. Measurement Measuring Tools Measure Mania Me and My Shadow Tic-Tac-Time Race for Time!
Pour It Out Measurement Scavenger Hunt Measure My Classroom Box It!
6. Geometry Name My Shape Shape Stories Shape-y Shake-y Pattern Block Party Letter Perfect Symmetry We?re Congruent Polygon Art Shape Sort
7. Data Analysis Let It Roll Counting Candy A Day at the Zoo Button Bonanza Weather Watchers Picture Perfect Hot and Cold Eye-Catching Graphs Survey Says Journal Page Answer Key References