Program Manager's Message:
Happy November!
This time of year means so many things to so many of us. It's a time of Thanksgiving, for one thing, a chance to recognize all the blessings we have received through the year. There are other holidays, too, of course; Veterans Day, for example, is 11/11, and many (but certainly not all) districts as well as the State of Kansas recognize that as an official holiday.
November is also the birth month of several famous mathematicians. You've probably heard of George Boole, born 11/2 and the creator of a certain type of algebra named after him, one that seemed so simple at first.... Additionally, there was d'Alembert, for whom the wave equation is sometimes named; Mobius, the inventor of--well, you know--and Mandlebrot, whose work on fractals is considered seminal (he's credited with literally coining the term). Anders Celsius, of the temperature scale fame, was also born in November a decade and a half after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, and the story of how an astronomer and a chemist/inventor came up with two very different yet still-competing temperature scales is a fascinating one for starting classes on several topics.
Speaking of birthdays, we don't really know the birthday of a famous mathematician whom we celebrate in November: Fibonacci, also known as Leonardo the son of Bonacci and Leonardo of Pisa (the Italian versions of which always sound cooler, in my opinion). Fibonacci Day is celebrated on 11/23 every year, not because of a date of birth, but instead because they're the first non-zero numbers in the Fibonacci Sequence. This sequence, graphed, produces the Fibonacci Spiral, which in turn is a very close approximation of the Golden Spiral, both of which appear in many ways in the natural world around us.
What many mathematicians brush off about Fibonacci, though, is that Liber Abaci, the work that shot him to fame, is actually one of the first texts on business mathematics. It is credited by some with bringing Europe out of the Dark Ages by opening up commerce -- for the first time it became clear to the Italian merchants how to use Hindu-Arabic numerals to multiply, say, 2 coins times 275 barrels to come up with a tax or a storage fee without pulling out the abacus to multiply II times CCLXXV.
(if you want to have some fun some day, let the kids try that or a similar operation using the two numeral systems)
Hope you're having a great start to a great month!
-Stephen
Learn more about the Fibonacci Sequence.
The Man of Numbers, a book about Fibonacci’s life and accomplishments
Upcoming Professional Development
Collaboration Meetings
Do you want to network with other math teachers across the state? What about an opportunity to share questions you have for KSDE? Do you want to brainstorm ideas on implementing effective teaching practices? Then join our monthly collaboration meetings.
Math Curriculum Leaders Collaboration
November 22, 3pm (Zoom Registration Link)Math Teacher Collaboration
November 22, 4pm (Zoom Registration Link)
Successes Around the State
Call for Content
Are you doing something amazing in your classroom that you would like to share with others?
Please submit ideas to sking@ksde.org to be showcased next month.
A Thinking Student is an Engaged Student
Mrs. Amber Boyington is Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
Students in Mrs. Amber Boyington's class in Olathe were engaged in a math task. As a team, they worked on a vertical erasable surface together to complete the task. Problem solving, collaboration, reasoning, critical thinking were evident. These are practices in Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics.
Do You Want to Learn More About Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics? Check out some opportunities below.
Expected Schedule:
6:00-7:00PM
October 6, 2022
Discuss Toolkit 1 (Chapters 1-3)
October 27
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Toolkit 1 (Chapter 1-3)
Give assignment to read Chapters 4-6
November 17
Discuss Toolkit 2 (Chapter 4-6, Intro to 9)
Collaborate
Put together resources
December 8
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Toolkit 2 (Chapter 4-6,9)
Give assignment to read Chapters 8, 9, 10
February 2
Discuss Chapters 8,9,10
Implementation of Toolkit 1 and 2, 3
February 23
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Toolkit 3 (Chapters 8,9,10)
Give assignment to read Chapter 7 and 11
March 23
Discuss Chapters 7 and 11
April 13
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Chapters 7 and 11
Reflection
OFFICE HOURS are available every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00PM outside of the Practice Sharing Sessions. Register for our Office Hours here to get additional support!
Nominate a 7-12 grade math teacher for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching!
It takes 2 minutes and changes lives! Need support? Click here to register for our support series.
Upcoming Presenters - Upcoming Presenters - FINAL (1).pdfMath Teaching Tools & Practices
11/11 is Origami Day!
One of the best days to celebrate and relax at the same time is for sure the Origami Day. You can start visiting the official website of the Origami day in USA. You can also learn more about the Origami axioms and applications by visiting Mathigon website.
Origami folding techniques are used in spacecrafts as well. If you are looking for a more STEAM related ideas, here is the funmathfan's ORIGAMI IN SPACE; MIURA, TREASE AND MORE article.
11/23 is Fibonacci Day!
Looking for some math activities and tasks for Fibonacci Day?
Here are three different math tasks with Polypad related with Fibonacci Numbers
2022 NAEP Math Scores Reinforce Why Systemic Change is Needed in Mathematics Education
“Students need to spend more time on high-quality mathematics instruction-rigorous and engaging mathematics learning grounded in students making sense of the mathematics. This is the foundational work, at every grade, that supports students in continuing as active learners of mathematics.”
Elementary Tools & Practices
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Rules that Expire in Elementary Math Classroom
"Overgeneralizing commonly accepted strategies, using imprecise vocabulary, and relying on tips and tricks that do not promote conceptual understanding can lead to misunderstanding late in students' math careers." -Karp, Bush, Dougherty
Here are the 13 Rules that Expires in Elementary Math Classrooms.
Greg Tang Math
Tang Math provides many resources: books, games, problem generators etc. Greg Tang works with some of the highest performing and most improving schools and districts in the country. He is the NY Times best-selling author of The Grapes of Math, gold medal eBook Math Appeal, and 6 other books from Scholastic.
Mathematics Vocabulary Cards
Mathematics Vocabulary Cards contains math vocabulary cards for Kindergarten through 8th Grade and Secondary 1 Mathematics. These cards can also be found in Spanish, Chinese, and French under the Dual Immersion menu. Portuguese, German, and Russian vocabulary cards are located at the following website: USOE Dual Immersion Vocabulary Cards
Inside Mathematics
The Inside Mathematics Problem Solving problems are non-routine math problems designed to promote problem-solving in your classroom. Each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematics complexity.
Slides and Jamboard Template
Have you seen Mrs. Park Shine's freebies? Run and check out her amazing slides and Jamboard templates.
K-5 Math
K-5 Math great site that contains K-5 teaching resources. Their mission is to transform the teaching and learning of mathematics, improving outcomes for all students in elementary and middle school.
Open Middle Tasks
Real World Tasks: Have you used Robert Kaplinsky's Open Middle Tasks and Real-World Problems? Great resources of math tasks that promote problem solving and reasoning.
Geogebra + Illustrative Mathematics
Do you use Illustrative Mathematics to supplement lessons ad GeoGebra as a tool? Access free Illustrative Math in GeoGebra now!
Secondary Tools & Practices
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Rules that Expire in Middle School Math Classroom
"Overgeneralizing commonly accepted strategies, using imprecise vocabulary, and relying on tips and tricks that do not promote conceptual understanding can lead to misunderstanding late in students' math careers." -Karp, Bush, Dougherty
Here are the 12 Rules that Expires in Middle School Math Classrooms.
Rules that Expire in High School Math Classroom
"Overgeneralizing commonly accepted strategies, using imprecise vocabulary, and relying on tips and tricks that do not promote conceptual understanding can lead to misunderstanding late in students' math careers." -Karp, Bush, Dougherty
Here are the 15 Rules that Expires in High School Math Classrooms.
Dan Meyer's Three-Act Math
This site is a spreadsheet with links to approximately 60 lessons that each linked to one or more grade 6 through high school Common Core Math Standards and one or more Standards for Mathematical Practice.
Online Calculator Apps
Desmos Graphing Calculator - Graph functions, plot data, evaluate equations, explore transformations, and much more – for free! Also available as an app on Google Play and Apple App Store
Calculate84 - a graphing calculators for iPhones
CALC 84 - a graphing calculator 83/84
Wabbitemu - creates a Texas Instruments graphing calculator right on your Windows, Mac, or Android device.
Inside Mathematics
The Inside Mathematics Problem Solving problems are non-routine math problems designed to promote problem-solving in your classroom. Each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematics complexity.
Desmos Classroom Activities
Access digital math activities that engage students into problem solving, thinking and reasoning. Premade Desmos activities are available but teachers can create their own.
Open Middle Tasks
Real World Tasks: Have you used Robert Kaplinsky's Open Middle Tasks and Real-World Problems? Great resources of math tasks that promote problem solving and reasoning.
Geogebra + Illustrative Mathematics
Do you use Illustrative Mathematics to supplement lessons ad GeoGebra as a tool? Access free Illustrative Math in GeoGebra now!
Additional Opportunities from Outside KSDE
Grassroot Math Workshop
Do you enjoy Marian Small's (@marian_small) Open Questions? She takes a traditional problem and opens up parts that lead to interesting explorations and math conversations.
Do you want to learn more about it? She's got an online workshop about creating & using open questions: https://grassrootsworkshops.com/workshops/how-to-create-and-use-open-questions-in-math-class
NCTM Regional Conference and Exposition
NCTM Regional Conferences provide dynamic, face-to-face networking and learning opportunities for mathematics educators across the nation. Regional opportunities are a great way to engage with your fellow NCTM members and offer ideal community-building events for students and new professionals. Learn more about it here.
TÂł Regional Summits
Each regional summit offers a variety of interactive sessions, and you can select those that interest you the most.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance, which may be accepted for school or district continuing education credit.
First Educational Resources: "Help! They Don't Know Their Facts!" Moving beyond Memorization by Developing Fact Fluency
Have you ever wondered why students don’t know their basic facts? We have all had that thought, “if they just knew their facts…” So, what if they did know their facts, and it was built by constructing relationships with numbers and by using models and strategies that promote conceptual understanding? In this 90 minute virtual session, we will explore the difference between fluency and memorization, barriers, and how to build fact fluency through conceptual understanding and developing students’ number sense.
Shelly Daun and Amanda Ironside have many years of experience working with teachers to successfully meet the diverse mathematical needs of their students by providing teachers with increased knowledge of how students learn math and what teachers can do to move their students along a continuum of deeper understanding. Click here to learn more about the it.
First Educational Resources: Leveraging Small Group Instruction
Small group instruction allows teachers to understand their student’s instructional strengths and areas of need. This allows teachers to tailor lessons that meet students where they are along their journey of learning and understanding mathematical concepts. Individualized attention towards students boosts confidence and provides an environment where students feel comfortable with risk-taking, asking questions and receiving feedback to their learning. This series will provide teachers with many tools to build their “tool box” to meet the needs of the diverse learners in their classrooms through small group instruction.
Shelly Daun and Amanda Ironside have many years of experience working with teachers to successfully meet the diverse mathematical needs of their students by providing teachers with increased knowledge of how students learn math and what teachers can do to move their students along a continuum of deeper understanding. During this series, Amanda and Shelly will share practical small group instructional tools and activities that teachers can use instantly in their classroom to leverage student success and conceptual understanding of various mathematical concepts. Click here to register.
First Educational Resources: Productive Struggle: Strategies and Tasks for Promoting Perseverance in Your Mathematics Classroom
In this 90-minute session, participants will explore the meaning of productive struggle and how it encourages risk-taking in the classroom. We will learn the importance of valuing perseverance, how mental stamina can be built through problem solving and how identifying multiple entry points to a task increases engagement and helps identify and maximize potential. In this session, we will investigate strategies and tasks that provide students with the appropriate level of challenge from a mathematics lens. Register here.
NCTM Webinar Library
Did you know that the National Council of Teaching Mathematics has a webinar library on recent shifts in Math Teaching practice? Check out their topics here.
Grow Your PLN!
Math Education Organization
Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM)
KATM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics whose mission is to foster engaged community to advance effective practices in teaching and learning mathematics throughout Kansas.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
NCTM advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.
Its Strategic Framework includes Teaching and Learning, Access, Equity and Empowerment, Building Member Value, and Advocacy.
NCSM Leadership in Education
NCSM is the premiere mathematics education leadership organization. Our bold leadership in the mathematics education community develops vision, ensures support, and guarantees that all students engage in equitable, high-quality mathematical experiences that lead to powerful, flexible uses of mathematical understanding to affect their lives and to improve the world.
Twitter
KSDE Teacher Leader
They are amazing tools for personalized professional learning and great communities to network with other educators and leaders. Check out @KSDETCHRLEADERS and @KATMWebmaster on twitter and Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics on Facebook. #KSMath
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
Want to network with other math educators and leaders about Building Thinking Classrooms? Follow Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the author of BTC in mathematics, and you'll find tons of math educators and leaders to collaborate with.
Another great BTC resource is the BTC Facebook page where teachers share tips, ideas, success stories, and ways to address some challenges and struggles.
Podcasts
Making Math Moments that Matter
Looking for a good math podcast? Wondering how to create a classroom culture where students don't want to stop exploring mathematics when the bell rings? Kyle Pearce from TapIntoTeenMinds.com and Jon Orr from MrOrr-IsAGeek.com team up to uncover how we can Make Math Moments That Matter for every student in the math classroom from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Discover how you can build easy to plan and fun to deliver maths lessons that kids will not only love but also learn from using the Making Math Moments That Matter 3-Part Framework.
The Build Math Minds
The Build Math Minds podcast is for my fellow Recovering Traditionalists out there. We are math educators who used to teach math the traditional way. Flip lesson by lesson in the textbook, directly teaching step-by-step how to solve math problems.
But now, we are working to change that to a style of teaching math that is fun and meets our students where they are at, not just teaching what comes next in the textbook. We want to encourage our students to be thinkers, problem solvers, and lovers of mathematics.
Shake Up Learning
WHAT: The Shake Up Learning Show is a weekly podcast hosted by Kasey Bell.
The show features a variety of episodes for K12 teachers and educators, including tech tips, lesson ideas, practical advice, on-air coaching, student interviews, and interviews with inspiring educators.
WHEN: New episodes are released every Tuesday.
HOW: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart, or any of your other favorite podcatchers. You can also stream on ShakeUpLearning.com.