RSAC 2024

Participants will get ideas of how to incorporate a "Thinking Classroom" into their junior high math classes by getting students up and moving around to promote engagement. This format allows all students to take part in randomized groups and collaboratively work together on solving curricular problems. Teachers will learn how to turn their current curricular questions into "thinking" questions that better allow their students to do the thinking. Teachers will also participate in a BTC lesson, so they can see how this looks in a classroom. Teachers will also be shown possible templates to use for their BTC problems and how to utilize them in their classrooms.

What does curiosity look like in the math classroom and how do teachers cultivate a culture of curious learners? Together we will look at how to engage students in rich math tasks, puzzles, and games. We will explore and dive into multiple tasks (K-algebra) while wearing our “student hat.” By the end of our time together, you will have the start of a task toolbox with ideas to transform your students from compliant to curious.

Student engagement continues to be a struggle in math, especially as students get older and the purpose for learning the mathematical concept becomes less clear and interest wanes. But what if math could be taught through storytelling? In this session, the presenter will share how using Dan Meyer's "Three Acts of a Mathematical Story" in her 5th grade classroom increased engagement and excitement for math. In addition, attendees will learn the basics of creating their own 3 Act Tasks and will leave with an abundance of resources, organized by standard and grade level, that can be implemented in classrooms immediately.