a world of experience

1.  As a Supplement to Standard Math Courses (Grades 7-12) 

• Where It Fits: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus. Flexible enough to align with the level of the class.
• How It Helps: Extensive problem sets could be used as warm-ups, homework, or extra credit to reinforce core concepts. The “what you need to know” sections tie directly to required skills (e.g., solving equations, working with functions), while the puzzle-like framing keeps students engaged. It’s a low-pressure  way to practice standards. 

In Short:

Boost student confidence in CCSS.MATH.CONTENT by  tackling bite-sized, real-world puzzles that build on classroom lessons.

2.  As STEM Enrichment or Elective Classes 

• Where It Fits: Middle school STEM electives, high school engineering clubs, career-focused programs. The engineering problems at the end are designed to generate excitement about STEM careers.
• How It Helps: Gives students a hands-on taste of engineering without prerequisites. Teachers can use it as a standalone module—say, a 4-6 week unit—to let students “play engineer” and explore if it’s for them.

In short: 

Expose students to engineering applications early, aligning with NGSS standards like MS-ETS1-1 while building confidence through guided       problem-solving.

3. Allows Differentiated Instruction 

• Where It Fits: Mixed-ability classrooms, especially in grades 7-9 where math anxiety can start spiking.
• How It Helps: The scaffolding (rudimentary to advanced problems) and “learn by doing” approach make it perfect for students who struggle with abstract math or need a confidence boost. Teachers  could assign easier problems to students who are struggling and still challenge more advanced performers with the engineering problems.

In Short: 

Meets diverse needs with tiered problems that support struggling learners and stretch high flyers - all while ty ing math to real-world engineering.

4. Pro vides a Cross-Curricular Bridge (Math + Science/Tech) 

• Where It Fits: Pair it with physics, tech ed or even computer science classes in high school.
• How It Helps: The application problems could overlap with physics (e.g., motion equations) or tech (e.g., design challenges). It’s a natural bridge between subjects, showing how math powers other fields.

In Short: 

Integrate math into science and tech curricula, aligning with standards like HS-PS2 and ISTE 4a.

5. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Introduction

• Where It Fits: High school CTE programs or career exploration units in grades 9-12.
• How It Helps: The engineering focus could attract students to STEM pathways. Helps prep students for college or careers without overwhelming them.

In Short: 

Gives students a low-stakes entry to engineering, supporting CTE goals and state career-readiness benchmarks.

 REWIRE YOUR BRAIN!

"Mathematics rewires the brain, forging new neural pathways to enhance logical reasoning and critical thinking by "Stanislas Dehaene, from "The Number Sense: How the Mind Creates Mathematics" (2011)

The more I thought about the relationship between education and real capability, the more I realized that if you are familiar with doing puzzles and solving problems, the more capable you become at doing puzzles and solving problems! Your brain is like an empty lot, waiting for a house to be built on it. We are born with have very little knowledge, but also very little structure to their brain. Early learning doesn't just add knowledge - it creates the environment in which knowledge can be processed. That environment continues to be created throughout our lives. 

The new neural pathways form fastest when we are young, but that is probably more because every observation is a new learning when we are young. The truth is that new neural pathways can be forged at any age. Just like learning how to drive a car or play a sport, we must forge new neural pathway to learn. In sports, everyone knows that it's all about practice. Well, guess what? It is the same thing for learning anything! Practice makes perfect. And this book provides lots of practice problems to forge those new pathways to make you smarter! 

Give the student in your life a real chance at getting ahead! This book is designed to provide students with a familiarity of math and how it is used long before they study it formally. The experience provided is invaluable for both excelling in later classes as well as giving the student a real taste of quantitative fields. 

The reason you feel "Math isn't for you" or "Math is not your thing" is simply because your brain is not trained for it. "Mental Cross-Fit Training" guides you through the math needed to do engineering problems like no other book before it. It turns the math problems into puzzles and lets you build confidence at the same time as you are getting more comfortable with math.