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.