IAS/Park City Mathematics Institute
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER PROGRAM (HSTP)
Description of Working Groups
Number theory and algebra
The number theory and algebra working group will produce
1-3 exploration-based lessons with teacher guides that will encourage students to
experiment, look for patterns, and use language effectively to formulate conjectures and
organize their observations. These explorations may build on problems the group encounters
in the morning session on Euclid’s algorithm. The aim is to test the lessons in
2001-2002, revise them at PCMI in the summer of 2002, retest them and eventually publish
them.
Data analysis, statistics and probability
This group will develop 1-3 lessons that use the
statistical software FATHOM as a tool for understanding the matheamtics and the
application of that mathematics in contexts that require data analysis and staistical
concepts. The goal is to write lessons of outstanding caliber, having deep
mathematical content but also accessible at lower levels. It is hoped that variations of
these activities will be used from beginning algebra to AP Statistics. The work of
summer 2001 will be field-tested by the group participants in their classrooms during the
2001-2002 school year. In the summer of 2002, the project will be critiqued and fine-tuned
for wide spread dissemination.
Physics in the mathematics curriculum
Participants will select instances in which physics can be
used to illustrate and explain mathematics. They will develop brief lessons for use at the
high school level based on these applications of physics to mathematics.
Geometrical concepts from constructions, models,
and investigations
Participants will consider one or more rich geometry topics
from multiple mathematical and pedagogical perspectives, with special emphasis on hands-on
investigations, model-building, dynamic software, an other active approaches. From this
study, the group will create 1-3 lessons that include classroom activities and
explanations of the mathematics.
Japanese lesson study
Jugyuu Kenkyuu: Japanese lesson study. Participants select
a goal for a "study lesson," spend an extended period of time collaboratively
creating a detailed lesson plan, observe a participant teach the lesson to students,
participate in a colloquium to discuss the lesson, and revise and refine the lesson to
share with others.
New: Math
Specialists/Supervisors
This working group will be composed of the High School
Teachers Program participants who are district or state math specialists/supervisors. The
group will to asked to critique the PCMI professional development model from the school
district perspective. It will be charged with developing adaptations applicable to state
or district math professional development programs.
High School Teacher
Program page
questions or concerns should be
directed to C. Giesbrecht |