For the current edition of Saxon 54 Math.

Make sure the DIVE CD you order is the same edition as the book you will be using.

Math 5/4 3rd edition is typically used in fourth grade. The DIVE Math 5/4 CD-ROM teaches all 120 Lessons and 10 Investigations step-by-step. Because Saxon uses an incremental teaching approach, each lecture is only 5-10 minutes long. Dr. Shormann builds lesson upon lesson, slowly developing complex concepts from bite-sized lessons that are easy to grasp. Students watch the lecture and take notes, working the practice problems Dr. Shormann presents, and pausing and rewinding as necessary until a concept is understood. If students want additional practice, they can complete the Example problems and Practice Set in the Saxon textbook. After the lesson, students complete the 30-question Problem Set in the Saxon text. While a few problems in the Problem Set come from the new concept, most problems come from previous lessons. Each problem is cross-referenced back to the lesson where it was taught, allowing students to quickly review any concept.

This unique method of spiral review improves critical thinking skills, increases long term retention, and raises standardized test scores. However, this method can be difficult to teach because of the seemingly random presentation of topics. That is why Saxon's founder John Saxon recommended teacher training for all his courses. DIVE CDs provide that teacher, as Dr. Shormann explains how new topics connect to previously learned material, helping students see the "big picture". Also, when a student gets stuck or forgets how to work a problem, they simply click on the DIVE lesson where the concept was originally taught and watch that lesson again. The same can be done when correcting tests. This makes it very easy to fill in any gaps as they show up.

There are 30 problems in each Problem Set but Dr. Shormann recommends, as long as students maintain an 80+ average on timed tests, that students only complete the even problems on even lessons and odd problems on odd lessons. If test scores begin to fall, then the student needs more practice and should complete all problems in the lesson until test scores improve.

Math 5/4 builds a strong foundation for upper level mathematics by introducing whole numbers, computation of algorithms, geometry, patterns, and sequences. Students will extend their understanding of critical skills and concepts such as number sense, numeration, numerical operations, fraction/decimal/percent conversions, measurements and geometry, patterns, relationships, math functions, and data manipulation through charts. Every tenth lesson has an Investigation, which is an extensive examination of a specific math topic Success in math requires that students spend time memorizing basic facts, and Saxon 5/4 Facts Practice Worksheets provide plenty of facts practice.

All DIVE courses are taught from a Christian foundation. Dr. Shormann believes that God gave us mathematics primarily as a tool to study His creation, which is why mathematics is considered the language of science. Mathematics is also useful in interacting with each other and in developing reasoning and problem solving skills. Dr. Shormann uses Scripture and history to remind students that God is the author of all knowledge. Dr. Shormann also gives friendly reminders to students to honor their parents by doing excellent schoolwork.

A Saxon Math 54 3rd Edition Home Study Kit and Solutions Manual are required. DIVE CDs play on Mac and Windows 98 and higher operating system. Please be sure the edition of your textbook matches the edition of the DIVE CD.