2008-2009 Mathematics and Science Workshops

Overview:

Would you like to:
- Better prepare your students for NJ's statewide assessments?
- Engage your students in the lessons that you teach?
- Incorporate standards-based hands-on activities that motivate your students?
- Relate what you are doing in the classroom to "real world" applications?

THE RUTGERS CENTER FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND COMPUTER EDUCATION (NJ DOE provider # 2) is offering a broad range of highly interactive one-day professional development workshops that are applicable to all curricula taught by grades 5-8 teachers of mathematics or science. All workshops are based on the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards in mathematics and science as they are reflected in NJ ASK 5, 6, 7 and GEPA. All of these workshops will help you better prepare students for the statewide assessments and provide the resources and knowledge that you need to generate new and exciting standards-based lessons.

All workshops are full-day workshops at which participants will earn six (6) professional development hours. All workshops will take place at Rutgers University-New Brunswick (unless otherwise noted). Participants may attend single or multiple workshops in any order. Discounts are available for multiple registrations on a single purchase order.

Although some workshops address overlapping issues, teachers who attend multiple workshops will benefit from experiencing the different approaches the workshop leaders have to helping students meet the challenges of NJ ASK 5, 6, 7 and GEPA. Our instructors are among the most experienced and respected workshop leaders in the state. The workshop topics are based on feedback and recommendations from NJ teachers and administrators.

You will leave these workshops with valuable tools to motivate your students, stimulate their curiosity, and promote a more positive attitude towards mathematics and science.

Workshop Descriptions:

• NEW! Preparing for NJ ASK 5 and 6: Content-based Workshops for 5th and 6th grade Teachers

  - Are you comfortable teaching all of the mathematics topics reflected on the NJ ASK 5 and 6?
  - Does it seem like there are always those select students that just never get it while you teach your daily lessons?
  - Are you looking for new ways to get your students excited about mathematics and actually admit they are having fun while learning?

  If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, this workshop series is for you!If you answered yes to any or all of the above questions, this workshop series is for you! Come and experience the most comprehensive and up to date set of mathematics workshops for grade 5 and 6 teachers available in NJ. The three workshops described below present key instructional activities that address all of the NJ mathematics standards and assessment strands. Teachers who engage students in such activities, and the mathematics they involve, will automatically be preparing students for the kinds of questions that appear on the state tests. To underscore this point, sample assessment questions are explicitly discussed as they relate to the workshop activities (We do not, however, advocate "teaching to the test"). The three workshops may be taken in any order.

  These three workshops were recently designed to address New Jerseys Core Curriculum Content Standards for 5th and 6th grade students, and were developed specifically for 5th and 6th grade teachers. The workshops will provide teachers with detailed information about the content that their students are expected to learn and about how they can convey that content to their students. The workshops will focus on hands-on activities that the participants will themselves do in the workshops and that they can take back to their 5th and 6th grade classrooms. All materials will be provided so that teachers can do the activities in their own classrooms the day after the workshop!

  Each of the three workshops can be taken independently; each will be offered two or three times during the year. Each workshop will have a maximum of 25 participants and run from 8:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

  The workshops will be offered by the six 5-8 grade teachers who developed them: Pam Brett, Jane Hannon, June Kelley, Lisa Ryden Maloney, Nancy Rossini, and Mitch Wasserman.

  Workshop Name	Date	Code
  Making Sense of Numbers and Probability	TBA
  	TBA
  Time to Shape Up with Geometry and Algebra	TBA
  	TBA
  Solving Problems with Discrete Mathematics and Statistics	TBA
  	TBA

• Using the TI-73 Graphing Calculator as a Tool for Discovery, Journal Writing, and Real Life Applications in Grades 6-9

  Date: May 1, 2008 (Code: GEPA 050108)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Paul Lawrence

  Audience: Grade 6-9 Mathematics Teachers, Administrators, Basic Skills and Special Education Teachers, High School Teachers Working with Basic Skill Students

  This introductory workshop is designed to help middle school teachers learn how to operate a graphing calculator and use it as a tool to enhance student understanding in grades 6-9 through discovery-based, hands-on activities. Participants will learn ways to use lab-based lessons and the calculator to make discoveries and conclusions about the order of operations, the editing features of the calculator, and the appropriate use of the calculator to complete all arithmetic operations with fractions and decimals. In addition, the statistics mode of the calculator will be used to create scatter plots, pictographs, bar graphs, circle graphs, histograms, and box-and-whisker plots as well as to draw figures and show simple geometric transformations. The concepts of mean and median will be investigated. A lesson on using the calculator as a spreadsheet will also be included. In the afternoon session, teachers will explore the applications and conversion features of the calculator to make further discoveries as well as use it as a reinforcement tool to practice and explore basic concepts.
  Participants will gain knowledge and skills in:
       - knowing how to use the edit keys, statistics mode, window parameters, and graphing features of the TI-73 calculator to create action-packed lessons that stress understanding of concepts.
       - understanding that the calculator presents an opportunity to teach more meaningful mathematics and to place responsibility for the learning on the student rather than completely on the teacher.
       - identifying techniques that can be employed to create additional lessons to integrate technology as a problem-solving tool.

• NEW! Math Activities Across the Standards

  Date: May 12, 2008 (Code: GEPA 051208)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Jane Hannon

  This workshop will present hand-on activities, games, and ideas to enhance your teaching of the content of the NJ Mathematics Standards - number sense, geometry and measurement, patterns, algebra, and discrete math topics. The hands-on approach and use of manipulatives for many of the activities makes this workshop appropriate for special needs students. Related math internet sites will be examined, as well as suggestions for connections to math literature.

• NEW! Using Tangrams to Teach Geometry

  Date: May 14, 2008 (Code: GEPA 051408)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter:

  This workshop focuses on using tangrams as a tool for teaching various concepts in geometry as well as providing activities that help develop problem solving skills in our students. The seven-tangram pieces provide concrete experiences in developing and extending understanding of geometric properties, transformations, and measuring geometric objects. A great tool for special needs students. Many handouts!

• Geometry: Activities to Promote Understanding, Reasoning, and Connection

  Date: May 15, 2008 (Code: GEPA 051508)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter:

  This workshop will help demystify common misunderstandings related to geometry and provide ways to help your students acquire the geometric concepts needed in order to perform well on NJ ASK 5, 6, 7 & 8.

• NEW! Using Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Generation: Integrating the Math and Technology Standards

  Date: May 19, 2008 (Code: GEPA 051908)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: June Kelley

• Institutes for New Teachers of Mathematics and Science

  Date: August 4-8, 2008 (Code: NTI-08)
  Time: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (Mon-Thurs); 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (Fri. Aug. 8)
  Instructional Coordinators: Paul Lawrence and Mary Oates (Mathematics)
                                         Kate Napolitano (Science)
  **Fee: $1,795, including all materials, meals, and 4 nights lodging**
  (Fee without lodging, $1,617)

  Audience: Grade 6-12 Mathematics or Science Teachers, with 0-3 years of prior teaching experience

  Week-long, content-based induction programs designed to better prepare relatively new teachers of mathematics or science for their teaching assignments in the coming year and give them a great start in their teaching careers. Alternate route candidates are welcomed! For more information, please see our website -- http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/nti/

• Using Tangrams to Teach Geometry

  Date: October 30, 2008 (Code: MS103008)
           February 3, 2009 (Code: MS020309)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenters: Jane Hannon and Pat Fowler

  Audience: Grade 4-7 Mathematics Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  This workshop focuses on using tangrams as a tool for teaching various concepts in geometry as well as providing activities that help develop problem solving skills in our students. The seven tangram pieces provide concrete experiences in developing and extending understanding of geometric properties, transformations, and measuring geometric objects. A great tool for special needs students. Many handouts!

• Strategies to Prepare Special Education Students for the Math HSPA

  Dates: November 12, 2008 (Code: HS111208)
             February 13, 2009 (Code: HS021309)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Karen Egan

  Audience: Grade 8-12 Mathematics Teachers, High School Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Special education teachers sometimes are faced with enormous challenges when it comes to preparing their special needs students for the mathematics portion of the HSPA. This workshop presents ideas to help your students boost their performance on the HSPA. Participants will learn strategies to make students comfortable with the vocabulary on the tests and increase their critical thinking skills through the use of open-ended questions. Activities will include differentiated instruction, cooperative games, and using a variety of manipulatives. Participants will take home a packet of all the workshop’s activities, as well as sample lessons that can be implemented immediately in their own classrooms.

• Science Toolbox, 4-8

  Date: November 14, 2008 (Code: MS111408)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Raluca Sirbu

  Audience: Grade 4-8 Mathematics Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  The magic of science erupts in this workshop! The lessons built in this workshop are related to the “Life and Physical Science” and “Scientific Processes” Standards in New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards in Science. Using inexpensive household materials, this workshop provides original, breathtaking, interactive experiments, which create anchors in the theoretical concepts. “Science Toolbox” is a hands-on, exciting, memorable experience to take back to the classroom.

• Math & Science Toolbox, 4-8

  Date: November 21, 2008 (Code: MS112108)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Raluca Sirbu

  Audience: Grade 4-8 Mathematics and Science Teachers, Mathematics and Science Supervisors

  This workshop is a blend of math and science lessons. The math portion of the workshop is diverse, introducing fresh, ingenious activities, tricks and illusions to problem-solving techniques. The science portion erupts with magic. Using inexpensive household materials this workshop provides original, breathtaking, interactive experiments which create anchors in the theoretical concepts. The science portion addresses the following standards in New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards in Science: 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, and 5.8. The math portion addresses standards 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.5 of New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards in Mathematics.

• So What Should I Do With All This Math? (4-6)

  Date: December 1, 2008 (Code: ES120108)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Raluca Sirbu

  Audience: Grade 4-6 Mathematics Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Learning is achieved when students can place the subject of learning in context, when it makes sense, when they find its application. This workshop will do just that: present methods to put math in context. The scope of the course is:
         - show how to make math more approachable
         - provide examples of real, fun, engaging math applications
         - present math in the context of other subjects in the curriculum
  The entire workshop will be presented in the framework of the different types of learners: the audio, visual, and kinesthetic learner. Appropriate for teachers of grade 4-6.

• Geometer’s Sketchpad from Soup to Nuts

  Date: December 2, 2008 (Code: HS120208)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Anita Schuloff

  Audience: Grade 6-12 Mathematics Teachers, Pre-Service Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Are your students bored with "chalk 'n talk"? Are you? Are your students more computer savvy than you are? Are you a middle school or high school teacher or a new teacher just starting out? Does your school have fancy equipment such as projectors, SmartboardsTM and laptops, etc. that are going to waste because no one is using them? If you can answer yes to any or all of these questions then this workshop is for you. We will cover all the basic commands and keystrokes needed to teach not only introductory geometry but beginning and intermediate algebra and beyond. This workshop will take place in a computer lab so that you will start using this powerful program right away. Bring a CD or flash drive to download the files you create. You will come away with enough knowledge to start using Geometer’s Sketchpad as soon as you get back to school.

• Geometry Using Cabri Jr. and the TI-84 Plus

  Date: December 3, 2008 (Code: HS120308)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Fred Decovsky

  Audience: Teachers of Geometry and Mathematics Teachers Grade 7-12

  This workshop introduces the basics of Cabri Jr. and ways of incorporating graphing technology into your geometry lessons to enrich instruction and extend your students' comprehension. Enhance the teaching and learning of geometry. Let your students develop a sense of adventure with geometry through conjecturing and experimenting. Participants will use Cabri Jr. to dynamically explore many geometric concepts. Topics, such as Intersecting Lines, Angles and Transversals, Translations, Reflections, Rotations, Dilations, Transformations, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Area Relationships and Circles will be investigated.

• Topics and Strategies to Improve Student Performance on the NJ ASK
  (Workshop I)

  Date: December 5, 2008 (Code: MS120508)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Lisa Maloney

  Audience: Grade 7 & 8 Mathematics and Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Participants will learn about and experience the types of classroom activities and instructional strategies that support effective learning and problem-solving and ultimately lead to improved test scores. Questions similar to those that appear on the NJ ASK 7 and 8 will be addressed in the workshop. Participants will leave with valuable materials and resources that they can use in their classrooms immediately. Workshop I explores the key ideas of estimation, mental math, geometry and measurement. Workshop II is offered on January 16, 2009, and will explore the key ideas of discrete mathematics and algebraic thinking. Workshops I and II may be taken independently.

• Visual Mathematics with Geometer Sketchpad

  Date: December 5, 2008 (Code: HS120508)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Iftikhar Husain

  Audience: Grade 8-12 Mathematics Teachers, High School Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Integrate technology into mathematics as a visual learning tool to enhance, expand and embrace the existing curriculum. Participants will receive an activity CD to be able to appreciate the power of Geometer’s Sketchpad. The presenter will share some ready-for-the-classroom activities for Basic Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Precalculus, and Trigonometry. Learn how to delight all types of learners with animation. Beginners are welcome!

• Chaos (and Fractals) in the Classroom

  Date: December 8, 2008 (Code: HS120808)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Kevin Merges

  Audience: Grade 6-12 Mathematics Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors, Teachers in Gifted and Talented Programs

  This workshop will be an introduction to Fractal Geometry and Chaos Theory. Fractal Geometry is the geometry of nature and we will explore the variety of ways this topic can be seen in the everyday life of students and teachers. Several projects will be demonstrated that can be applied in almost every math classroom. Some of the projects offered have been used in classes as early as Kindergarten, but much of the material will be for Geometry classes and higher. Some of the TI-83 and 84 programs offered could be applied to the Precalculus and level and beyond. Connections will be made for a variety of cross-curricular projects. These topics are interesting and not nearly as complex as they sound. Students can grasp the basic patterns at the elementary school level. A gifted and talented program would be an excellent place to implement these concepts.

• So What Should I Do With All This Math? (7-8)

  Date: December 12, 2008 (Code: MS121208)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Raluca Sirbu

  Audience: Grade 7-8 Mathematics Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Learning is achieved when students can place the subject of learning in context, when it makes sense, when they find its application. This workshop will do just that: present methods to put math in context. The scope of the course is:
         - show how to make math more approachable
         - provide examples of real, fun, engaging math applications
         - present math in the context of other subjects in the curriculum
  The entire workshop will be presented in the framework of the different types of learners: the audio, visual, and kinesthetic learner. Appropriate for teachers of grade 7-8.

• Connecting Assessment & Instruction: Preparing for the NJ ASK 7-8

  Date: January 8, 2009 (Code: MS010809)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Paul Lawrence

  Audience: Grade 7-8 Mathematics Teachers, Grade 7-8 Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

• Math Activities Across the Standards

  Date: January 8, 2009 (Code: MS010809)
           March 27, 2009 (Code: MS032709)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenters: Jane Hannon and Pat Fowler

  Audience: Grade 4-6 Mathematics Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  This workshop will present hands-on activities, games, and ideas to enhance your teaching of the content of the NJ Mathematics Standards – number sense, geometry and measurement, patterns, algebra, and discrete math topics. The hands-on approach and use of manipulatives for many of the activities make this workshop appropriate for special needs students. Related math internet sites will be examined, as well as suggestions for connections to math literature.

• Topics and Strategies to Improve Student Performance on the NJ ASK
  (Workshop II)

  Date: January 16, 2009 (Code: MS011609)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Lisa Maloney

  Audience: Grade 7 & 8 Mathematics and Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Participants will learn about and experience the types of classroom activities and instructional strategies that support effective learning and problem-solving and ultimately lead to improved test scores. Questions similar to those that appear on the NJ ASK 7 and 8 will be addressed in the workshop. Participants will leave with valuable materials and resources that they can use in their classrooms immediately. Workshop II explores the key ideas of discrete mathematics and algebraic thinking. Workshop I is offered on December 5, 2008, and explores the key ideas of estimation, mental math, geometry and measurement. Workshops I and II may be taken independently.

• Connecting Assessment & Instruction: Preparing for the NJ ASK 5-6

  Date: January 22, 2009 (Code: MS012209)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Paul Lawrence

  Audience: Grade 5-6 Mathematics Teachers, Grade 5-6 Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

• Special Needs Students Need Standards-Based Math, Too!

  Date: April 28, 2009 (Code: MS042809)
  Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  Presenter: Paul Lawrence

  Audience: Grade 3-8 Mathematics Teachers, Grade 3-8 Special Education Teachers, Mathematics Supervisors

  Special education, summer school, after school, and intervention programs often only provide more of the same worksheets and rules as ways to foster understanding and success in mathematics. Learn about discovery-based, hands-on, highly sequenced, alternative strategies that lead to traditional understanding and applications of essential concepts taught in grades 3-8. Focus will be on selected topics from arithmetic operations with whole numbers and fractions.