In this institute, teachers make explicit connections between the higher-level mathematics they may have encountered in graduate or undergraduate courses in linear or abstract algebra and the mathematics taught in middle and high school. Topics include investigating the patterns in the periods of repeating decimals, divisibility rules, such algebraic structures as groups and fields, modular arithmetic, and primes and composites in the integers and polynomials.

 Session 1 (June 28 – July 2, 2004), Facilitator: Carol Findell (BU, School of Education)
 Session 2 (August 9 – 13, 2004), Facilitator: Ken Levasseur (UMass Lowell)

Geometer's Sketchpad and Cabri Jr. (an application on the TI-83 Plus calculator) are dynamic geometry tools that allow learners to accurately construct geometric figures. They can then alter them dynamically in order to test conjectures and gain mathematical insight that is less readily available with static drawings by hand.

In this institute, teachers investigate a variety of problem contexts, using dynamic geometry software to help them as they make, test, and prove (or disprove) conjectures, and create activities that allow students to explore mathematically.

 Session 1 (June 28 – July 2, 2004), Facilitator: Steve Benson (EDC)
Session 2 (August 9 – 13, 2004), Facilitator: Steve Benson (EDC)

In this institute, teachers deepen their understanding of teaching and learning mathematics through the focused study of one lesson. In a lesson study, teachers collaborate through a cycle of goal setting, lesson development, observation of the lesson, and revision and reflection. A sense of mathematical community develops as teachers create a lesson together: selecting their own lesson topic, sharing expertise, discussing the mathematics of the lesson, exploring treatments of the topic in various texts, and anticipating varied student approaches to the mathematics of the lesson. Driving questions include: What do we want our students to understand in this lesson? What does it mean to understand this concept? How does this learning develop over time? What pedagogical strategies will best support this learning?

  Session 1 (June 28 – July 2, 2004), Facilitators: Jane Gorman and June Mark, (EDC)

 Session 2 (August 9 – 13, 2004), Facilitators: Jane Gorman and June Mark, (EDC)

This one-week workshop for high school teachers gives hands-on experience with mathematics and statistics in industry, business, and government. Discussions focus on applications of mathematics in the real world, curricular changes in high schools and colleges, how real-world applications can motivate students, and the many career paths that are open to students who are well-trained in mathematics. Participants develop mini-projects that are accessible to middle and high school students and illustrate how mathematics and statistics are used in business and industry.

More information about this workshop is available from the Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics at WPI.

Session 1 only (June 28 – July 2, 2004); Summer Institute Offered by WPI.