The deadline for registrations for the VCTM Spring Conference "Facing the Unknown *** What Variables Can You Control?? (A Conference about VT State Math Assessments and Teaching Algebra K-12) is less than two weeks away. In case you have misplaced your schedule and registration form, it follows and is also attached in rich text format (rtf). Please let me know if you are not able to read the attachment. Hope to see you at the Clarion in South Burlington on April 9th. Best Wishes, Bob Chaffee, VCTM Treasurer Vermont Council of Teachers of Mathematics Spring Conference April 9, 2003, Clarion Hotel, Williston Road, South Burlington, Vermont FACING THE UNKNOWN *** What Variables Can You Control?? A Conference about VT State Math Assessments and Teaching Algebra K-12 8:15-8:45 Registration and Continental breakfast sponsored by the Wiley Book Company 8:45-9:30 Keynote "Assessment: What’s Going On?" Bud Meyers 9:40 - 10:30 1. K-6 Algebraic Thinking in the Elementary Grades...What does it Look Like? We will examine how algebraic thinking develops in the elementary grades. We will explore how the ideas of equality, generalizations, and mathematical reasoning and proof enter into the elementary grades’ curriculum. Presenter: Maureen Neumann, UVM 2. What Does Standards-based Mean and What Does a Standard-based Classroom Look Like? Presenters: Members of VISMT Team 3. 7-12 Applications and Usage of TI-83+ (or TI-73)...Flash ROM and APPS are part of the newest graphics calculators. This is a "hands-on" session designed to understand and explore these new features. Loaner calculators will be available for the first 24 teachers to sign up for this session. If you have a TI-73, 89, 83+, or 92+ you will want to bring it. Presenter: Jean McKenny 4. 6-12 Questioning Techniques...Aldo Bianchi 10:40 - 11:30 5. K-4 Problem Solving:..How do you begin the process of K-6 problem solving in Algebra? This is a hands-on session to help students (and teachers) blend the understanding of skills and concepts of Algebra. We will examine student work to see how students develop an understanding of the essential math at each level. Presenter: Linda Parker 6. VISMT Team presentation continued 7. 9-12 "Everything You Want to Know about UVM’s Calculus"...What are the different courses? What technology is used? How much trig is needed? What are the biggest difficulties for students? and more! Presenter: Holly Putterbaugh, University of Vermont 8. 7-12 "Applications of Matrices using TI-82’s"..In this workshop we will explore a variety of applications of matrices suitable for secondary classrooms. Some motivate the seemingly strange multiplication algorithm for matrices, and some delve into more sophisticated uses of matrices. All can be done without calculators, but most are more reasonably done with their help. Presenter: Nancy Meinhart 11:30-12:30 Lunch 12:30-1:20 "Assessment: What Do You Want to Know?" with Bud, Aldo, Deb. 1:30-2:45 9. K-6 "Finding Formulas is Fun" ...Determining a formula to describe a mathematical situation can be difficult. I will share a number of rich problems and show the steps that were followed and the questions that were asked to guide the students as they developed formulas and then used the formulas to answer questions related to the situation. Presenter: Karla Karstens, University of Vermont 10. 9-12 Parametric Equations...Typical algebra time/rate/distance problems can be simulated using graphics calculators in a parametric mode. This session is "hands-on" and loaner calculators will be available for the first 24 teachers to sign up. If you own a graphics calculator, you will want to bring it. We will explore basic problems and even determine what angle and velocity is necessary to bat a baseball over the "green monster" at Fenway Park. Presenter: Jean McKenney 11. 6-8 " What’s Next...An Investigation of Patterns" Participants will construct and extend patterns with concrete materials, search and discover patterns in number tables, write rules and generalizations for patterns, observe connections between geometric and algebraic patters and review the work of seventh grade students. Presenter: Barbara Unger, Middlebury, VT 12. 9-12 "What Colleges Look for in Math Skills" Presenter: Wiley Book Rep The conference registration includes a continental breakfast provided by the Wiley Book Company, and a luncheon of: A wrap buffet consisting of Chicken Caesar Wraps ( char-grilled chicken chopped and mixed with Caesar Salad greens and blanketed in a slot garlic herb tortilla) and Hummus Wraps (Hummus topped with roasted red peppers and lentil salad, all wrapped up with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots in a soft lahvosh), Chef’s choice of salad, Homemade brownies, beverage including coffee, tea, milk or soda Registration: Name_____________________________ e-mail____________________________ Home Address__________________________________________ ___________________________________________ School____________________Position_______________________ Sessions Requested: (List by number) 9:40-10:30 1st choice___2nd choice___ 10-40-11:30 1st choice___2nd choice___ 1:30-2:45 1st choice___2nd choice___ VCTM Member $45 _________ non-member $60 _________ VCTM membership renewal for 2003 $15 _______ Payment: Make checks payable to VCTM Total Amount Due: __________ Registration deadline is March 31, 2003 Mail Registration form to :Robert Chaffee, 7 Walnut Lane, Essex Junction, VT 05452-4373