1. Program Title: Exploring Algebra Through InterMath

2. Goals Addressed:
Participants will:
1) Develop a deeper understanding of algebraic concepts.
2) Become confident with the use of technology to enhance classroom teaching.
3) Consider problem solving strategies to reinforce authentic mathematical applications.
4) Develop lessons utilizing technology.
5) Engage in the benefits of working collaboratively.

3. Improvement Practices:
Teachers will enhance their understanding of algebra and technology through the development of classroom lessons which encourage authentic assessment and the use of web based resources, along with data and presentation software.

4. Competencies:
Participants will be able to:
1) Access the InterMath Website and Investigations.
2) Relate InterMath Investigations to Georgia Performance Standards.
3) Write lesson plans incorporating InterMath Investigations, the InterMath Dictionary, and Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and/or Microsoft Word.

5. Performance Indicators:
As a result of this course, participants will demonstrate their ability to:
1) Investigate authentic problems and apply algebraic knowledge to solve them.
2) Summarize their understanding of solutions through the use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and/or Microsoft Word.
3) Develop engaging lesson plans to accelerate, teach, and reinforce middle school algebraic concepts.

6. Preparation Phase:
Dates: XXXX 2006
Instructor: Thomas M. Thrailkill
Location: Atha Road Elementary School, Walton County
Strategies: Utilization of Internet Resources, Collaborative Discussion, Lesson Plan Development, Summarizing Strategies, Algebraic Investigations

7. Assessment:
Participants will be assessed on the accuracy and completeness of InterMath Guides, participation of classroom discussions and investigations, and development of lesson plans incorporating InterMath Investigations and technology to accelerate, teach, and reinforce algebraic concepts.

8. Course Outline:
I. Class One (2 hours)
A. Introduction to InterMath
1. Access InterMath at
http://www.intermath-uga.gatech.edu/
2. Review Goals of InterMath
3. Use InterMath Exploration Guide Sheet to explore the InterMath Site. Participants should record their observations on this guide sheet. Participants will examine Investigations, as well as, Dictionary.

B. Examine InterMath Investigations Together
1. Participants will complete Consecutive Odds and Evens using the InterMath Investigation Summary Sheet.
2. Review the solution and further implications of discovering the pattern.
3. Discuss the Extensions and how this component can strengthen algebraic understanding for middle school learners.
4. Review the GPS Correlation Matrix to see which standards can be assessed using this investigation.

II. Class Two (2 hours)
A. Collaborative Exploration of InterMath Investigations
1. Have participants describe how to access the InterMath Investigations as
collaborative pairs.
2. Have participants describe how the InterMath site is organized.

B. Participant Exploration of InterMath Investigations
1. Participants will examine three investigations from the Algebra domain.
Participants will choose one from the Patterns strand, one from the Functions and
Equations strand, and one from the Graphing strand as collaborative pairs.
Participants will complete an InterMath Investigation Summary Sheet for each
one.
2. Participants will discuss how they solved these investigations and how the
investigations they have chosen can assist them in their classes.

III. Class Three (2 hours)
A. Incorporating Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word
1. Have participants summarize how the InterMath Investigations are organized
and how students can benefit from exploring them.
2. Participants will complete the Partial Sums of Consecutive Integers Investigation. Discuss how Microsoft Excel can be used to create a spreadsheet to incorporate the formula. Participants will complete this investigation using the spreadsheet.
3. Discuss how Microsoft PowerPoint can be used to present solutions.

B. Participant Development of Presentations
1. Participants will create a presentation on the solution for Partial Sums of Consecutive Integers using Microsoft PowerPoint by copying and pasting their spreadsheet into a slide show and using a textbox to record their process.
2. Discuss how Microsoft Word may be used as an alternative for summarizing the investigation.
3. Participants will select an investigation (based on grade level using the GPS Correlation Matrix), solve the investigation, and present their solution using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
4. Have participants bring in current unit planning resources for class four.

IV. Class Four (2 hours)
A. Lesson Planning Using InterMath
1. Have participants describe the options for students to present solutions to InterMath Investigations.
2. Discuss how to plan lessons using InterMath and the Lesson Plan Template.
3. Have participants identify the GPS they are currently planning for.
4. Participants will use the GPS Correlation Matrix to identify the InterMath Investigations which correlate with the GPS they are currently planning for.
5. Discuss the use of the Lesson Plan Template and complete a lesson plan together.

B. Participant Lesson Planning
1. Participants will complete one lesson plan using the Lesson Plan Template and GPS Correlation Matrix.
2. Discuss the opportunity for InterMath Investigations and the Dictionary resource for use to accelerate and reinforce student knowledge, as well as, to teach content.
3. Have participants teach their lesson and write a reflection to bring for class five.

V. Class Five (2 hours)
A. Unit Planning Using InterMath
1. Discuss participant reflections from the lesson created in class four.
2. Participants will begin writing lesson plans using InterMath Investigations for a unit they are currently planning for.

B. Summary
1. Have participants summarize the benefits of utilizing InterMath Investigations and resources in the classroom by completing a Think-Pair-Share note card.