Winter 2010 1-Day Seminar and Workshop

Spring 2010 1-Day Seminar

Summer 2010 Workshops

1-Day Seminar
Multicultural Mathematics: Hands-on Activities to Celebrate Holidays & Events Throughout the Year, Grades 4–8

#228
Teaching Problem Solving, Grades 5–8

1-Day Seminar
Mathematics Explorations: Getting Students Actively Engaged Through the Standards, Grades 6–9

#229
Using Manipulatives & Activities to Develop Geometry Concepts, Grades 4–8
Note: Workshops #228 and 229 will be held back-to back over a 3-day period from June 24 through June 26, 2010. A special overnight rate of $65 per night is available from the Wyndham Garden Hotel.

#230
Teaching Algebra Concepts Using Manipulatives & Activities, Grades 5–10
Note: Workshops #228 and 229 will be held back-to back over a 3-day period from June 24 through June 26, 2010. A special overnight rate of $65 per night is available from the Wyndham Garden Hotel.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

This seminar provides hands-on, active mathematics experiences for students at the elementary and middle school grades. Students learn to relate important mathematics topics to multicultural math applications and calendar holidays to enhance their understanding of key concepts. The framework used to develop this course are the NCTM Content and Process Standards and the Illinois Mathematics Learning Goals.

- Each Month Becomes the Basis for Math Activities: Travel through the months of the year to explore how ethnic holidays, significant birthdays, and other dates worthy of celebrations become the basis of connecting school mathematics to the real world.

- Explore the History of Numbers: Investigate numeration using examples from a variety of cultures -- ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Mayan, oriental, and the Great Plains Indians -- to help students understand how our number system developed.

- Celebrate Cultural Diversity with Games: Learn how games can help students problem-solve and develop logical thinking strategies.

- Investigate Geometry from a Historical Perspective: Paper-fold and build 2- and 3-dimensional models and see how they developed through many cultures.

- Use Motivating Data Analysis and Probability Activities: Students connect national sports events, letter frequencies in the English language, and pi to important birthdays and holidays.

- Use Measurement and Estimation to Solve Real-World Problems: Students learn how to approximate the area of irregular shapes, crowd density, and the magnitude of large numbers.

- Understand that “Mathematicians are People, Too”: Hands-on activities related to the contributions of famous mathematicians encourage students to understand the accomplishments of these great men and women.

This course provides instructional strategies designed to address the needs of both regular and special-education students. All teachers, including those teaching developmental curricula or math education teachers, would benefit from this workshop.

Date: Friday February 5, 2010

Times: Registration at 8:00 am on Friday

Workshop hours:
Friday 8:15 am – 3:15 pm

Location:
Renaissance Chicago North Shore
933 Skokie Blvd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
847/498–6500

Cost for one workshop: $189. Two or more registrations received at the same time: Only $170 each.

THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

• Each participant will receive a comprehensive coursebook of activities that has been designed specifically for this seminar
• Continental breakfast — rolls, coffee, and fruit (lunch on your own)
• A fascinating math puzzle
• A certificate of participation suitable for framing

There will be an opportunity to examine and purchase supplemental math materials.

One hour of Graduate Credit, for an additional fee paid at the seminar, available through

• Chapman University College – EDUC 9561D

(Participation in one online session and a paper are required for college credit.)

6 Illinois CPDUs are available for this workshop.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

In this hands-on workshop, participants working in small groups are actively engaged in using research-proven strategies, techniques, and activities that foster an understanding of problem-solving processes and the use of critical thinking.

- Problem Solving Is Everywhere: Techniques for using various warm-ups and "problem-of-the-day"- type activities will be explored. Participants will come away with a rich collection of real-world applications and “classic” problems that will engage and challenge their students.

- Using Problem-Solving Models to Decide Which Operation to Use: Participants explore problem-solving models for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. An understanding of situations that require these operations -- including the actions that are involved -- is an important step in helping students become better problem-solvers.

- Problem Solving Is a Process Standard: Participants experience why NCTM has identified Problem Solving as a Process Standard that permeates the five Content Standards (Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability)

- Problem-Solving Strategies: Participants apply problem-solving strategies to solve non-routine problems. The strategies include Make a List, Find a Pattern, Use Guess and Check, Act it Out, Use a Drawing, Use Logic, Solve a Simpler/Related Problem, and Work Backwards.

- Guided Problem Solving: Participants work in groups to develop their own guiding questions to use with students for each of the steps in George Polya's problem-solving plan (Understand -- Plan -- Solve -- Look Back) for selected non-routine problems. The use of effective guiding questions is at the heart of being effective as a facilitator of problem solving. Participants will present to the class the questions they develop for the selected problems.

- Cooperative Problem Solving: Experience how students benefit working together to solve rich problems. Learn how cooperative problem solving can be assessed fairly, while encouraging participation from ALL.

- Problem Solving on the ISAT (Illinois Learning Standards Achievement Test): Participants examine the latest ISAT materials -- along with the rubric for scoring Mathematical Knowledge, Strategic Knowledge, and Explanation for extended response items.

This course provides instructional strategies designed to address the needs of both regular and special-education students. All teachers, including those teaching developmental curricula or math education teachers, would benefit from this workshop.

Date: March 5 and 6, 2010

Registration: 4:00 on Friday

Workshop hours:
Friday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location:
Wyndham Garden Hotel
900 West Lake Cook Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847/215–8883

A reduced overnight rate is available from the Wyndham Garden for ActiveMath participants.

Cost for one workshop: $189. Two or more registrations received at the same time: Only $170 each.

THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

• An extensive coursebook with blacklines to take directly back into your classroom
• Complimentary snacks of Friday; coffee, rolls, and a delicious lunch on Saturday
• A certificate of participation suitable for framing and a fascinating puzzle
• An opportunity to examine and purchase supplemental math materials

One hour of Graduate Credit, for an additional fee paid at the workshop, available through

• National-Louis University – MHE 585B

Chicago Promotional Lane Credit: Course Number Pending

15 Illinois CPDUs are available for this workshop.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Participate in a goldmine of activity lessons that connect to the real world of students. Each activity lesson calls for students “to put on a detective hat” and search for patterns to discover important mathematical concepts and formulas, break a code, solve a mystery, conduct detective-style investigations, uncover and correct errors and blunders, analyze why a “trick” works, and use clues to solve problems.

This seminar addresses key mathematical skills and concepts from each of the five NCTM Content Standards (Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability). The seminar also fully implements the essence of the NCTM Process Standards (Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Communication, Connections, and Representation). In addition, the integrated curriculum promoted in this seminar parallels the integrated nature of the NCTM Curriculum Focal Points.

Focus on Number and Operations
--The Date Detective: Explore a potpourri of number theory concepts as they relate to dates on the calendar. 

-- Editor for a Day Error Hunt: Search for math and grammatical errors in a lesson on multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. 

-- Calculations that Are NOT Par for the Course: Use mental math and estimation to help search for patterns of errors related to percent increase in an actual a newspaper article that is riddled with math errors.   

-- Discover Integer Rules with Integer Man: Engage in a discovery lesson where students look for patterns while walking on a number line to develop rules for the addition and subtraction of integers.

Focus on Data Analysis and Probability
-- Mode Code: Make a frequency table based on letter frequency, and use the concepts of mode and percents (along with trial-and-error) to help break a code. 

-- What’s Inside a Bag of m&m's?: Use statistics (frequency table, bar graph, mean, range, and mode) from bags of m&m’s to make predictions. 

-- The Case of the Smash Hit: Find geometric probability, use proportional reasoning and scale drawings, and use logical reasoning to solve this fascinating baseball mystery.

Focus of Measurement and Geometry
-- Does Your Head Measure Up? Exploring Ratios in Body Measurements: Discover fascinating connections between art and mathematics; use measurements, ratios (including the golden ratio), and more. 

-- The Mathematical Treasure Hunt: Experience how writing assignments in mathematics (such as this original work from an 8th-grade student) reinforces key math concepts while making a strong connection to language arts. 

-- Is Pythagoras in the Area?: Discovering a Famous Relationship: Students look for a pattern to discover the Pythagorean Theorem while measuring, finding the area of triangles and squares, evaluating expressions.

Focus on Algebra
-- Make No Bones About It: A Forensic Science Investigation: Use data and concepts from forensic science to make conclusions based on bones uncovered at an accident scene. Math skills include evaluating algebraic expressions, using formulas; solving equations, and more.  

-- Using Algebra Tiles to Multiply Binomials of the Form (ax + b)(cx + d), where a, b, c, and d Are Whole Numbers: Engage in a discovery lesson where students explore area relationships with algebra tiles to develop rules for multiplying binomials.

Focus on Mathematical Recreation
-- Uncovering Humorous Mathematical Blunders in the Media: Explore math blunders in the media involving all five strands of mathematics.

This course provides instructional strategies designed to address the needs of both regular and special-education students. All teachers, including those teaching developmental curricula or math education teachers, would benefit from this workshop.

Date: Friday April 30. 2010

Registration: 8:00 am

Seminar hours: Friday 8:15 am – 3:15 pm

Location:
Holiday Inn Select—Chicago/Naperville-Lisle
1801 N. Naper Blvd.
Naperville, IL 60563
630/505–4900

A reduced overnight rate is available from the Wyndham Garden for ActiveMath participants.

Cost for one workshop: $189. Two or more registrations received at the same time: Only $170 each.

THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

• Each participant will receive a comprehensive coursebook of activities that has been designed specifically for this seminar
• Continental breakfast — rolls, coffee, and fruit (lunch on your own)
• A copy of David Spangler’s book, Mathematics Explorations: Detective-style Activities for the Real World (a $24.95 value!)
• A certificate of participation suitable for framing

There will be an opportunity to examine and purchase supplemental math materials.

One hour of Graduate Credit, for an additional fee paid at the seminar, available through

• Chapman University College — EDUC 9623D

(Participation in one online session and a paper are required for college credit.)

6 Illinois CPDUs are available for this workshop.

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Go to Registration Page

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

This engaging workshop will keep you actively involved exploring geometry from many angles. You will leave with a hands-on program that will make geometry more exciting and understandable to your students.

-- Investigate van Hiele’s Levels of Understanding: Learn about geometric levels of learning and how to help your students advance through important stages by using hands-on activities and projects.

-- Paper-Folding and Origami to Enhance Learning: Paper-folding is a wonderful way to help students develop an understanding of higher-level geometry concepts!

-- Manipulatives to Enhance Student Understanding: Par for the Course: Learn how to make geometry more understandable by using geoboards, pentominoes, tangrams, and ordinary pantry items.

-- A Solid Experience with 3-Dimensional Geometry: Learn about Platonic Solids by building and analyzing them using tagboard, rubber bands and some careful measurement. Learn to incorporate the creativity of design into the assembly of a cereal box and a soda pop can using poster board, markers, and an artistic flair.

-- Use Journals to Develop Geometry Concepts: Learn how use a paper journal to help your students communicate mathematically.

-- Use Rotations, Translations, & Slides to Incorporate Geometry and Design: Begin with semi-regular tessellations and move on to “Escher-type” designs. Then use mirrors and angles to help students understand interior and central angles.

-- Investigate the Irrationality of Pi: Learn innovative activities to help students understand the value of pi. Experiment with different ways to find the area of circles.

This course provides instructional strategies designed to address the needs of both regular and special-education students. All teachers, including those teaching developmental curricula or math education teachers, would benefit from this workshop.

Date: Thursday and Friday, June 24 & 25, 2010

Registration: 8:00 – 3:30 each day

Workshop hours: Friday 8:15 am – 3:15 pm

Location:
Wyndham Garden Hotel
900 West Lake Cook Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
1-847/215-8883

Cost for one workshop: $189. Two or more registrations received at the same time: Only $170 each.

THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

• An extensive coursebook with blacklines to take directly back into your classroom
• Coffee and rolls served both days; delicious lunch provided on Thursday; lunch on your own on Friday
• A certificate of participation suitable for framing and a fascinating puzzle
• An opportunity to examine and purchase supplemental math material

One hour of Graduate Credit, for an additional fee paid at the workshop, available through

• National-Louis University - MHE 585M

15 Illinois CPDUs are available for this workshop.

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Go to Registration Page

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Come away with a collection of proven instructional strategies that will motivate both regular and special needs students to gain a deeper understanding of algebra— while sparking their interest in a motivational way!

-- It's Not Magic, It's ALGEBRA!: Participate in a variety of card and number “tricks” that will not only motivate your students, but will also reinforce key concepts involving variables, expressions, and equations.

-- Use Simple Objects to Make Abstract Concepts More Meaningful: Graph human ordered pairs to show equations; do integer “line dancing” to keep “in step” with integer operations; promote the concept of balance in solving equations -- using beans (for integers), cups (for variables), and toothpicks (for the = sign); use plastic eggs in an egg-citing way to evaluate egg-spressions; use paper algebra tiles to discover rules for multiplying and factoring polynomials.

-- Develop Math–Language Connections: Engage in a game-type activity where students translate among written English, algebra, and arithmetic.

-- Take Real–World Applications of Algebra Back to Your Classroom: Interpret airline data and health statistics. Use a line of best fit to make real-life predictions. Show your students the importance of algebra in their daily lives.

-- Use Modeling to Bridge Words to Equations: Pictorial representations help students visualize abstract mathematical relationships in problems. This approach, widely used in Singapore, should help your students become better problem-solvers.

-- Use Paper-Folding to Help Students See Algebra Concepts: What better way to understand multiplying binomials than to see the results unfold!

-- What's My Function?: Functions become more understandable when you approach them through rules, mappings, sets of ordered pairs, graphs, and equations. Learn how to use a calculator as a function machine.

This course provides instructional strategies designed to address the needs of both regular and special-education students. All teachers, including those teaching developmental curricula or math education teachers, would benefit from this workshop.

Date: Friday and Saturday, June 25 & 26, 2010

Registration: 4:00 on Friday

Workshop hours:
Friday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location:
Wyndham Garden Hotel
900 West Lake Cook Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
1-847/215-8883

Cost for one workshop: $189. Two or more registrations received at the same time: Only $170 each.

THIS WORKSHOP INCLUDES:

• An extensive coursebook with blacklines to take directly back into your classroom
• Coffee and rolls served both days; delicious lunch provided on Thursday; lunch on your own on Friday
• A certificate of participation suitable for framing and a fascinating puzzle
• An opportunity to examine and purchase supplemental math materials

One hour of Graduate Credit, for an additional fee paid at the workshop, available through

• National-Louis University - MHE 585K

15 Illinois CPDUs are available for this workshop.