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SPRING 2007 MCTM NEWSLETTERFrom The President
From the PresidentJennifer Taylor-Cox Were you among the over 30,000,000 people who watched the series premiere of Fox’s Are you smarter than a 5th grader? My son (who happens to be in fifth grade) and I were. One of the questions was: How many sides are there on a trapezoid? All of the fifth-graders on the show knew the answer right away; but the contestant asked, "Trapezoid? What is a trapezoid?" She needed one of the fifth-graders to help her answer the question. Regardless of where you stand concerning the authenticity, relevance, and entertainment value of such game shows, it is undeniable that at least some, if not most, viewers are left with the distinct impression that many adults lack knowledge, particularly mathematical knowledge. What can we do about this? The obvious answer is more comprehensive, enduring mathematics education. We need to teach our students to be life long learners of mathematics. We need to teach them that they can use and develop their math knowledge and language in an ongoing manner. The greatest gift we can give to our students is to teach them that learning never ends. In the spirit of extending math knowledge beyond the walls of the classroom, MCTM will celebrate Maryland Mathematics Month in April. Our Maryland Math Month Committee has prepared fabulous calendars addressing each grade band. Each calendar includes fun and productive math activities for students. The Maryland State Department of Education will mail each school a copy of the calendars. MCTM will mail all of our members a copy of the calendars, too. The calendars will also be available on the MCTM website in both English and Spanish. So join in the fun as we celebrate mathematics in Maryland! The Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics is your organization. We invite you participate in upcoming events. Our 2007 conference will be held on October 19th at Reservoir High School in Howard County. Think about presenting a session. To do so, contact 2007 Program Chair, Christine Oberdorf at christineoberdorf@comcast.net or check our website for the proposal form. Or perhaps you would like to run for a position on our board. If so, contact Camille Tomlin, the MCTM Nominations Chairperson at camtom47@hotmail.com. Visit www.marylandmath.com to see all the ways you can become involved. Believe in the power of math!
Calling for Nominations for MCTM OfficersThe following MCTM positions are open for nomination of officers for the 2007 election: NCTM Liaison Each nominee must be a MCTM member. The responsibilities of these officers can be found on the MCTM website www.marylandmath.org (refer to the bylaws). Each nominee will be asked to submit a short bio for the election ballot. If you are interested in running or want to nominate someone, please contact Camille Tomlin at camtom47@hotmail.com.
April is Maryland Math MonthApril is Maryland Math Month and the MCTM is celebrating by publishing an activity calendar that you can use with your classes throughout the entire month! We will be mailing these calendars to each MCTM member—look for electronic copies at www.marylandmath.org. April is also National Mathematics Awareness Month. Connect to these activities by visiting http://www.mathaware.org/index.html.
Frostburg State University SymposiumOn April 20, 2007 Frostburg State University will host its annual symposium, a favorite event of many educators around the state. The keynote speaker at this year’s meeting will be Dr. Steven Leniwand, a nationally renowned speaker and author, a former President of the NCSM (National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics), and a Research Analyst at the American Institutes for Research. He will address participants on the topic: Practical Ideas for Changing the Culture Within Which We Teach Mathematics. For more information, see the link at the MCTM website homepage, www.marylandmath.org.
Computer Mania – Increasing Girls' Interest in TechnologyIf you are interested in learning more about how technology can be used in your classroom or in ways to encourage girls to pursue technology related interests consider attending Computer Mania. The program is designed for children and adults with special presentations designed for teachers and girls. The Center for Women and Information Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County host it on May 5, 2007. To register, visit www.computer-mania.info. For more information, contact cwit@umbc.edu or call Bria McElroy at 410-455-8642.
Teaching ResourcesVisit the following sites for good information about your mathematics teaching practice. If you have any suggestions for future segments, please email Mike Lueke at hmlueke@aacc.edu.
Call for Presentation Proposals at the MCTM Annual ConferenceHave we got a proposal for you…or is it the other way around? Imagine for a moment that fabulous lesson you taught and consider how it could be shared with fellow mathematics educators. The MCTM Annual Conference is fast approaching. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your experiences with other Maryland educators. Submit a proposal to speak at the MCTM Annual Conference on October 19th at Reservoir High School in Howard County. Showcase your methods for making mathematics come alive for students. Submit a proposal form online by visiting www.marylandmath.org. Questions about session proposals should be directed to Chris Oberdorf at Christineoberdorf@comcast.net.
CalendarMarch 21-24 - NCTM Annual Meeting April 13-14 - MAA Section Meeting (MD-DC-VA) April 20 - Frostburg State University Mathematics Symposium May 5 - Computer Mania
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