Spreadsheets are a wonderful tool for displaying and animating graphical data of all types. More importantly, most students, by the time they finish high school, have learned to use and create spreadsheets.

In this institute, we will create spreadsheets that can be used in various areas throughout the curriculum, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. The goal will be to have participants create a spreadsheet tool that can be used in their (and other teachers') mathematics classes

Session 1 (July 5 – 8, 2005)
Session 2 (August 15 – 19, 2005)

Facilitator: Bob Devaney (Boston University)

This institute will explore polyhedrons and spatial visualization, both in two- and three-dimensions. The role of algebra in geometry and the connections between these two areas will be explored. As an application of geometry we will review several methods of indirect measurement and build instruments to perform these measurements. There are two interesting topics in this institute that receive little attention in geometry: the geometric principles behind fine arts and geometric probability. Finally, we will explore how constructions can expand students' knowledge about circles and proof and also be used to solve real-life problems.

Session 1 (July 5 – 8, 2005)
Session 2 (August 15 – 19, 2005)

Facilitator: Art Johnson (Boston University)

This institute is designed to introduce calculus to teachers at all levels from a variety of perspectives.

Conceptual: What is calculus? We will strip away the technical details, and examine the core concepts of calculus in the familiar context of motion.
Historical: Where did calculus come from? We will look at some classical paradoxes like Achilles and the Tortoise to see why the development of calculus wasn't all that smooth.
Scientific: How is calculus used in science? We will examine why virtually every science and engineering major in college is required to take calculus.
Educational: Why should teachers know about calculus if they are not teaching it? We will discuss how the curriculum in grades 6-12 is designed to prepare students to take calculus at the university level.
Practical: This won't be a test-prep course, but by the end of the institute participants should be capable of answering most the kinds of calculus questions that appear in teacher certification exams like the MTEL.

Session 1 (July 5 – 8, 2005)
Session 2 (August 15 – 19, 2005)

Facilitator: Ken Levasseur (UMass Lowell)

Teachers work in teams on problems drawn directly from business and industry. There will be presentations by mathematicians working in industry as well as teachers who have used industrial mathematics in their own classes.

You may read more about the institute from the Center for Industrial Mathematics and Statistics at WPI.

Dates: July 11 – 15, 2005 (all day, every day)
Location: WPI (housing provided in WPI residence halls)

Facilitator: Art Heinricher (Worcester Polytechnic Institute)