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MathCEP
spotlight

Algebraic Processes &
Their Connections to
Reasoning & Geometry

Course Description

Spend two weeks deepening
your mathematical knowledge!
 

The goal of this course is to increase your mathematical knowledge and your ability to be an effective mathematics teacher. Roughly speaking, the course will be focus on algebra concepts but, as the title suggests, we will often search for connections between algebra and concepts in geometry and reasoning. The first week we will cover algebraic foundations by discussing and exploring topics such as subtraction and negative numbers, fractions, and the Pythagorean Theorem. We will use a
number of visual representations and manipulatives which help students (and teachers) who struggle to understand difficult but foundational math concepts. These representations lead to new connections between division, multiplication and addition.

During the second week we will continue to investigate additional topics, while also giving you
time work with other participants and the instructors on a course project. You will develop concept specific mathematics enrichment units adaptable for a wide range of student skills, comprehension
and experiences.

Tuition and fees for 2 graduate semester credits in mathematics as well as daily lunches, a parking stipend, and all books and materials are grant-funded.


Academic year requirements

To receive an "A" in this course, participate in the following:

I) Two Academic Year events:
    i) One “Professional Development Saturday”
    ii) One of any of the “Other Professional Development Activities”
II) Final Workshop

To receive a "B+" in your course, participate in the Final Workshop.

You will receive a "B" in your course if you do not attend any Academic Year activities.

If you need to miss several days of class, you will have to make a special arrangement with us and you will receive a separate email with your specific Academic Year requirements.

Go to the schedule of Academic Year activities for a list of events and activities available to fulfil these requirements.

Academic year schedule

2009 Events have yet to be planned.
Here is a list oF OFFERINGS available to the summer 2007 Participants

Professional Development Saturdays (1 required)

Date Activity Time
October 13, 2007 Tessellating Patterns (grades 4-5)
8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
October 27, 2007 Topology & Knot Theory 8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
November 10, 2007 Spherical Journeys (grades 5-6) 8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
January 26, 2008 Directions in Space (grades 6-7) 8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
February 9, 2008 Gear Up for the Future 8:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 1, 2008 Symbolic Systems and Number Patterns 8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
     

Other Professional Development Activities (1 required*)

Date Activity Time
Friday, October 19, 2007 Half Day Workshop 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 Seminar 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Seminar 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Seminar 5:00-7:00 p.m.

*You may participate in more than one in this category if you so wish.

Final Workshop

Date Time  
May 2008 5:00-7:00 p.m.  

How to Apply

Download and print an application form. Complete application form and fax or mail to the MathCEP office, Attn: Teacher Professional Development.

Fax: 612-626-1150

Address: 4 Vincent Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455

Questions and Answers

Who is leading the project?

IT Center for Educational Programs (MathCEP), University of Minnesota

For whom is the program intended?

Teachers of grades 3-7 should apply. 

What are the objectives?

  1. Deepen teacher understanding of mathematics concepts and their connections to classroom topics primarily included in the grades 4-6 curriculum,
  2. Increase understanding of student questions and learning issues for these concepts,
  3. Participation in a teacher professional development network during the academic year which supports learning more mathematics, improvement of teaching, and integrating important math enrichment topics in the classroom curriculum, as well as providing other professional opportunities. 

How is the project structured?

  1. Summer coursework:  10 class days at the University of Minnesota
  2. Academic year professional development activities: Including choices from Professional Development Saturdays, academic seminars, and workshops.

    NOTE
    :  Additional academic year professional development and networking opportunities will be available on an optional basis.

Where and when is the Summer Institute being held?

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, East Bank
Monday, June 15 to Friday 26, 2009 (10 Days), 9 AM-3:30 PM.
Additional tutorials or homework/enrichment unit development assistance may be scheduled as needed before or following class.

Who are the instructors?

Senior and post-doctorial university mathematics faculty and K-12 teacher leaders/mentors.
        
What is funded by the grant for each teacher participant?

  • Tuition and Fees for 2 graduate credits in mathematics from the University of MN
  • Transportation/Parking supplement
  • Daily Lunches and Snacks
  • All Books and Materials
  • $200 stipend for teachers who satisfactorily complete the summer course and academic year professional development component

How do I apply?

Fax or mail application to MathCEP

Fax: 612-626-1150 Address: 4 Vincent Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455

When is the application deadline?

The priority deadline is Wednesday, May 6, 2009 with a Final Deadline of Friday, May 15, 2009.
 
Additional questions to MathCEP at 612-625-2861 or mathcep@umn.edu.  

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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.