CMTC Session Descriptions

CMTC 2006: PSDC Sessions on Thursday

PSDC20M 2006 Session	Math Problem Solving with Technology Claire Mead, Project Manager, The Math Forum @ Drexel University
E² Level: Intermediate Grades: K-5, 6-8	Technology is a powerful medium for supporting mathematical problem solving. It provides tools that enhance the solving process as well as the communication of results. In this workshop, designed for teachers of grades 3-8, learn how commonly available software tools, such as spreadsheet, drawing and web applets, can be used to uncover mathematics, by facilitating visualization and pattern discovery. Participants are introduced to Math Tools, a free service of The Math Forum, for locating appropriate web applets that support problem solving. Participants also explore ways of using software and applets to help students communicate their solutions and represent their mathematical thinking effectively in a variety of forms, including pictures and diagrams, tables and graphs, numbers, and symbols.
PSDC21PC 2006 Session	The Gummi-Mummy Experience Christine Maloof, TIS Chelmsford MA, Chelmsford,. MA, and Janet Legg, BYAM School
* E² Level: Beginner Grades: 6-8	Learn about the study of ancient Egyptian culture for elementary grades as you explore three different projects in this workshop. In the Gummi-Mummy Project, you mummify a gummi bear, name the gummi pharoah, create, decorate and seal his sarcophagus, create the pyramid, inter the mummy, write the pharoah's biography, and present it in storyboard form (handwriting, word processing, multi-media, etc.). The Pyramids of Giza Project uses the pyramid models to build a representation of GIZA, research the georgraphy on the web, reproduce the Great Desert, and place the pyramids. The Mini-Book Project includes researching of assigned area of Egyptian culture using PowerPoint Mini-Book to create a book with facts and illustrations. Student photographers record the process and build a PowerPoint photo album. Hands-on and web-based activities use plane and solid geometry, fictional biography, mini-books of facts regarding ancient culture, PowerPoint, Timeliner, Inspiration, HyperStudio, and MicroWorlds.
PSDC23M 2006 Session	New Hampshire Geology Website Daniel Reidy, 6th Grade Teacher, Moultonborough Central School
* E² Level: Beginner Grades: All	Tropical islands, volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, and glaciers, sound like far off places around the world? Guess again ~ it's New Hampshire's geological history! Explore all this and more during this two-hour workshop that acquaints you with these facts and more using the NHGEOLOGY.ORG website and other resources to understand geologic time and the earth processes that have helped to create and shape the Granite State. The web site was designed as an easy to read resource with photographs and graphics to illustrate the topics. It can be used as an informational resource and/or a virtual field trip to sites around the state. Intended primarily for teachers in grades 4-8, but useable for K-16 with modifications and/or extensions, the workshop includes exploration of the website and hands-on activities you can use with your students.
PSDC25 2006 Session	The Power of a PDA in the Classroom Gretchen Williams, Enrichment Teacher, Windham Middle School, and Donald Shirley, Windham Middle School
* E² Level: Beginner Grades: All	Participants use Zire 71s to word process, create spreadsheets and charts, and explore various software applications. Downloaded Internet sites are used to gather and synthesize information. The focus of this workshop is on science, math, and reading software to demonstrate that handhelds can be an effective tool in assisting teachers to meet NCLB requirements and state standards. Handheld technology is a motivating tool, that engages students and can be easily and effectively integrated into your school's curriculum.