This year's institute dates and locations are:

This year's modules include

Session One:
Problem Solving in Number Theory and Algebra
Facilitator: Eileen Herlihy (Waltham Public Schools)

In this institute, teachers make explicit connections between the higher-level mathematics they may have encountered in graduate or undergraduate mathematics courses and the mathematics taught in middle and high school. In addition, teachers explore strategies for problem solving and discuss the characteristics of good problem solvers in order to engage their students in challenging and interesting mathematics. Topics  include investigating patterns in periods of repeating decimals, divisibility rules, such algebraic structures as groups and fields, modular arithmetic, and primes and composites in integers and polynomials.

Algebra is more than just a high school course sequence! The "habits of mind" that lead to success in developing algebraic proficiency begin in elementary school and continue to develop throughout middle and high school. We will spend this week tracing core ideas from the elementary years through high school. For example, we'll look at how finding and extending patterns in elementary school maps onto graphing applications in high school. Through a focus on interactive problem solving, we will emphasize three major themes: representation, structure, and extension. This institute will help elementary and middle school teachers see the outcome of the seeds they plant. Participation by teachers of all grade levels will encourage a discussion of the natural development of key concepts in algebra.

One of the many beauties of the subject of statistics is its application to almost all aspects of everyday life. In this institute, we will examine topics in statistics found in middle and high school curricula using both student-generated and real-world data sets. Topics covered will include measures of center and spread, statistical graphs, special probability distributions, simulations, regression, probability, and inferential statistics. Extensive use of the TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator will be made throughout the workshop. Participants will also be introduced to the TVM Solver, an easy-to-use feature on the TI graphing calculator that can be used to solve common types of financial problems. This workshop is designed for both middle and high school teachers. No previous graphing calculator experience is necessary.

For more information and registration, contact Karina Dymina at karina@focusonmath.org.