T3s Dealing with Data in Middle School Math and Science (DwD) Institute is a week-long professional development program for teams of teachers from the middle school mathematics and sciences area. An ideal team for this institute would consist of one teacher of mathematics (any level up to through algebra) and one teacher of science (physical, earth, and/or life). The institute is focused on the collection of data with the Calculator Based Ranger (CBR) and the Calculator Based Laboratory (CBL) and the analysis of that data with the TI-83 graphics calculator while using the TI-GRAPH LINK. Participants will work as teams to explore the connections between the sciences and mathematics through various investigations that include the collection of data, the display of that data in graphical and table form, analysis of that data in an effort to identify patterns, and from those patterns model and predict. The institute will be facilitated by a team of mathematics and science instructors who will model current techniques of instruction in a integrated technological environment. Participants will be actively involved in the collection of data and in the communication of their findings. The integration of sciences with mathematics and technology will be emphasized.
The objectives for participants of the T3 DwD Institute are:
Participants in the T3 DwD Institute should be inservice middle school mathematics and science teachers in grades 5 through 9. The science content will focus on the physical sciences with life and earth science connections. The mathematics content will focus on topics from measurement, statistics, algebra, geometry, and patterns and functions.
Data collection activities involving TI-83 and CBR as well as with the motion detector and pressure sensor attached to the CBL: learning to interpret distance versus time and pressure versus time plots, using TI-83 menus, function editor, list, and regression features to develop appropriate data models.
Science and Mathematics themes: measurement, experimental design, data collection and analysis, ecosystems, chemistry, kinematics concepts, density, pressure and volume relations, graphing, slope or rates, communication, problem solving, data collection and analyst, modeling linear functions, residuals, regression. Introduction to TI-Graph Link Software
Data collection activities involving the TI-83 and CBR, CBL with motion detector, temperature probe, light probe, pressure sensor, and voltage probe: learning to model exponential relations in collected data, interpreting plots. In addition, the examining of epidemics and growth. Using the TI-Graph Link Software.
Introduction of Group Project - teams of both mathematics and science teachers will work to develop their own project or lesson that integrates the two subject areas. The project will be presented to the whole institute on Day 5.
Science and Mathematics themes: kinematics concepts, measurement, experimental design, anatomy, meteorology, health, electricity, heating and cooling, statistics, light, graphing, data collection and analysis, rates, communication, problem solving, modeling exponential functions.
Introduction to Single-Variable Statistics on the TI-83: using histograms and box and whiskers plots to describe data sets. Using the TI-Graph Link Software and interactions with the TI on the Internet. Data collection using the TI-83, CBR and CBL with motion detector, light probe, temperature probe, voltage probe, heart rate monitor, and pH monitor: using calculator regression features to develop mathematical models.
CBL Programming Basics: learning to create and edit basic CBL programs
Science and Mathematics themes: kinematics concepts, measurement, experimental design, cell growth, geometry, physiology, chemistry, meteorology, health, electricity, statistics, light, graphing, data collection and analysis, rates, communication, problem solving, modeling functions.
Data collection using the TI-83, CBR and CBL with motion detector, pressure sensor, and light probe: to model various relations.
Using the TI-Graph Link and other technology as teams work on their projects. Science and Mathematics themes: kinematics concepts, measurement, experimental design, geometry, chemistry, statistics, light, graphing, data collection and analysis, rates, communication, problem solving, modeling functions.
Teams present their projects to the group. Teams of science and mathematics teachers develop the lessons presented during the week.