Many gifted math learners are bored in the typical curriculum because they master basic skills quickly but are rarely given tasks that require deep reasoning or creative problem solving. Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds was developed specifically to meet that need. It is a research-validated, advanced mathematics curriculum from the University of Connecticut’s Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development designed to help mathematically talented students think and act like mathematicians rather than just complete routine problems.
Introduction to the Curriculum
Project M3 is a series of mathematics units that allow students to engage with big mathematical ideas in number and operations, algebra, geometry and measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability. Rather than moving quickly through procedures, students explore meaningful problems, make conjectures, analyze patterns, and construct arguments. The curriculum uses the Multiple Menu Model and Parallel Curriculum Model to integrate conceptual depth, creative thinking, and project-based investigations.
Description of the Material
The curriculum is divided into three grade bands:
- Levels 3–4
- Levels 4–5
- Levels 5–6
Each level contains units grounded in real-world scenarios that invite students to use mathematics to solve interesting and challenging problems. For example, in Level 3–4 units such as Unraveling the Mystery of the MoLi Stone, students explore place value and numeration through a simulated archaeological investigation. Other units focus on large numbers, measurement, multiplicative reasoning, patterns, and data analysis. Throughout all units, students maintain Mathematician’s Journals where they write, reason, and reflect.
How to Use It
Project M3 is flexible. In gifted pull-out programs, dedicate weekly sessions for problem solving and discussion. In clustered classrooms, integrate the units with your core curriculum by allowing advanced learners extended time to explore the rich tasks. In homeschools, Project M3 can serve as the primary math curriculum for mathematically advanced learners, or it can augment another program by providing depth and challenge. Because the units require discourse and reflection, small groups or paired work often yield the best results. Students should have time for exploration, journaling, mathematical discourse, and project presentations.
Why It Benefits Gifted Learners
Gifted students benefit from Project M3 because it:
- Raises cognitive complexity by engaging students with authentic problems.
- Supports deep reasoning and communication through structured reflection and journaling.
- Aligns with research on gifted math achievement, with studies showing significant gains in understanding compared to peers using traditional curriculum.
These units build persistence, quantitative reasoning, and confidence while honoring the intellectual capabilities of advanced learners.
In Sum
Project M3 provides a thoughtful, research-based pathway for gifted math instruction that goes beyond acceleration to foster mathematical thinking and problem solving.
Your Turn
Have you tried Project M3 with your gifted learners? What strategies helped students engage most deeply with the units? We’d love for you to share your experience in the comments below. ~Ann
Teaching for Talent 