NHTM and SNHU are co-sponsoring this year's

 

New Hampshire Teachers of Mathematics

Annual Spring Conference March 26th 2008

 

Updated 3/11/2008

 

This is a tentative schedule and may be subject to change, please check for updates.

 


Welcome by NHTM President Roberta Kieronski

Welcome to our 45th annual conference. For the past year the conference committee has worked diligently to offer you a great experience. NHTM wants to especially thank everyone who worked to make this conference a success. We are grateful to the Southern New Hampshire University, which has graciously offered their facilities. We hope you have time to tour the campus and to learn about the many offerings available at SNHU. The conference program has a variety of great sessions and workshops, which we hope will inspire you to try something different in your classroom. Please reflect on what you might do to help with next year’s conference. Would you be willing to share your ideas, work on the conference, be a conference chair, etc? Board members would be happy to talk with you about becoming more active in NHTM. Enjoy the day and thank you for attending!

 

Directions to SNHU. Parking is in the Special Events Lot across from the main gate.

 

7:30 -10:00

Registration and Breakfast in the Gymnasium in the Athletic Complex   

7:30 - 3:30

Exhibits in the Gymnasium in the Athletic Complex

 

 

Keynote Speaker 8:00-8:45 Frost Hall Auditorium

Dr. Richard Evans

Plymouth State University (retired)

 Author

Why Teach Math?

Mathematics is an important subject in today’s technological world.  Perhaps, more important than the content to the typical students are the “habits of mind” that students develop when they “work mathematically.”  Teachers need to be aware of these habits and emphasize their value outside the mathematics classroom.

 

 

Lesson Swap Frost Hall Computer Room 333

Drop by from 10:40 – 12:15  or  from 1:30 – 2:30

To all teachers – Kindergarten through College – stop by and swap a lesson and/or explore web resources.  This room will be manned by NHTM Board Members to promote teacher exchange of electronic or hard copy versions of lessons from grades K – 12/C.  Web resources will be highlighted.  All speakers are encouraged to stop by and share their web resources.  We hope to see you here!

 

 

All sessions and workshops are in Robert Frost Hall.

 

Sessions 9:00 – 10:00

 

1.

Geometry in Grades 3 – 6

(3-6)

314

Activities and ideas for engaging students in problems and explorations that address the grades

3 – 6 GLE’s.  A problem or two for you, too! 

 

Dr. Ferd Prevost, Plymouth State University (retired)

 

 

2.

Problem Solving Models

(K-8)

315

Have you heard about Singapore Math? Come and learn about the Model Drawing Strategy for problem solving. The session will also cover additional strategies for developing mathematical fluency if time permits.

 

Cecile Carlton, Nashua School District

 

 

3.

Integrated Integers: Exploring Math Concepts Through the Lens of Art

(6-8)

331

Discover how the focus on integers is made more engaging for the 8th grade math students.  Through the art of journal making, music and sculpture, students gain an understanding of real life applications for math.  Integrated integers is based on national and state standards.  Lesson plans and assessment strategies will be provided.

 

Stephanie Haulk, Jaylene Bengtson, Belmont Middle School

 

 

4.

Making the Transition from High School to College

(8-16)

320

This presentation will highlight the work that ten high schools around the state are doing to help their graduates make a smoother transition from high school to college level mathematics.

 

Dr. Brian Beaudrie, NH-IMPACT Center, Plymouth State University

 

5.

Use the New Technology to Solve An Old Problem Better

(7-12)

321

Participants will use the new TI Nspire to solve the old Boss Toss and Beyond Problem.  It will be a hands-on activity that will show the power of the new devise and extend the old ball toss to conservation of energy by list manipulation.

 

Jacklyn Bonneau, Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science

 

 

6.

Math Resources from NHPTV

(General)

210

Learn more about some of the free mathematics student programming and some of the free and low-cost mathematics professional development programming available from New Hampshire Public Television.

 

Susan Adams, New Hampshire Public Television

 

 

7.

The Elements of Styles: Effective High School Math Teaching in the United States

(General / 9-12)

332

The Elements of Styles is a half-hour documentary focused on the teaching techniques of six  award-winning US math teachers.  What does research suggest are the most effective teaching techniques, and how do these teachers implement them?  We will view the film, then discuss the ideas in the documentary with the filmmaker.

 

Bill Hammond, Hanover High School

 

10:00 – 10:40 Visit the Exhibits!

 

 

Workshops 9:00 – 10:30

 

8.

How The Basic Ideas and Language of High School Algebra can be Built Naturally in K-5

K-10

210

The arithmetic of elementary school contains all of the conceptual underpinnings of high school algebra, and activities that are important for children in K-5 can be arranged to bring those algebraic ideas to the fore.  Moreover, because children are exceptional language learners, they all but “invent” algebraic language if given appropriate opportunities.  This presentation will show how several activities that are perfect for developing skill in the elementary arithmetic also prepare children so that algebra is a natural and easy extension, instead of a daunting new subject.

 

 

E. Paul Goldenberg, Educational Development Center (EDC); and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt School Publishers author of ThinkMath! (K-5)

 

 

 

 

9.

Developing Probability and Data Analysis Concepts with Technology

(3-8)

221

In this hands-on workshop you will use the commonly available software and web applets to explore basic probability concepts, including randomness, fairness, and theoretical vs. experimental chance.  Learn how technology can help develop principles of data analysis, and strengthen related number skills.  The presenter will share technology-based problems, activities and games.

 

Claire Mead, The Math Forum @ Drexel

 

 

10.

What You Say Still Makes All The Difference

(3-6)

230

Calculators have the potential to ENRICH, but not REPLACE significant understanding in math.  How we use them and the way we talk about the ideas behind those keys makes ALL the difference between disabling and enabling technology.  As a participant in this lively, hands-on session you will discover how meaning can be lost or brought to life by the language we use.  You will leave this session with new strategies, activities and perspectives you can use with your students tomorrow.

 

Maggie Martin Connell, Think-Links Press

 

 

11.

Exploring with the Calculator Based Ranger (CBR)

(5-9)

204

The CBR allows students to explore the mathematical and scientific relationships between distance, velocity, acceleration and time using data collected from activities they perform. Participants will perform activities involving motion, graphing and functions using the CBR, to bring back to the classroom.

 

 

Nicole Doherty, Mountain View Middle School

 

 

 

 

12.

Patterns in Mathematics Enhance Our Sense of Numb3r

(5-9)

220

Solving “The Case of the Missing Remainders” will help provide students with a strong sense of number.  Bring a calculator!

 

David G. Kent, Hopkinton High School (retired)

 

 

 

13.

Fibonacci Numbers, The Golden Ratio, and Australia: Modeling Population Growth with Technology

(11-C)

222

In the 13th century, Fibonacci described a hypothetical situation involving rabbit populations.  In the 18th century, Thomas Malthus introduced the idea of unbounded growth.  In the 19th century, an Australian farmer released 24 rabbits, which grew to 22 million in six years.  Explore how these phenomena are connected using Excel.

 

Greta Mills, Hanover High School

 

 

14.

Statistics in K – 12: Can We Do Better?

(6-C)

202

Statistics combines the rigors of mathematics with the uncertainties of the real world.  The understanding of statistical concepts has become an important skill in society today.  Understanding poll results, health risks for diseases, weather forecasts, ecological impacts of gas and oil consumption, the effectiveness of medications, genetic evidence in court trials, and evaluation of your favorite baseball players, all require an understanding of statistics.  We will discuss the importance of statistics and basic statistical concepts using real-world examples.  We will also discuss ideas for re-thinking and improving the statistics curriculum.

 

Dr. Scott Evans, Harvard University

 

 

15.

Exploring Apps on the TI-84 Calculator

(7-12)

227

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the applications (Apps) on your TI-84?  Here’s your chance!  Participants will leave with knowledge of several Apps and activities to take back to their classrooms.  Apps looked at will include (dependent on time): Cabri Jr., AreaForm, EasyData, Inequalz, Transfrm, GuesCoef, and Prob Sim.

 

Greg Superchi, Lisbon Regional School

 

 

16.

Determinants – Beyond Cramer’s Rule to Areas and Equations

(10-16)

228

Two of the many applications of Determinants allow us to find the area of any polygon in a coordinate plane and the equation of any straight line given two points.  The proofs and procedures follow readily from the definition of a determinant.

 

Ginny VanHazinga, Exeter High School

 

10:40 – 12:15 Visit the Lesson Swap Room 333!

 

 

Sessions 10:40-11:40

 

17.

Understanding Division

(3-8)

320

Students often have a difficult time understanding division, especially when the answer is not a whole number.  Let’s look at the division models talked about in NCTM’s 3rd and 5th grade Curriculum Focal Points.  Activities to teach whole number, fraction and decimal division will be presented.  Handouts will be provided.

 

Dr. Barbara Boschmans, Plymouth State University

 

 

18.

Transforming the Elementary Mathematics Classroom

(K-6)

314

Learn how Straight Curve Mathematics reinforces challenging concepts, encourages dialog and increases mastery in ways textbooks and other educational tools simply can’t.

 

Phil Charland, PLATO Learning, Inc.

 

 

19.

Show Me the Math – Using Technology to Help Students Better Visualize Mathematics

(5-8)

*Lib.

Lab

In this session, participants will explore how teachers can use technology to enhance their math lessons.  Topics discussed will include internet resources, computer programs, document cameras and SMART boards.  This will be an active session – so come prepared to try out some new games and activities.

 

Allison Friend-Gray, Dover Middle School

 

 

20.

Making the Transition to High School:  Report of the 8th Grade Testing Committee

(General/5-9)

332

This session will provide an overview of the work of MaTHSC 8th Grade Testing Committee formed as part of a grant awarded to Plymouth State University by the NH Department of Education.  An overview of the items, results of the pilot process, and how teachers/schools gain access to the items will be discussed.

 

Karen Graham, Leitzel Center, University of New Hampshire; Todd Abel, University of New Hampshire; Christine Downing, NHDOE; Susan Deese, Rochester School District; Glenn Lavallee, Woodbury School, Salem; Phil Loud, Somersworth; Angela Markley, Cawley Middle School, Hooksett; Marie Snyder, Profile Middle School, Bethlehem; Connie Upshulte, Pennichuck Middle School, Nashua

 

 

21.

Beyond ‘Rithmetic: The Role of Reading, ‘Riting and Reasoning in Mathematics

(6-16)

321

 

Mathematics has often been called the “language of science.”  Recognizing this connection can help us teach our students mathematics.  In addition, our technological world requires students to communicate and reason if they are to apply mathematics beyond the classroom.  This presentation will include examples on grade-appropriate activities that encourage students to read, write and reason in the middle or secondary mathematics classroom.

 

Teresa Magnus, Rivier College

 

 

22.

Sharing Session on High School Competencies

(8-12)

315

High School Competencies should be on everyone’s radar this year.  NHTM in conjunction with CACES (Capital Area Center for Educational Support) has worked to develop sample high school competencies for Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry and Pre-Algebra courses.  Come learn about our journey, review our examples and offer what your school has done or is doing for meeting the NH State Standards.

 

Jeff Nielson, Tilton School; Cecile Carlton, Nashua School District

 

 

23.

Make Your Problems Dance With Technology

(9-12)

331

A great problem is a great problem, but watch it dazzle when you add technology to the mix.

 

Stephen Yurek, Lesley University

 

11:40 – 12:15 Visit the Exhibits!

 

 

Workshops 10:40-12:10

 

24.

First Steps in Mathematics – Uncovering and Clarifying Students’ Misconceptions about Mathematics

(Pre-K-9)

230

First Steps in Mathematics (FSiM) is a research-based professional development resource from the Western Australia Department of Education.  FSiM uses professional judgment as the starting point for making decisions about where to begin the mathematics teaching cycle by knowing what to teach, while uncovering and resolving students’ misconceptions about mathematics.  A panel of teachers will share their experiences using FSiM and you will be able to experience the materials and activities that can be used in conjunction with any mathematics program.

 

Connie Anick, STEPS Professional Development, Judy Curran Buck, STEPS Professional Development, Brian Beaudrie, NH-IMPACT Center, Plymouth State University; Barbara Boschmans, Plymouth State University, Cecile Carlton, Nashua School District; Christine Downing, NH DOE; Betty Erickson, Kearsarge Regional School District (Retired); Caroline Herold, Educational Consultant; Kathy Treamer, Northumberland School District; Connie Upshulte, Nashua School District; Stephanie Wheeler, Manchester School District

 

 

25.

Fraction Activities for the Early Grades

(K-5)

204

Activities for building a conceptual foundation for introducing fraction symbols and concepts to earlier learners; discussion of potential pitfalls in teaching fractions; and examples from teaching readiness for fractions to grade K students.

 

Al Bennett, University of New Hampshire; Ellen Ervine, Leitzel Center, University of New Hampshire

 

 

26.

Activities to Develop Conceptual Understanding of Fractions and Decimals

(4-7)

228

The term “conceptual understanding” is used throughout the GLE’s.  NCTM uses “computational fluency.”  Whatever “it” is called, our students need more.  Come and experience activities that help build number sense and understanding of fractions and decimals.

 

 

Kathy Fowler, Timberlane District Elementary Schools, Gretchen Kimball, Timberlane Regional Middle School

 

 

 

 

27.

From the Files of Nancy Ann Belsky

5-8

229

A grab bag of hands on activities which engage middle schoolers in mathematics.  It will contain activities from number theory, geometry, statistics and algebra.

 

 

Nancy Belsky, Westmoreland Elementary School

 

 

 

 

28.

Geometry in the Middle Grades: Teaching 2-D and 3-D Figures

(6-8)

210

Participants investigate G&M (6-3) and G&M (X-6) to understand how content and depth of knowledge change across grades six through eight.  Participants receive literacy frames for 3-D figures, easy to differentiate for a wide variety of teaching and learning styles and skill levels, along with nets, graphic organizers, writing prompts, hands-on labs and enrichment activities.

 

Heidi Boyle, Manchester School District

 

 

29.

Geometric Origami Models

(5-9)

220       

Explore paper folding patterns for polygons and polyhedra.

 

Barbara Palicki Kent, Hopkinton School District

 

 

30.

Virtual Manipulatives

(3-8)

221

Explore the fabulous resources the internet has to offer when it comes to virtual manipulatives.  Sites that can be used for whole class activities or used in a computer lab setting will be offered for viewing.  Participants will leave with many activities that they can use right away with their students. 

 

 

Natalie Archey LaFlamme, Fairgrounds Middle School, Nicole Doherty, Mountain View Middle School

 

 

 

31.

Statistical Ideas Using Sampling and Regression

(7-C)

227

This session will include some practical uses of sampling and regression to applied problems. Please bring a TI-83 or TI-84.

 

Dr. Bill Roberts, Plymouth State University

 

 

32.

A Few Questions About Cylinders

(7-C)

202

Analyzing three dimensional objects may give ample opportunity to discuss connections between algebra, geometry and calculus. This presentation explores some optimization problems that may be investigated in a constructive, experimental way by middle and high school students.  The presentation is to show how students may be guided from experiment to numerical explorations to algebraic generalization.

 

Dr. Natalya Vinogradova, Plymouth State University

 

12:15 – 1:30 Lunch and Awards!

 

 

Presented by:

Richard C. Evans Distinguished Mathematics Educator Award

Richard Evans & Christine Downing

Richard H. Balomenos Memorial Award

Bill Roberts

The Fernand J. Prevost Mathematics Teaching Award

Ferd Prevost

25 Year-Recognition

Cecile Carlton

 

1:30 – 2:00 Visit the Exhibits!

 

 

Sessions 2:00 - 3:00

 

33.

Calculator Games – “Words” in Numbers

(K-5)

210

Calculator practice through the use of number stories, number patterns and problem solving.  Includes a variety of calculator games, such as “making words” to solve riddles.

 

Sally Ferullo, Rochester School District

 

 

34.

Math and Literature: What a Pair!

(K-5)

228

Experience the integration of literature into the math classroom.  See how to use books to add interest, introduce concepts and demonstrate a real-world connection.  Participants will receive a CD of book titles organized by strands with suggested activities including many teacher created documents ready to use in the classroom.