Author(s): Robert Rowland

Education

Maths Quest 8 for New South Wales Homework Book is the second in a series of homework books designed for stages 4 and 5 of the New South Wales syllabus. The homework book contains a variety of activities, including homework sheets, rich tasks and fun code puzzles, that complement the student textbook. It provides students, parents and teachers with an opportunity to construct a homework program that will assist students in the development of their mathematical skills.

Each chapter contains five worksheets: two homework sheets, one rich task and two code puzzles. The tear-out sheets are designed for ease of use by both students and teachers, with space provided for student answers and teacher feedack. Each worksheet has page references that link it to the matching content in the student textbook.

The homework sheets:

• Begin with six skills practice questions that are based on learning outcomes prior to Stage 4
• Contain carefully graded skills and application questions that relate to specific content of the textbook and chapter
• Include a writing mathematically section for students to explain mathematical concepts in their own words
• Finish with a Maths Quest challenge question to extend students' problem-solving skills.

The rich tasks:

• Encourage students to work mathematically
• Provide a selection of problem-solving skills with links to real-life situations
• Promote different levels of thinking by employing many open-ended questions.

The code puzzles:

• Present aspects of the chapter's content in a fun way
• Provide an alternative tool to reinforce skill development.
• The book contains a grid where students may record details of their homework tasks, reflect on their performance and communicate any of their concerns to the teacher