Event Phone: 608-822-3276

Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop at the Math It Up Conference, where educators will explore mathematical modeling across various grade levels. Mathematical modeling is a dynamic process that connects mathematics to real-world problems, allowing students to create abstract representations, analyze complex situations, and derive meaningful solutions. This workshop will demonstrate how modeling not only builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills but also promotes interdisciplinary learning and equity in the classroom by drawing on students’ lived experiences.

Through interactive activities, participants will delve into the iterative process of modeling, explore its application from elementary through high school, and discover strategies for integrating mathematical modeling into their curriculum. Whether you are a K-8 teacher, a high school instructor, or an instructional coach, you will leave with tools to help students deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and see themselves as capable, confident problem-solvers in and out of the classroom.

Kristin and Ellie will have virtual opportunities every three weeks starting after March 11th to reflect on the integration of strategies discussed at the workshop and track progress in applying mathematical modeling techniques across grade levels.

Agenda:

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome and Introduction to Mathematical Modeling

• Overview of the day’s objectives
• Importance of mathematical modeling across grade levels
• Setting the stage for interdisciplinary and real-world connections

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Session 1: Exploring the Modeling Process

• Introduction to the key components of mathematical modeling
• Hands-on activity: Modeling a real-world problem
• Group discussion on the iterative nature of modeling and its application in the classroom

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Session 2: Integrating Modeling in K-12 Classrooms

• K-8 focus: Developmentally appropriate modeling tasks
• Strategies for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in younger students
• Collaborative lesson planning exercise

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch Break

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Session 3: Mathematical Modeling

• High school focus: Deepening students’ understanding through complex modeling problems
• Integrating technology and interdisciplinary approaches in the modeling process
• Hands-on activity: Tackling a high school-level modeling problem

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Session 4: Promoting Equity and Inclusivity through Mathematical Modeling

• Using students’ lived experiences to make modeling relevant
• Case studies on equitable teaching practices in mathematical modeling
• Group discussions on how to implement these strategies

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
Session 5: Assessment and Reflection in Mathematical Modeling

• Assessing the modeling process: Formative and summative approaches
• Using student reflections to improve the modeling experience
• Designing assessment tools for your classroom

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Closing and Next Steps

• Recap of the day’s learning
• Sharing of key takeaways
• Resources and support for continued implementation of mathematical modeling