Dealing with Data in Middle School
Math and Science
DwD

Purpose:

T³’s 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.

Objectives:

The objectives for participants of the T³ DwD Institute are:

1. To develop strategies for the use of data collection and analysis in an integrated approach.
2. To explore the use of technology in the Middle School mathematics and science classroom.
3. To develop a level of comfort in the use of the graphing calculator such as the TI-83, and in the use of data collection units such as the CBR™ and the CBL™.
4. To facilitate the cooperative efforts of science and math teachers who will work together to develop an integrated lesson focusing on the collection and analysis of scientific data.
5. To explore the scientific and mathematical aspects of data collection as related to the middle school curriculum.
6. To study the mathematical concepts inherent in the analysis of collected data in the context of the scientific concepts underlying the event or phenomena that produced that data.
7. To investigate traditional and alternative teaching, management, and assessment techniques that utilizes technology in a balanced program of reasoning, connections, and communications.

Targeted Audience:

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.

Schedule:

Day 1: Linear Relationships with the TI-83 and CBR™

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

Day 2: Exponential Relationships with the TI-83 and CBR™, CBL™

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.

Day 3: Descriptive Statistics with the TI-83 and CBR™ and CBL™

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.

Day 4: More Patterns Across the Curriculum--Classroom Explorations

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.

Day 5: Sharing Data Collection Teaching Ideas

Teams present their projects to the group. Teams of science and mathematics teachers develop the lessons presented during the week.