Alice Artzt, Queens College   "Using Technology to Create Humorous Lessons that Motivate Students"

      This session will demonstrate how technology can be used to create humorous student-centered lessons. Such characters as SpongeBob and Superman enter the classroom in surprising ways to transform traditional topics in mathematics into captivating areas of interest for students.  The role of humor in the classroom will also be discussed.

Donna Baltin-Meisler, Hunter College/CUNY  "Make-n-Take"
      This hands-on workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to make grades PK-5 mathematics concepts and skills come ALIVE in the classroom using basic instructional materials.  Special attention will be given to making FOLDABLES and the MATH-LITERATURE connection.

Dr. Patrick Burke, Hunter College/CUNY  "How Far Is It From Here to There? -- An Investigation of Various Distance Formulas"
      Participants will examine distance formulas in various spaces from an advanced perspective and discover their common properties.

Bill Farber, City College   "How to Use the TI-34II Scientific Calculator for Teaching and Learning Middle School Mathematics"
      In this workshop participants will explore the effective uses of the scientific calculator (TI 34II) in the middle school mathematics classroom. Activities will include how the calculator can serve as a learning tool for students as well as a teaching tool for teachers. Test items from the NYS Middle School Mathematics Assessments will be explored and discussed in terms of calculator use.

Dr. Frank Gardella, Hunter College and Dr. Stephen West, SUNY at Geneseo   "TI-Nspire:  An Introduction"
      For advances in technology in the classroom, no one knows what the rest of the 21^st Century will bring.  However, for the first decade, we have moved from the graphing calculator to the ‘hand-held’.  This workshop will be a hands-on demonstration of the TI-Nspire, an example of the next step in student access to mathematics through technology.

Dr. Irina Lyublinskaya   "Teaching High School Algebra with TI-84 APPs"

      In this workshop teachers will be introduced to the TI-84+ calculator APPS and how they can be used and integrated into the algebra classroom.  We will consider activities that include the following:  APPS Inequalz, Transfrm, and Topics in Algebra 1.  Please bring your own calculators.

Carole Guss Mulligan, New York University   "Why Are Fractions Difficult to Teach?"

      Through the use of children’s literature and meaningful contextual problems we will explore fractional models and some early experiences that will support the development of  proportional reasoning and multiplicative structures that make possible a deep understanding of fractions, decimals and percents and are fundamental to understanding algebra.

Eric O’Brien   "Multiple Ways to Multiply"

      Your students will enjoy performing two- and three-digit multiplication with greater speed and accuracy. Many teachers ask, “Why didn’t we learn this way?”

Miguelina Ortiz   "SMART Strategies to Build Math Understanding and Appreciation"

Dr. Stevan R. Peters   "Algebra Tiles:  Real and Virtual"

      We will use algebra tiles to represent polynomials, perform algebraic operations, factor quadratic polynomials and solve first degree equations. We will then explore these with virtual manipulatives from internet websites.

Grace Quinlan   "Pattern Blocks:  Not Just For Kindergartners Anymore"

      Using pattern blocks, we will solve a problem, measure angles and  write an equation. We will play a little, color a little, and have some fun.

Frank Sobierajski   "On The Shoulders of Technology"

      The visual capabilities of computers, digital images and software make classrooms come alive for 21^st century kids.

Mickey Jo Sobierajski   "Math Talk"

      If we want our students to understand the math they are doing we need them to explore, discuss, debate, and ultimately negotiate the meaning of mathematics concepts.  Let’s take a look at some activities and ideas that will engage our students in discussions that will help them become mathematicians.