Study groups allow teachers and mathematicians to learn from each other and work on topics of mutual interest. These groups meet face-to-face at least once a month, supplemented with classroom visits and electronic communication.

In 2004-2005, the momentum from our first year continued as the number of study group sessions increased and the teachers' involvement grew deeper and deeper.

• 19 mathematicians were engaged in study group activities that met at least once a month in the schools.

• 143 (unique) teachers participated in a study group.

• There were 192 study group sessions held during 2004-2005.

Study Group Topics

This year, study groups were introduced at the elementary school for 5th grade teachers in the Arlington district.

Elementary School

Study group topics included:

• Counting problems
• Problem Solving – Math Psychic Game
• Problem Solving – Math Mind Reader

Middle School

Examples of study group topics explored in the middle schools include:

(Note: POW stands for "Problem of the week".)

• Math Fair Prep
  
• Geometric Problem Solving
  
• Problem Solving & POW Writing
  
• Problem Solving – Pythagorean Triplets
  
• Fibonacci Numbers
  
• POWs on Fibonacci and Taxicab Geometry
  
• Planning and Symmetry Groups
  
• Pascal's Triangle
  
• Linear Equations and Determinants
  
• Triangles and Trigonometry
  
• Finite Abelian Groups
  
• Patterns
  
• The Joy of Long Division
  
• Trigonometry and MTEL
  
• Japanese Lesson Study
  
• Calculus Lite
  
• MTEL Prep
  
• Geometer's Sketchpad

High School

Examples of study group topics explored in the high schools include:

• Python Programming for Interactive Exploration
• Facing Algebraic Expressions
• Geometer's Sketchpad
• The Euler Line
• Paper folding and Geometry
• TI-83 Calculator Applications
• Pick's Theorem
• Divisibility Algorithms
• Fibonacci Numbers
• Repeating Decimals
• Number Theory
• Mathematics of Designing Good Problems
• Math Fair Prep
• Fractals
• Chaos Game
• Spreadsheets
• AP Calculus
• Mathematical Modeling
• Lesson Study
• Combinatorics
• Triangles of Fixed Perimeter and Area

Highlights

• Daniel B. Wulf and Michael Spillane of the Watertown HS study group kicked off the 2004–2005 year by leading the district-wide October Seminar on the Geometry of Voting; research that developed from their study group in 2003–2004 with BU mathematician Steve Rosenberg. For more information, see the announcement.

• Kent Werst, a middle school teacher from the Lawrence Wetherbee School, and UML mathematician Ken Levasseur co-facilitated an MTEL study group in Lawrence for all middle school teachers.

• Hugh McLaughlin of the Lawrence HS study group, working with EDC mathematician Al Cuoco, has submitted a paper to next year's NCTM conference.

• Several middle school teachers have taken their MTEL exam and passed. They would like to work with other teachers in their schools to help them.

Study Group Partnerships, 2004-2005